Unwrapping Musical Elegance: Alya's 'Home For Christmas' EP, a Holiday Symphony with Eric Clapton's Timeless Touch
Devine Jamz Gospel Network recently had the privilege of engaging in a captivating interview with the Grammy-winning artist Alya, delving into the inspiration and creative process behind her latest musical masterpiece, the 'Home For Christmas' EP. Released on December 15, 2023, this EP has already made its mark on major platforms worldwide, featuring a remarkable collaboration with the legendary Eric Clapton on the enchanting rendition of 'Silent Night.'
In this exclusive interview, Alya shares her heartfelt connection to the Christmas season, the joy of collaborating with Eric Clapton, and the unique elements she brought to the holiday genre. From the selection of tracks to working with award-winning producer Tim Carmon, Alya provides insights into the dynamics that shaped the EP's sound and feel. The interview also unveils Alya's approach to capturing diverse emotions while maintaining a cohesive holiday theme and the impact of her collaboration with Eric Clapton on the standout track, "Silent Night."
As Alya reflects on the positive responses to 'Home For Christmas,' she also shares memorable fan reactions and stories during the holiday season. The interview explores Alya's artistic journey, from securing an Exclusive Worldwide Publishing Deal with BMG Rights Management USA to her upcoming projects and collaborations in the coming year. Alya gives fans a sneak peek into the excitement awaiting them, including a remix EP for her hit single "Crazy" and the highly anticipated release of her new album, promising a timeless and beautiful musical experience.
Devine Jamz: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind creating the "Home for Christmas" EP and what motivated you to focus on holiday music this season?
Alya: I love the Christmas season! It holds a special place in my heart from wonderful childhood memories.
Naturally, when I was contemplating how to fill the gap between my September’s single “Crazy” and the upcoming remixes in January, the idea to record my own versions of Christmas carols emerged.
I wanted to create something everyone could relate to from the warm and cozy ballads to the “Drummer Boy” for the people who wanted something livelier!
This was a new experience and challenge for me because in the past I’ve only performed songs I've written myself.
However, I genuinely enjoyed this challenge and opportunity to immerse myself in these timeless songs while adding my artistic touch to them.
Devine Jamz: Collaborating with Eric Clapton on "Silent Night" must have been an incredible experience. Can you share how this collaboration came about and the creative process behind reimagining such a classic Christmas carol?
Alya: I’m still pinching myself that I have the legendary Eric Clapton on my record. When my producer, Tim Carmon, who had previously collaborated with him, invited me to his Crossroads show in Los Angeles last year, I remember saying to myself, “how cool would it be to work with Eric” and the craziest thing is I never even voiced that to Tim.
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Never in my wildest dream could I imagine that my wish would come to fruition so quickly! Everything felt truly magical and really brings home the saying that “if you can believe, you can achieve.”
A couple of weeks before the release, Tim turned on my Christmas record in the car, (he hadn’t told me about it) and I’m listening and then all of a sudden Eric’s voice shows up and then I said (nearly jumping through the roof recognizing his voice) “Wait a minute, are you kidding me? Is that Eric?” That was one of the best Christmas surprises I've ever had.
"Silent Night" with Eric turned out perfectly. Choosing an ambient and semi-Capella version was a great decision, and it creates a feeling of floating on a warm cloud of sound. In Russia, we would say it sounds like "firma," which means top-class, akin to how people refer to the British Royal family as "the firm."
Devine Jamz: Your previous hits like "Crazy" and "American Beauty" showcased your versatility. How does creating a Christmas EP compare to your previous work, and what unique elements did you bring to the holiday genre?
Alya: It was definitely something quite different and a moment of growth for me. It also showed me that the work I’ve been putting into myself as a singer wasn’t in vain. I believe the unique element I brought to this genre was myself and my versions of the songs. Compared to my previous work, I hear and feel growth. I was absolutely blown away by the positive responses to the record, which confirmed my growth as well.
Devine Jamz: The "Home for Christmas" EP features a mix of classic and original songs. How did you choose the tracks for this project, and what significance do these particular songs hold for you personally?
Alya: To begin with, these are some of my favorite Christmas songs. So, when we were working on the EP, they made it to the shortlist right away. Then I did a little research and learned about their history, and the choice was made. The mood and tempo of the songs were factors we considered to ensure there was something for everybody even though the song list is short.
I would like to spotlight the song "I'll Be Home for Christmas," which gave the EP its name. This song was created during World War II and was about soldiers coming back home for Christmas. In these dark times that we have today, with so many conflicts around, this song feels like an especially important message, to choose love and light over the fighting.
Devine Jamz: Collaborating with award-winning producer Tim Carmon must have been exciting. Can you tell us about the dynamics of your collaboration and how it influenced the overall sound and feel of the EP?
Alya: Working with Tim Carmon has been an amazing experience. He is a very accomplished musician, yet down-to-earth and radiates such positive energy that I genuinely enjoy our working relationship. Tim is incredibly creative and a genius in his craft, very patient and has helped me to develop and grow as an artist. We’ve gone through many songs, tweaking, and adjusting to find what resonates most. I believe without a doubt that we’ve found the thing I would call my sound that I’m eagerly ready to show to the world in my upcoming album release.
Devine Jamz: "Silent Night" is undoubtedly a standout track with Eric Clapton. How did this collaboration impact your approach to the EP, and what do you think Clapton brought to the song that made it so special?
Alya: Well, Clapton brought Clapton and that in itself is more than special. His voice comes in like a voice from heaven. As far as my approach, I also brought who I am to the song, and the melding of our voices together is what makes it so unique. This experience was also unique for me because we collaborated remotely, he was in London, and I in Los Angeles. However, in the recording, our voices blended so well together like two best friends. It was fantastic!
Devine Jamz: The EP has a diverse range of emotions from the tranquil "Silent Night" to the joyous "Little Drummer Boy." How did you navigate capturing these different moods while maintaining a cohesive holiday theme?
Alya: That was the idea for the EP, to present different moods but have a common thread so everyone could enjoy something for themselves. However, with the recording process, I practice meditation and before going to the studio, I take a moment for myself to tune in and make sure I am really ready to give everything I am to the listener, keeping it lighthearted and fun but yet meaningful. It gives the songs my sincere heart, adding light, depth, and emotion to the music.
Devine Jamz: "Home for Christmas" was released on December 15th. Can you share any memorable reactions or stories from your fans about how the EP has touched them during the holiday season?
Alya: I just remembered that my phone would not stop ringing. Everyone loved the record! And the thing that strikes me the most, is everyone kept saying “you sound like an angel.” This is quite touching and rewarding for all of the challenging work put in.
Devine Jamz: Having secured an Exclusive Worldwide Publishing Deal with BMG Rights Management USA, how has this impacted your artistic freedom and the way you approach your music career?
Alya: I still have plenty of freedom to grow and develop as an artist. I look at this partnership from a positive perspective, to reach new audiences, explore new horizons, and write more songs for movies, tv, myself and other artists.
Devine Jamz: With "Home for Christmas" now part of your discography, what can fans expect from ALYA in the coming year, and are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you can give us a sneak peek into?
Alya: This year will be full of surprises for my listeners. I am about to release a remix EP for my single “Crazy,” which did very well in September. There are some exciting collaborations on the remixes. However, I can’t wait to share my new album which will be released earlier this year. I can honestly say that this new record is something that everyone will enjoy that I’m extremely proud of. It is timeless, beautiful and carries the message of love, and light that we all need so much in this world.
For more information about ALYA and her music, send an inquiry using the contact information.
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