15 minutes with reggae-soul diva Alaine
With a sizzling reggae/R&B/soul-influenced style, singer/songwriter Alaine has taken over the local music scene, and her artistic dominion continues with Wine, the current single from her soon-to-released debut album, which is heating up the airwaves here and overseas.
The 20-something year old songbird wowed a massive crowd on Saturday at Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay, sharing the Summit stage with heavyweights like Beres Hammond and Missy Elliott. allwoman writer Tyrone S Reid caught up with the singer prior to her performance, and chatted with her about her preparations for the big show, her music career and why she does not fit into anyone’s box.
allwoman: Congrats on all the success you’ve been having with your music career. Right now you are getting ready to perform at Reggae Sumfest with some big names in the music biz. How do you prepare for a show like that?
Alaine: It takes a whole heap of rehearsal beacuse I have to decide which songs I am going to do in the 15 minutes. It takes a lot of narrowing down. So I have been working real hard with my singers and dancers to get ready.
aw: How does it make you feel to share the stage with such giants in the biz?
Alaine: It feels really great because I am a fan of so many of them. Beres is the king and to be on the same show with him is amazing. I am also happy for Rihanna for what she has been achieving as my Caribbean sister.
aw: People say you are one of the most talented songwriters on the local scene right now. How do you come up with ideas for hits like No Ordinary Love and Wine?
Alaine: Life inspires me. Sometimes when I’m falling asleep I get an idea so I have to keep my recorder with me at all times or I will forget the ideas. I also try to be very observant of things happening around me.
aw: We all know that popularity often comes with being in the music biz and some artistes get carried away when they become sucessful. How do you stay so grounded?
Alaine: I think I have been blessed with two wonderful parents who love me and who helped me to become the woman I am today. They are my heroes. They are the ones who keep me grounded.
aw: Do you consider yourself a sex symbol?
Alaine: (Laughs) No. I don’t. I try not to focus on the stereotypes that people like to pIace on female artistes and artistes in general. I consider myself as Alaine and if people interpret that as being sexy then I guess I’ll appreciate it.
aw: When can we expect the album?
Alaine: Well, I’ll keep you posted. I’ve been working really hard. The recording has been going great. I’ve been working with some really great producers like Don Corleone and others and I hope to have it out sometime this year.
aw: So which other artistes are you listening to right now
Alaine: I think Corrine Bailey Rae is so good. I want to get her album. Nelly Furtado’s new album is fire. I also think the Pussycat Dolls have a great album and I’ve always loved Mariah. There are so many artistes on the local scene that I love and respect that it is hard to name them.
aw: How has your love life been going?
Alaine: Love is extraordinary. I am single right now. (Laughs)
aw: So what else do you love apart from music?
Alaine: I love rum and raisin ice cream. I love reading and hanging with friends. I’m not much of a clubber but I’ll go out every once in a while.
aw: How would you encourage young female artistes who dream of starting a career in music?
Alaine: If you love music, do it. If you sing, sing all the time. Don’t let anyone stop you from pursuing it, if it is your dream. We need more female singers coming to the forefront.
