When you hear Alisha Zalkin sing, it’s difficult not to listen. Her intense vocals and story-telling lyrics command your attention. You can feel the emotion in whatever she sings.
Musician Alisha has combined several influences and experiences to create her unique sound. Her family’s history is what drives her music and growing up in a very culturally mixed household, Alisha experienced music in all different forms. Her Jewish and Mexican heritage inspired her ever since she was a young girl and she emits life struggles and hardships in her music, which resonates with her fans. Other than her family, other artists also inspire Alisha such as Carole King, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion and Gloria Estefan.
As an artist, Alisha uses her music to make a difference in the world and hopes to give everyone the change to be themselves. This is not limited to her inspirational lyrics either. One organization that is close to her heart is ‘The Playing For A Change Foundation.' It allows children to express themselves through music and provides music education to children around the world who would normally not be exposed to music. She's even donating some of the proceeds for her first EP to this cause.
Alisha was happy to chat with Ology to explain her amazing music, charitable endeavors and inspirations. Her new EP 'March to a Different Beat' comes out today!
You seem to 'March To A Different Beat' yourself as an artist. Do you think this is because you have different influences and inspirations than other artists?
Yes and no. I think artist in general all have the same purpose, to inspire our audience to be fully self expressed and connect to something greater within themselves and with others. I think the way I chose to convey that is a little bit different than other artists!
Who is your biggest inspiration when it comes to your music?
That is such a tough question! There are many artists who inspire me. I would have to say Carole King is my biggest inspiration. From her genius melodies to her lyrics, she could tap into the deepest part of the soul and translate it through music. She so brilliantly wrote about what people were experiencing in the 60's and 70's in a way that wasn't too preachy and was also timeless.
When did you first know that you wanted to be a singer?
From the moment I could talk! I loved singing so much. Between my Jewish grandmother singing opera for charity events, family gatherings, and at temple, to my Mexican grandmother who constantly had Mariachi music station playing, I was exposed to music and singing when I was born. My parents got me a karaoke machine when I was 5 and I haven't let go of that microphone since!
What's some of your favorite songs you've written?
I would say that "Beautiful You" and "March To A Different Beat" would be two of my favorite so far! "Beautiful You" is the result of a long spiritual journey of discovering the truth that who we are comes from within us. For a good part of my life I struggled with conforming to what I thought people expected of me in forming my identity. This song was inspired by a time when I came to appreciate the people in my life who encouraged me to let go of the obstacles I put in front of me and to believe in myself.
'March To A Different Beat’ was inspired by a conversation I had with my dad about his life growing up as a first generation American in the 60′s and 70′s. Both of his parents survived the Holocaust. As the son of survivors he carried the weight of his parents’ emotional struggles having to start all over again in a foreign country. He also grew up at a time when America was undergoing a cultural and political revolution. He found himself trying to bridge two very different realities.
Who would you love to collaborate with? Who are some of your favorite contemporary artists now?
Jason Mraz, more so now than ever! Not only do I respect his artistry tremendously but I believe we share a common commitment to create music that inspires and evokes inner peace, love, and courage. I absolutely love his new album 'Love Is A Four Letter Word', and applaud him for the positive message he is sharing with the world through that album.
You have a very strong stance about bullying. Is there a specific reason as to why you are so passionate? Were you a victim of bullying or did you ever witness it?
I was bullied, I was a bully, and I bullied myself. It has become a huge problem in our world today. I feel very strongly about creating music about an issue like this because it has the power to make an impact on those who are suffering internally and/or externally. When there are no words or ways to express ourselves, we turn to music. What being a musician means to me is being of service to others. By writing songs about these issues we can empower those who are suffering from bullying and a lack of self-confidence. It seems that now more than ever before, children are committing suicide because of how much they are suffering from being bullied. It is critically important to raise awareness about these issues and start uplifting those who really need it.
It’s amazing that you are donating some of the proceeds of your album to The Playing for the Change Foundation. Not a lot of musicians would do that. Besides your stance against bullying, what made you choose this foundation?
I chose to donate to PFCF for a couple of different reasons. My Nana was the youngest person to be admitted to the Vienna Conservatory of Music and was unable to attend due to the rise of Hitler. Her passion and love of music inspired me to pursue a career in music. I have been provided the opportunity she and so many like her never had, and I am beyond grateful for this! Last year, I co-produced and performed in two benefit shows for PFCF in NYC. I became extremely close to the PFCF team and was incredibly inspired by all of the amazing projects they are continuously working on. For me, music serves as a platform to create peace in the world. It is the one language we all have in common. I am committed to supporting organizations like the Playing For Change Foundation who are bringing people of all different colors, nationalities, and backgrounds together!
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Check out more on Alisha Zalkin at her website and be sure to pick up her debut album!
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