Fast Five: Alla Ray

When did you begin making music, and did you ever ponder a different career?

I started singing professionally about 10 years ago. Before that there were only some school plays that I sang at. All my life was around dancing. It was my dream to become professional dancer like my Mom. I worked in the theatre parallel to my University. It was a magical period, but one day I understood that dancing is not enough. I had a lot to say, so I decided to start taking vocal classes. God sent me a brilliant teacher that believed in me and helped me to find my voice.

I started singing jazz standards. That music is still my huge inspiration in my writing, but singing somebody else’s songs wasn’t enough for me so I started writing my own material. Since then it’s become very important for me to take part in creating all my songs.

Parallel to my singing career I had a lot of other places of work.

I worked as a translator at science conferences in the University, as a tour guide, I worked as a teacher in the University, worked in the restaurant at the kitchen as a cook, I worked in the movies in the crowd scenes! I worked there because it was each time new experiment, a new experience, But performing on stage, singing, dancing, talking to people, making great shows always was my main aim, desire and priority; everything to me.

How would you describe your music?

It’s pop music with a good dance vibe, catchy lyrics that come from the bottom of my heart, with the beat that you can’t resist! At least I can’t! Something you can listen to in the car or in the club, positive music for everyday. Everyone can find something personal for them there.

What have you been up to so far and what can we expect over the coming months?

I’ve worked quite a lot in all kinds of clubs all over UK, Ireland and Europe. I’ve done a few gigs in the US. I also had the exciting experience of supporting different artists at arenas in UK, Ireland, Germany. I’m about to release my new single On Fire, out in January. It has a bunch of cool remixes from amazing UK and US DJ’s. I’m seeing that people like my new song and video and that makes me so happy! As for the plans: I have recorded almost the full length album. So there gonna be more music to come, more videos, more radio and TV. All is in God’s hands but that is what I’m hoping and planning to do.

If you could duet with anybody who would it be and why?

I adore Pink, Madonna, Elton John, Will.I.Am, Eminem, One Republic, Britney Spears, Bruno Mars, Coldplay, John Newman.

I can’t choose! I would say Pink, One Republic, Coldplay, John Newman, Eminem and Bruno Mars – because we could rock the world on stage together. All these artists are so honest in what they do. It seems like they bare all their nerves, hearts, absolutely everything on stage. It seems that they hold their hearts in their hands when they sing, grabbing the audience with that.

Madonna, Britney Spears, Will.I.Am – because we could make a great show together.

Elton John – because I love freestyling with the piano. He’s got huge experience and freedom in what he does. I’m sure we could touch the heart of each and every person in the audience.

What’s your desert island disc and why would you take this one album?

It’s a hard decision cause I love so many different styles. But it would probably be some good old classics: Ella Fitzgerald or Ray Charles. This music makes you go through different kinds of emotions and thoughts. It’s gorgeous, eternal and timeless.

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