ALA.NI
Photo by Martin-oger Daguerre
“Art is a dirty job, but somebody’s got to do it.”
My favorite people are the ones who can be themselves, regardless whatever room they’re in. You’re going to hear me say that a lot in this series & today’s guest is a prime example of why. Say hello to ALA.NI, a musician based in Europe who’s aim is creative freedom. Her sophomore album, ACCA, sees her shedding all expectations from her critically acclaimed debut, You & I. ACCA is a brave album, one that constantly puts you for a loop with these wonky sonics yet incredibly direct lyrics. Make no mistake, this is a pop album, but it’s a pop album that has little care for convention.
It’s far from what people expected and on this episode we explore the joy that comes from taking such a left turn. This episode is what I call a beautiful ramble. A major component of our talk is sharing our experiences as black artists on planet earth. We also chat about how ALA.NI went to school with Amy Winehouse & the collaboration she did with Lakeith Stanfield.
We also talk in-depth about her interpretation of Claudia Jones Lament For Emmett Till. Since releasing the song, ALA.NI has become an ambassador for the Emmett Till Legacy Foundation, who seek to pass ‘The Emmett Till Anti-lynching Act’: a bill currently being inexplicably blocked by a Republican senator, despite its aim to make lynching a federal crime. You can sign the Justice For Emmett Till petition here.
