ALYSON
Dance, Baby, Dance!

By Mona de Crinis

Fresh from her engaging performance at this year’s Greater Palm Springs Pride, hot and happening dance diva Alyson is well on her way to becoming a household name in the club music world. Her single “What’re You Gonna Do” hit the Top 5 on the Billboard Hot Dance Chart and continues to rise. Alyson’s album version of her current single, “Feel You,” features remixes by Ralphi Rosario, E-Smoove, Dean Chronic, Jeff Barringer and Jason Randolph.
Alyson recently spoke with The Bottom Line on her passion for music, her commitment to Pride and her plans for the future.

TBL: How would you classify your style of music?
Alyson: My music is a blend of dance, R&B, pop and soul, all of my favorite types of music. I love to write and sing fun, high-energy party tracks that don’t leave you any choice but to dance! And I also love to create soulful songs that make you really feel something.

What inspired you to pursue the dance/club music genre instead of something more mainstream?
I’ve always loved dance music — probably the first time I heard it was growing up in New York City and buying mixtapes from street vendors, and I was just blown away by the music. So when it came down to writing and recording songs for my debut album, dance was automatically a major element in my sound.

Do you like to dance?
I love to dance, as much as I love to sing. I’ve been a dancer as well as a singer my whole life, ever since I could walk I was dancing! And dancing is a big element of who I am as an artist performing. I’m never standing still onstage!

What attracts you to someone first?
Their smile or their butt, depends on which side I see first!

Have you performed Pride events before?
Yes, I’ve been fortunate to be involved in several Pride events this year like Seattle Pride, L.A. Pride, Ventura Pride and now Palm Springs Pride. I’m planning on being at many more in the coming year because I think it’s incredibly important, now more than ever, for everyone to come together.

Did you enjoy performing at Palm Springs Pride?
I loved it, the people were all so wonderful and it was just a beautiful day. They’ve asked me to come back next year, so I’ll see you again soon!

Is it different performing at a Pride festival than other venues?
Definitely. It’s a special event that has so much meaning behind it for everyone there.

What’s the difference between performing for gay vs. straight crowds?
The difference for me is when I’m performing at a special event like Pride, a benefit, or some special cause, it means a lot to me to be there. Those are the performances that are really meaningful for me and for the people who are there.

What’s the experience like working with a DJ like Ralphi Rosario?
Ralphi is not only an incredible DJ and producer, but also the most wonderful person. I’m so thrilled to be working with such a legendary producer on two singles now, and I know we’ll be working on more music together in the near future.

Are there other DJ’s you’d like to work with?
I’d love to work with Hex Hector on one of my next singles; I just love his music!

Who’s your favorite circuit party DJ?
I don’t want to say one at the exclusion of the rest, because I LOVE all of the circuit DJs for supporting my music and getting it out there!

What’s in your CD player right now?
There’s a lot of reggae from Frankie Paul and Beres Hammond. Also many dance compilations with Deborah Cox remixes, I love her!

If you could share the stage with anyone, who would it be?
I’d love to perform with Madonna and then grab a martini together afterwards.

If you were an animal what would you be and why?
I’d be a dolphin because they’re smart and sleek and spend the day playing under the sun in the warm Caribbean waters.

What’s next for you?
I just released my second single “Feel You,” so I’ll be busy promoting that song and my debut album “Take A Good Look” for the next few months including some live shows around the U.S. We also just released the music video for Ralphi’s club mix of “Feel You,” and we’re shooting a second video for another mix of “Feel You” that will be released in December. I’m also working on remixes for my next single due out in early 2005, and a new full-length album that will be released next summer.

---

For more information on Alyson visit http://www.alysongrooves.com/