ALYA! The Musician speaks to the Rival Writers about Immigration, Philanthropy and Music

Former journalist turned singer, Alya is the newest up and coming artist in the industry everyone should watch out for. Leaving Russia and starting her career in the U.S., Alya had many obstacles to overcome in order to get to where she is now. In her songs, she shares what it's like to be an immigrant in the U.S. and hopes it can resonate with people. In this exclusive interview with Rival, Alya talks about her journey, her newest single "American Beauty" and what the future holds for her.

1. What is your background, and how did you get involved in the music industry?

 I am trained as a journalist and also have an additional master's degree in the world economy. Music, and a dream to be involved in the industry, were with me from my childhood,  but following family advice, I pursued a more formal and grounded education.  After immigrating to the United States, quitting journalism, and basically turning my world upside down, I released my first album, "Ten Years of Solitude," a conceptual record showing my evolution and opening up as an artist. After that was a successful run on the Billboard charts with “American Beauty,” and here I am about to release another single and album.

2. Was becoming a singer something you wanted to pursue from a young age?

Not a singer per se, but a creator, yes.  It was my natural desire to express myself with rhymes and tunes.  I did not dream about performing at a big stadium, but I saw myself being recognized for the created alternative message.

3. What pushed you to move from Russia to the U.S.?

The main force was my marriage to an American citizen, but I was already mentally in a different country by the time we met. I was deeply disappointed with journalism as a profession and trying to figure out what I should do.

4. What was the most significant change when moving to the U.S. in terms of your career?

 The music industry is a business, built on connections, and I was an outsider. Frankly, I still feel like one, especially when I face plain rudeness and envy from the entertainers.  I remember once I was looking for an A-list designer and asked one mom from kids school to recommend someone (she used to be a big TV star in her teens and still acts occasionally). She snobbily snapped back - I don't know anyone. Really?  The bottom line.  It took awhile to find the right people.

5. What was the inspiration behind your single "American Beauty"?

 My personal story as an immigrant and countless stories from my friends and the media. The beauty of America, as I believe, lies in a dream that we all have. People come for a dream. They think that in this country that was built by immigrants, they all will have a chance.

6. What did your writing process look like while coming up with the single?

 It is like creating a product. I have a mood board, I collect ideas, inspirations, quotes from literature. Usually, I know where I am heading conceptually, even before the first line is born. Then humming starts and chords.

7. Who are some musicians that have shaped your perception of good music?

 I was raised on classical music. I also spend my childhood performing as a solo in a folk ensemble.

 8. What is the best part about being a musician?

 To be able to express yourself the way anyone can understand you without sharing the language with you.

9. What are some songs/albums that everyone should listen to at least once in their life?

 It is very personal, and I am not the best adviser since I am still learning myself. Remember, I was raised behind the iron curtain.  But what I do know, if you heard anything from Tchaikovsky or Schumann - this is a lifetime lesson.

10. Who are some artists you would like to collaborate with on future songs?

 The main criteria for me would be a personal story, not the sound.  I love Celine Dion. She is a beautiful example of a strong immigrant woman.

11. What has been your biggest achievement so far?

 My most significant achievement is my family. I treasure this the most.  Then comes philanthropic work that my husband and I do. As a musician, I am just starting out, and being on the Billboard charts is a good one.

12. What are some things you hope to cross off your bucket list once everything goes back to normal?

 Go back to the studio with my team and travel.

13. What are some causes that are dear to your heart and hope to bring awareness to in the future through your platforms?

 I am a giver. To help people brings me so much joy.  One of the areas I am passionate about the most is empowering women immigrants and telling their stories.

14. Where do you usually draw inspiration from?

 Anything. I noticed that the most I get after a little time with myself and self-reflecting.

15. What is the best advice you have gotten and from whom?

 The legendary Joel Sill. He was the first one to believe in me.

16. What advice do you have for aspiring musicians?

 Speak up and get your music out there.

17. What do you hope to achieve through your art?

 I hope to create a phenomenon when art and philanthropy work together to deliver my message about immigration and women's empowerment to bring attention to the problem. This is the core of my project.

I am not looking for fame to start selling cookies. I am on the stand to help.

18. What is the biggest misconception people have about your job?

 I am not sure people really understand what I mean when talking about the convergence of art and philanthropy. But my time will come.

19. What are your plans for the future?

 I hope to change the conversation about immigration from political to personal. I hope to help people and inspire future talents.

 Thank you so much to Alya for sharing her journey with the Rival family. Hopefully her songs reach people in the way that she ;meant. There is no doubt she has a bright career ahead of her. You can listen to her newest single here

Meet the Author

Violeta Nicola is a 20 old who has over three years of experience in the journalism world. Starting in 2017, Violeta launched her news website where she interviewed people from all over the entertainment industry. Over the years, she has worked for publications such as 71 Magazine, A Book of, Reignland Magazine and now she joined the Rival Mag Family. This year she launched her own magazine called N Magazine which is growing by the issue.