Check out our interview with music artist and philanthropist ALYA who recently released her new single, “American Beauty,” produced by legendary Grammy, Emmy and Dove Award winning producer Bill Schnee. The original track has racked up nearly 500,000 Spotify streams, and ALYA also released an explosive remix by Grammy winning producer Dave Aude (Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson/Bruno Mars) that stormed up the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, reaching #16 after only two weeks; in addition to a Tropical/Latin-fired remix by DJ Cruz.
After a lengthy and successful career as a news personality in Moscow, ALYA left her native Russia to boldly pursue her dreams in the United States. Now, having chronicled her personal struggles and triumphs as an immigrant, and an evolving artist assimilating to an entirely different culture, the multi-talented singer/songwriter shares deeper universal truths about the experience of female immigrants on “American Beauty.”
Follow ALYA @itsalya
Hi ALYA, please tell us a little about yourself and how did you get into the industry?
I am a journalist by training and also a first-generation immigrant from Russia. I came to the United States eight years ago. My decision to release an album might seem surprising for some, but I wrote the music and performed way before I decided to study journalism. I was seriously considering to become a musician, but life had something different for me at that moment. After years of working as a military, and then a Parlament correspondent, and radio anchor, I eventually lost pride and excitement in being a journalist in my home country. The rest is history.
Describe your sound in three words.
Unique, honest, inspiring.
Who influenced you, and why did you choose to make music?
Making music for me is a natural thing, like breathing. It is something that I cannot live without and am physically sensitive to. Some music, mostly classical, gives me goosebumps.
Do you play any instruments?
I can accompany myself on piano, bayan.
Tell us about your hit song “American Beauty,” and what’s the story behind the song?
This song celebrates women immigrants, and you have to really study it with the music video and online art exhibit “The Beauty of Seven Continents,” available at alyaofficial.com. This way, you will understand the whole story, which is in between the lyrics. I am very proud that “American Beauty” got on the Billboard Charts and spotlighted the topic of immigration.
Did you had plans/concerts planned and canceled because of COVID? If so, have you done any online concerts or interactions with your fans?
My second single, “Pleasure Is Mine,” was supposed to be out in April, but we postponed it. It will see the light at the begging of 2021. As for the second part of your question, I frequently interact with people through my social accounts, but focus more on what is offline. I create a lot behind the camera, and am very excited to present it as soon as it is ready.
Do you support any charities?
Together with my husband, Gary Michelson, we have our own Michelson Philanthropies, which run numerous signature programs from helping the most vulnerable communities to animal advocacy issues. In addition to this, I occasionally support causes that are close to my heart.
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
I try to stay positive and find good moments in everything. As my mom says, whatever happens, happens for good. What brings me the most joy is to see the impact of my work, and it does not matter what area it is: music, philanthropy, or journalism. I love to give more than to receive.
What’s next for ALYA in the last months of 2020?
It will be a Christmas tree and a lot of fun with my family.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would love to meet with some of my women ancestors. I am in the process of researching my genealogical tree, and it is fascinating. The more I learn about the past, the more I understand myself.
Best advice ever is given?
Go for it by Daine Von Furstenberg. She was one of the first people with whom I shared my artistic dream.
How do you see yourself in five years?
Happy and a little older
How would you describe your fashion style?
I love fashion, and try to use it as a tool to deliver the message that aligns with what I am doing. I prefer to buy things from local designers, small houses, and environmentally cautious brands. So, answering your question, I would say, speaking out loud style. At the same time, I prefer classy, feminine lines with a contemporary feel.
Where we can follow you?
