Alyssia's Heart Beatz for more chart success

by ASJAD NAZIR

BRITISH STAR RETURNS WITH NEW MUSIC

POPULAR singer Alyssia is making a comeback with a new single Kyun Mera and hot album Heart Beatz, which is due for release later this year.

The naturally-gifted artist has poured her heart into the tracks and showed she still has the same magic that enabled her to top the charts with hits like Deewana, Tera Pyar, Meri Jaan and Pyar Hogaya, along with suc­cess with songs for Indian cinema.

The British star has also composed and written songs for the new album, which showcases her range with a variety of com­mercial genres. She describes the new col­lection of songs as a true labour of love and an exciting journey of discovery.

Eastern Eye caught up with Alyssia to talk about music, her latest track, forthcoming LP, inspirations and more...

Firstly, why have you been away for so long?

After my previous album, I released a few singles but then decided to work with new producers and lyricists. By the time I man­aged to find the right people to create music with and I was satisfied with the videos and post-production, three-and-a-half years had passed by. So it wasn’t a purposeful move, it just took that amount of time to com­plete this project.

How do you look back at your musical journey?

I think the public received my film work (as Vibha Sharma) along with my two albums and sin­gles that followed in a positive light. I seemed to grow with each project I worked on, singing in different styles and showing my versatility, so I am satisfied with that aspect. I do wish my albums had been released clos­er together however.

What made you make the leap to compos­ing and song-writing for your new album?

I felt it was time to spread my wings, work with new people and show that I can com­pose too. I wanted to express my thoughts in a song, in terms of ‘my feel’. I could only do this by composing a melody line I felt was soul-touching. I can’t compose a song at the click of a finger. It comes to me slowly but I like to compose a melody that touches the heart, so it’s not just about creating a foot-tapping beat for me.

Tell us about your latest single Kyu Mera?

Kyu Mera is the first single from my seven-track album. It is a middle-of-the-road tem­po song. There is a remix version of the song for those who enjoy a more urban feel. In both versions, my aim is to make the listener want to fall in love, not necessarily with a person, as it could be about being in love with the world, nature or life itself.

Who are you hoping connects to the song?

I think anybody who enjoys a good melody and wants to feel like they’re walking on air will connect with this song, regardless of age or gender.

What was the biggest challenge of creating the track?

I took it upon myself to create an album from start to finish, from inception to post-produc­tion, so I learnt a lot. Each stage consumed a little more time than I expected, as you come across hurdles and have to work through them. Normally as a singer, you receive a song, record, perform and perhaps do interviews. But when working as an artist and project manager, you’re wearing many hats.

That must be more satisfying for you…

It’s a great sense of achievement now that it’s done, however challenging it was. There were unexpected problems and I had to think as an artist, yet as a listener too. I actually managed to shoot the two videos within weeks of planning thanks to Patron produc­tion. They helped me to make it happen, which was nearly impossible. Most videos take over one month of planning, but we shot two within two weeks.

How does this song fit into your album?

My songs are all related to the common theme of love, hence the title. All the songs relate to the heart.

Tell us about the different tracks on there...

I’ve tried to cater to different styles of music within one album. I wanted to sing in varied styles, so there should be something for eve­ryone; a house club track, drum n bass, bal­lad, peppy item-type song and middle-of-the road, along with a couple of remix versions to cater to those who prefer an urban feel.

You are a versatile artist, but are you con­nected more to love songs or the faster dance numbers?

Personally, it depends on my mood. I love singing ballads and Hindustani classical so I do try to throw in elements of it in a couple of my songs, which you will hear in Kyun Mera. But if I go to a party or wedding, I do want to hear a faster pace with a certain type of traditional rhythmic song. I enjoy some bhangra/Punjabi songs to dance to myself.

Are any of your songs based on real life experiences?

I’m a romantic person by nature. I believe in love and meeting your Mr or Miss Right, so all the songs relate to me on a personal level.

What can we expect from you for the rest of the year?

This album has another couple of video-tracks and I am also working on a Punjabi track too.

How much does performing live mean to you and what has been your most memo­rable moment in front of an audience?

Performing live allows you to add variations to a song listeners may have heard umpteen times on the radio. You also get a live reac­tion from people who support you, so that’s a very special feeling. Seeing how people en­joy your music as they stand in front of you is wonderful. It’s precious to meet your sup­porters in person too.

What music dominates your playlist?

Mainly Hindi and select Punjabi.

What are your biggest passions away from the music?

I enjoy dancing! It’s a great outlet and a good alternative to burning the calories as opposed to going to the gym. I enjoy volunteering at my local crisis centre, which gives me a feeling of satisfaction.

If you could ask a living or dead singer any question, who would it be and what would you ask them?

I would ask Sonu Nigam how he sings so perfectly every time. He’s in perfect tune even when he travels around the world with lack of sleep. He’s infallible. We are actually in touch so I will ask him next time!

If you could master something new, what would it be?

(Smiles) I want to master the piano/keyboard as I currently play at an amateur level.

What is your greatest unfulfilled ambition?

To do more charity work! I need to make time for this.

What inspires you?

Myself. I analyse myself and think about where I can improve, what else can I do to grow as a person or artist and push myself, even on my lazy days.

Why should we pick up your latest single?

It’s different to anything that’s playing on the market at this point in time, and if you like quality melodies you will undoubtedly enjoy this song.

Finally, why do you love music?

Music takes me to another world. It’s like I’m in my own cocoon. Once I was walking down Regent Street in London and somebody ap­proached me and said: “You seem to be in a trance, so serene”. I explained that music is the only other thing that makes me feel like I’m meditating, other than meditation itself.

• Kyun Mera by Alyssia is out now and available via iTunes, Amazon and all other digi­tal stores.