INTERVIEW:
Alichè
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THANKS to Alichè…
PHOTO CREDIT: @bychrisreid
for talking with me about her latest song, B.B.I, and what it is all about. She reveals how her music has developed and which artists influenced her; a few albums that are very important and some rising names that we need to be aware of.
I ask whether there are gigs approaching and how important London is to her; which musical memory stands in the mind and how she unwinds away from music – Alichè chooses a great song to end the interview with.
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Hi, Alichè. How are you? How has your week been?
Hey, hey! So good. It’s release week, so I've literally been counting down to the day!
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?
I’m Alichè - pronounced ‘Ali-Chay’. I was born into music, literally born under a piano at home. Haha! I’d say I sit somewhere in a contemporary style of R&B/Hip Hop. I like to take influences from all different genres of music to form my own style and take. I embrace being from London and proudly sing with my accent. To be honest, couldn't drop it if I tried.
B.B.I is your latest single. What is the story behind it?
B.B.I = Bad Boy Issues. It’s not about any specific being, but more a reflection of frustration. Anyone that knows me knows I have a big, big heart but I'm not a lovey-dovey relationship person. I do my own thing, work hard and put myself first a lot. But ‘bad boys’ are my kryptonite: I get pulled in by a certain type of presence and swagger; they always seem to end up being an issue.
How do you think it moves on from No Luv? Do you feel yourself bringing out more material next year?
They are both tracks that represent me and I'm proud of. There’s a lot more to B.B.I; there’s a certain vibe to it that I was, like, ‘Cool; this has to be my first official release’. I’ve got a couple things lined up for next releases but, for now, I’m just eager to test the waters in the reception of B.B.I.
In terms of music; who do you count as idols? What sort of stuff did you grow up listening to?
My family play a big part in my musical influences. I grew up with a lot of Jazz, Funk and Soul music around me. There’s always good tunes playing in our house. We spent some time in Cuba when I was little - and my family did before I was born too -, so a lot of Cuban and Spanish music and culture was always about - whilst I also had an older brother drilling Hip-Hop and Grime into me from an early age.
Erykah Badu, to me, is one the greatest human of all time. Q-Tip is also possibly one of my favourite Hip-Hop artists alongside the more modern-day sounds of King Kendrick. And, finally, I would not be the woman I am today without the existence of Amy Winehouse.
Being based in London; how important is the area and the people regarding your music and creative mind?
So important. I bounce off London. It’s an exciting time for U.K. music as a whole. Defining sounds and pushing new limits. There’s a lot of love in this city but a lot of pain too. It inspires me every day. Even just watching the people I see on the Tube every day; they give me ideas or inspiration.
What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?
The most important thing for me right now is developing my presence and sound as an individual, so I’m keeping my head down and trying to stay consistent.
Do you already have plans for 2019?
Of course. I’ve got so much I would like to do but, my team and I, we plan loosely. Things and plans can change so quickly. In 2019; I would love to support a British female artist on their tour or their home show.
Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?
It would have to be the headline show I did in September at The Spice of Life. I’ve been going to that Jazz club for London Jazz festival for years. It was also my first headline with a live band who, shout out to them, are the best musicians. Excited to see where we’ll be playing in the future.
Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill by Lauryn Hill and Baduizm by Erykah Badu shaped me as a human; they both got me through some tough times and boosted the good days. Then, Songs in A Minor by Alicia Keys is a timeless album to me; reminds me of just being young, blasting it out singing at the top of my lungs. My biggest worry was the flat upstairs banging to tell me to pack it in.
If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?
If we’re talking worldwide, then Anderson .Paak. I think he is incredible. Ah…a rider. Well. If I was on tour I’d probably set up and run a fitness boot camp every day for the whole team and band. Blast some tunes and whip everyone into shape….
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
I’m still very new myself so I’m still learning but I think just trust your own process. You live and learn. Don't be afraid to try new things but also don't be afraid to stay true to what feels right to you.
Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?
I’ve got my biggest headline show yet lined up on Sunday, 11th November at the Camden Assembly. I live to be on stage so I literally cannot wait.
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
I’m going to give you three AMAZING U.K./London-based artists…
Fred Fredas - who features on B.B.I. I was on one of his songs last year under a different name and fell in love with the richness of his voice. He's a QUALITY rapper and also a really good guy. Dotty. He is one of my favourite U.K. artists. His album, London X Living, is one of the most underrated projects. CHECK HIM OUT FOR SURE. Cleo Sol! Her song, Why Don’t You; it’s one of my most played songs. She has so much to her voice and lyrics; literally makes me melt.
IN THIS PHOTO: Cleo Sol
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
To be honest; I’m one of those people that hardly sits still. Haha! Not a lot of ‘chill’ time on a regular day/week. I do weightlifting/powerlifting, which I find is my time to myself. But, putting on my favourite album or project and just zoning out when on public transport or travelling is probably the time I take to chill.
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).
Kaiit - OG Luv Kush pt.2. Another perfect example of pure U.K. talent. Someone introduced me to her earlier in the year and I have been rinsing this track since
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