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ON THE RISE
International singer and musician, ALYA, wraps listeners into a warm holiday embrace in the form of her new album, No More Lonely Christmas. With a song for every listener, the album evokes the comfort and joy of the holiday season while sharing with the world ALYA’s evolving sound.
ALYA developed her lifelong passion for music at the age of seven. In her earlier years, ALYA honed her skills through classical training, ensembles, and vocal competitions. Striking a deal with her mother, who insisted she pursue the accordion simultaneously, ALYA began her studies as an opera singer around age 12.
ALYA’s musical style is a subtle mix of pop, dance, and ballad. From her pure voice to honest emotions, she is able to captivate audiences of all ages around the world. Recently, ALYA’s single, “Hope,” went viral on TikTok with more than a million views. In the press, she’s hailed as a strong presence in the industry.
Embarking on a new chapter, ALYA is excited to share her new holiday album with fans and new listeners. “Christmas albums are awesome because they’re evergreen,” shares ALYA. “They are full of energy, magic, and festive vibes.” Throughout 2024, ALYA focused on completing the project and showcasing her new, evolved sound. No More Lonely Christmas also offers a sneak peek at her upcoming album, to be released in 2025, that will feature her updated style.
There is something for everyone on No More Lonely Christmas. ALYA’s versatility ensures that every listener finds a song for them, whether it be rock, jazz, or pop-inspired. “My music is designed to be inclusive,” shares ALYA. “I wanted to create something that you could turn on during a gathering and everyone would love—an album that makes you feel good. This album wasn’t made to highlight my singing ability. It’s made to make you feel good as a listener, not showcase me as a singer.”
The album consists of three traditional Christmas songs and multiple original tracks. One track, “Silent Night,” features the world-renowned Eric Clapton making a rare appearance on a holiday album. Another, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas - feat. Indiara Sfair,” showcases the breathtaking harmonica skills of the Brazilian musician.
The upbeat titular single, “No More Lonely Christmas” highlights the feeling of the entire album: a cozy, welcoming sound that wraps you up and makes you feel surrounded by love during a season of joy. This fun, fresh seasonal single joins the ranks of Mariah Carey’s classic hit, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” (one of ALYA’s favorites).
ALYA finds joy in spreading her music and kindness. This holiday season, she has visited shelters for mothers with children and celebrated with them through musical performances and gift giving. “The holidays are about getting together, but some people don’t have the opportunity to get together with the people they love. I wanted to create an album that’s welcoming and cozy. The main message of my art is to be very welcome and inviting. Turn on the music and join us.”
Through the rush of the holiday season, ALYA wants listeners to slow down and savor the moment. “The holiday season isn’t for shopping and stress. It’s a time to get together and share the love and do something good. Check in on someone. Remember to be kind.”
Make sure to stay connected to ALYA on all platforms for new music, videos, and social posts.
ON THE RISE
Clinton Brand III – better known as CBIII – is a California-based rapper. His new single, titled “I Won’t Quit,” is a motivational and relatable message for everyone “going through it.”
The track, with a beat by Tunna Beats, has a Blurry Face vibe. It starts with a violin and the soft “ahh”s of featured singer Alex Brinkley. When the beat drops, piano, bass and drums enter along with CBIII’s lyrical meditations on “overthinking, contemplating, and debating” why he “won’t quit.”
As the final line makes clear, the song is a study in contradictory mindsets. There’s the fear of failure – what if I’m not good enough? – and then the contrast of relentlessness as stated in the title.
The lyrics of the song’s final quattrain are especially strong. Beginning with an example of CBIII’s wordplay (phenomenal and astronomical anomaly), the final message is one of inspiration: I’m tired of this, so I’m going to make it better.
This struggle with nagging self-doubt and overthinking makes “I Won’t Quit” very relatable. In the end, CBIII wants listeners to be inspired, to not give in when they find themselves in similar circumstances.
Brand’s inspiration for “I Won’t Quit” was intensely personal. Following the death of his parents at a young age, he was raised by his grandmother and then was placed in foster care. A recent visit found his grandmother’s memory fading; this was painful, considering that she had once been his biggest supporter.
This episode left him feeling abandoned, in a dark place.
He says, “I wrote the song ‘I Won’t Quit’ because at that time I was suicidal. I didn’t have nobody else to turn to because my grandma didn’t really care anymore.”
The vulnerability expressed in the lyrics made CBIII unsure if he wanted to release the song at all. He says, “I actually sat on the song for like five months before even thinking about releasing it because it’s so close to home that I wasn’t even sure if I was going to have the courage to share it.”
Now that the song is out, its vulnerability is its strength. Brand’s struggle is real, and the general contours – missing family support, doubting yourself, knowing you need to persevere – will be familiar to many.
In addition to his personal desire to live up his dream of greatness, Brand has another reason not to give up: his younger brother, who is currently in foster care. Knowing his brother looks up to him, he wants to remind him that giving in to doubt is the easy way out.
Brand says, “I want to encourage him, to show him that if you set your mind to it, bro, there’s nothing you can’t do.”
In the end, CBIII wants listeners to learn from his pain, to ask themselves, “What if I don’t give up?”
Stream “I Won’t Quit” now, wherever you listen to music.
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