1 00:00:00,440 --> 00:00:01,400 Speaker 1: Music Saved Me. 2 00:00:01,520 --> 00:00:05,240 Speaker 2: I'm a very spiritual person and I'm also a very 3 00:00:05,280 --> 00:00:08,760 Speaker 2: pragmatic person. Every time when there is a research somewhere, 4 00:00:09,240 --> 00:00:11,600 Speaker 2: more and more I find a lot of evidence. 5 00:00:11,640 --> 00:00:13,440 Speaker 3: And this is a very hot topic on the science 6 00:00:13,480 --> 00:00:13,920 Speaker 3: as well. 7 00:00:14,280 --> 00:00:20,480 Speaker 2: How music, how words, how everything that we say changes 8 00:00:21,280 --> 00:00:22,080 Speaker 2: our reality. 9 00:00:22,800 --> 00:00:24,480 Speaker 3: And I'm a big delivering that. 10 00:00:24,760 --> 00:00:27,720 Speaker 4: I'm Lynn Hoffman and welcome to another episode of the 11 00:00:27,800 --> 00:00:31,160 Speaker 4: Music Save Me podcast, the podcast that discusses the healing 12 00:00:31,240 --> 00:00:34,440 Speaker 4: power of music. Now. If you like this podcast, thank you, 13 00:00:34,520 --> 00:00:37,640 Speaker 4: and please share with your friends. And also, if you 14 00:00:37,720 --> 00:00:40,960 Speaker 4: don't mind, check out our companion podcast called Taking a Walk, 15 00:00:41,159 --> 00:00:43,680 Speaker 4: hosted by my dear friend buzz Night, and you can 16 00:00:43,680 --> 00:00:46,320 Speaker 4: get that wherever you get your podcasts now. In this 17 00:00:46,400 --> 00:00:51,000 Speaker 4: captivating episode, Grammy winning artist Alia shares her profound journey 18 00:00:51,000 --> 00:00:56,200 Speaker 4: of transformation and resilience. Born in the Soviet Union, Alia's 19 00:00:56,200 --> 00:00:58,800 Speaker 4: life was forever changed when she discovered music at the 20 00:00:58,840 --> 00:01:02,360 Speaker 4: age of seven. Her path from classical training to becoming 21 00:01:02,400 --> 00:01:06,040 Speaker 4: a renowned vocalist is a testament to the power of 22 00:01:06,200 --> 00:01:09,920 Speaker 4: music as a source of healing and inspiration. With her 23 00:01:09,959 --> 00:01:15,280 Speaker 4: soulful melodies and philanthropic endeavors, Alia has inspired countless fans 24 00:01:15,480 --> 00:01:18,360 Speaker 4: all over the world in her recent Be the Hope 25 00:01:18,400 --> 00:01:22,960 Speaker 4: campaign with uns f USA. It's a powerful example of 26 00:01:23,000 --> 00:01:26,600 Speaker 4: how music can be truly a force for good. Join 27 00:01:26,680 --> 00:01:29,319 Speaker 4: us now as we delve into how music not only 28 00:01:29,360 --> 00:01:32,960 Speaker 4: saved Alia but also became her platform for making a 29 00:01:33,000 --> 00:01:35,800 Speaker 4: positive impact on a global scale. 30 00:01:36,040 --> 00:01:37,760 Speaker 1: Adia, Welcome to Music Save Me. 31 00:01:37,800 --> 00:01:39,880 Speaker 4: It's so great to have you here, hot on the 32 00:01:39,920 --> 00:01:43,720 Speaker 4: set of your new shoot of a music video you're 33 00:01:43,720 --> 00:01:45,080 Speaker 4: about to do, so I'm so excited. 34 00:01:45,440 --> 00:01:48,080 Speaker 2: All right, well, thank you for having me. I'm really 35 00:01:48,120 --> 00:01:52,040 Speaker 2: so happy connect with people. Like every single day, I wait, 36 00:01:52,160 --> 00:01:57,200 Speaker 2: Covin you know things be Hope campaign that you just mentioned. 37 00:01:57,240 --> 00:02:00,800 Speaker 2: You know, every single day became an adventure and it 38 00:02:00,840 --> 00:02:04,880 Speaker 2: gave me so much internal power and drive. So every 39 00:02:04,920 --> 00:02:07,000 Speaker 2: single day I wake up, I'm like, Okay, what else 40 00:02:07,000 --> 00:02:09,240 Speaker 2: I can do? Where else I can go? How many 41 00:02:09,240 --> 00:02:11,600 Speaker 2: people I can inspire? What else we can do together 42 00:02:11,680 --> 00:02:13,679 Speaker 2: to make life a little bit better for us? Send 43 00:02:13,680 --> 00:02:14,679 Speaker 2: the people around us. 44 00:02:15,160 --> 00:02:17,400 Speaker 4: Well, it's obvious because you're in the car. I mean, 45 00:02:17,440 --> 00:02:19,200 Speaker 4: you are a woman on the move and you are 46 00:02:19,400 --> 00:02:22,680 Speaker 4: taking action as we speak, which I love. Let me 47 00:02:22,680 --> 00:02:26,080 Speaker 4: ask you, what was your first encounter with music and 48 00:02:26,160 --> 00:02:29,880 Speaker 4: how did it influence your life's path, because as I 49 00:02:29,919 --> 00:02:34,240 Speaker 4: looked about your how you started out, you didn't initially 50 00:02:34,320 --> 00:02:37,040 Speaker 4: pursue a career in music, did you. 51 00:02:37,040 --> 00:02:41,320 Speaker 2: No, you know, I'm always jealous of these people, these musicians. 52 00:02:41,400 --> 00:02:44,080 Speaker 2: Let's put it right that you usually say, Oh, I 53 00:02:44,120 --> 00:02:47,239 Speaker 2: grew up in this musical family. Music was always around me, 54 00:02:47,400 --> 00:02:49,560 Speaker 2: and this is just in my blood, in my dna. 55 00:02:49,680 --> 00:02:52,560 Speaker 2: I didn't have all of it, So I consider that 56 00:02:52,600 --> 00:02:55,480 Speaker 2: a luxury because my family was not musical at all, 57 00:02:55,880 --> 00:02:58,720 Speaker 2: and the only exposure to music I had was through 58 00:02:58,840 --> 00:03:02,560 Speaker 2: my grandma, my wonderful Ukrainian grandma, and she was a 59 00:03:02,680 --> 00:03:07,839 Speaker 2: church choir singer, and so she was singing all these 60 00:03:07,880 --> 00:03:11,880 Speaker 2: religious songs and that was sort of, I guess, very 61 00:03:11,919 --> 00:03:17,320 Speaker 2: influential for me because my first songs that I actually 62 00:03:17,320 --> 00:03:21,480 Speaker 2: earned some money for were Christmas carols. We lived in 63 00:03:21,639 --> 00:03:24,679 Speaker 2: Ukraine back then, and I was, you know, on a 64 00:03:24,760 --> 00:03:27,480 Speaker 2: Christmas Eve walking with a group of other children, or 65 00:03:27,600 --> 00:03:30,000 Speaker 2: knocking on every single door and people would open and 66 00:03:30,000 --> 00:03:34,399 Speaker 2: we would sing some choirs, you know, some harmonies, some 67 00:03:34,800 --> 00:03:37,560 Speaker 2: Christmas carols and the people would give us money or candy. 68 00:03:37,760 --> 00:03:40,120 Speaker 2: So that was like very exciting time for me because 69 00:03:40,120 --> 00:03:42,320 Speaker 2: then you can buy something you want, and there was 70 00:03:42,400 --> 00:03:45,120 Speaker 2: not so many things back then in Soviet Union, so 71 00:03:45,160 --> 00:03:47,080 Speaker 2: it would be just you know, like piece of banana 72 00:03:47,080 --> 00:03:50,520 Speaker 2: gum I remember right now, but there was the most 73 00:03:50,560 --> 00:03:55,440 Speaker 2: delicious gum because it was you know, like earned. And 74 00:03:57,040 --> 00:04:01,000 Speaker 2: I always had dreamed to be on a stage, to 75 00:04:01,040 --> 00:04:04,000 Speaker 2: be a musician, to be able to express my voice 76 00:04:04,120 --> 00:04:09,680 Speaker 2: not just by using words, but somehow differently with the sound. 77 00:04:09,800 --> 00:04:13,240 Speaker 2: And I always was writing music and songs that I 78 00:04:13,280 --> 00:04:17,680 Speaker 2: remember from very early childhood. But career wise, even though 79 00:04:17,760 --> 00:04:21,080 Speaker 2: I had a professional musical education while I was still 80 00:04:21,120 --> 00:04:24,840 Speaker 2: in school, when I decided to pick a university was 81 00:04:24,920 --> 00:04:28,839 Speaker 2: journalism faculty. So my first degree is TV journalism, which 82 00:04:28,839 --> 00:04:32,320 Speaker 2: I also really liked. It's a very exciting profession. But 83 00:04:32,520 --> 00:04:36,640 Speaker 2: the call from music, call to be on a stage 84 00:04:37,960 --> 00:04:40,920 Speaker 2: was always with me, and when I had a chance, 85 00:04:41,320 --> 00:04:46,080 Speaker 2: after moving to different country to finally pursue it, I 86 00:04:46,200 --> 00:04:47,120 Speaker 2: just jumped right in. 87 00:04:47,760 --> 00:04:48,960 Speaker 3: And I'm so happy. 88 00:04:49,920 --> 00:04:53,919 Speaker 4: How exciting. Who was influential and inspiring in your life? 89 00:04:53,920 --> 00:04:58,240 Speaker 4: That sort of instilled that giving back attitude because I 90 00:04:58,320 --> 00:05:03,400 Speaker 4: understand that you are heavily involved in philanthropic endeavors, a 91 00:05:03,440 --> 00:05:05,880 Speaker 4: lot of them on top of your music career. 92 00:05:06,640 --> 00:05:10,440 Speaker 2: Well, you know, I think this is in our family roots. 93 00:05:10,560 --> 00:05:12,880 Speaker 2: Like I grew up in the very modest household. I'm 94 00:05:12,960 --> 00:05:16,360 Speaker 2: very blessed right now to have a platform an opportunity 95 00:05:16,400 --> 00:05:19,680 Speaker 2: to give back, and I'm grateful for that. I'm not 96 00:05:20,320 --> 00:05:23,239 Speaker 2: taking this for granted. And every single day I try 97 00:05:23,240 --> 00:05:27,000 Speaker 2: to give back because I'm a big believer in that 98 00:05:27,360 --> 00:05:29,640 Speaker 2: as much as you give back, as much as you 99 00:05:29,680 --> 00:05:32,720 Speaker 2: will get in return. So I'm not afraid to give big. 100 00:05:33,040 --> 00:05:36,159 Speaker 2: And I'm not talking about money. I also talk about 101 00:05:36,279 --> 00:05:39,120 Speaker 2: the time and the you know, emotions and energy that 102 00:05:39,200 --> 00:05:43,080 Speaker 2: we give back. And you know, it's it's it's It 103 00:05:43,160 --> 00:05:46,159 Speaker 2: wasn't the culture of my family, so we I was 104 00:05:46,240 --> 00:05:47,360 Speaker 2: raised in the very. 105 00:05:49,120 --> 00:05:52,560 Speaker 3: I would say, traditional Orthodox. 106 00:05:52,600 --> 00:05:55,760 Speaker 2: Household, and you know it's always says in the Bible, 107 00:05:55,839 --> 00:05:58,440 Speaker 2: you know, you have to if you've meet someone who's 108 00:05:58,440 --> 00:06:00,760 Speaker 2: in need, you give your life rope. 109 00:06:00,839 --> 00:06:05,280 Speaker 3: So that was sort of the truth that I lived with. 110 00:06:05,520 --> 00:06:09,880 Speaker 2: And I always was a giver, even when I didn't 111 00:06:09,920 --> 00:06:15,440 Speaker 2: have much to give. But from the perspective of me, 112 00:06:15,520 --> 00:06:18,400 Speaker 2: you know, sitting right now and reading the news and 113 00:06:18,480 --> 00:06:20,839 Speaker 2: looking out of the window, I just believe this is 114 00:06:21,000 --> 00:06:25,000 Speaker 2: just inspiring time, you know, as hard it is as 115 00:06:25,800 --> 00:06:30,039 Speaker 2: sometimes uncertain to leave these days, it's also very inspiring 116 00:06:30,160 --> 00:06:33,440 Speaker 2: because where there are a lot of suffering and a 117 00:06:33,480 --> 00:06:37,640 Speaker 2: lot of tears and a lot of uh, you know, uncertainty, 118 00:06:37,680 --> 00:06:41,359 Speaker 2: there is a lot of hope and opportunities. So I 119 00:06:41,400 --> 00:06:45,159 Speaker 2: would say, like everything I see as soon as I 120 00:06:45,200 --> 00:06:48,280 Speaker 2: wake up my eyes in the in the early morning, 121 00:06:48,880 --> 00:06:50,800 Speaker 2: that's an inspiration for me to give back. 122 00:06:51,600 --> 00:06:55,920 Speaker 4: Would you share with our audience a personal challenge that 123 00:06:56,440 --> 00:06:58,679 Speaker 4: stands out to you in your life that you faced 124 00:06:58,839 --> 00:07:02,920 Speaker 4: and how news maybe helped you overcome that moment or 125 00:07:02,960 --> 00:07:04,760 Speaker 4: that time oh. 126 00:07:04,480 --> 00:07:05,200 Speaker 3: Oh my gosh. 127 00:07:05,320 --> 00:07:08,279 Speaker 2: Well, you know, there are so many things that music 128 00:07:08,360 --> 00:07:13,280 Speaker 2: helped me to overcome. But I would say the self 129 00:07:13,280 --> 00:07:18,720 Speaker 2: confidence issue or I don't even know how to put 130 00:07:18,720 --> 00:07:24,840 Speaker 2: it right. Definitely, me moving to different country was something 131 00:07:25,000 --> 00:07:29,000 Speaker 2: that was I mean inspiring and traumatic at the same time, 132 00:07:29,680 --> 00:07:33,880 Speaker 2: because even though I can speak English and I traveled before, 133 00:07:33,920 --> 00:07:38,560 Speaker 2: I speak other different languages, when you come not as 134 00:07:38,600 --> 00:07:42,720 Speaker 2: a tourist but to live in the country, this is 135 00:07:43,280 --> 00:07:47,280 Speaker 2: as Russian classic writers would say, it's a little bit 136 00:07:47,320 --> 00:07:49,400 Speaker 2: of a death, you know, the immigration, It's a death 137 00:07:49,440 --> 00:07:53,880 Speaker 2: in some thought, and you leave parts of yourself either 138 00:07:54,480 --> 00:07:57,320 Speaker 2: back in your homeland or just put it somewhere very 139 00:07:57,440 --> 00:08:01,520 Speaker 2: very deep in the closets of your soul and it 140 00:08:01,600 --> 00:08:02,480 Speaker 2: never comes back. 141 00:08:02,840 --> 00:08:07,640 Speaker 3: And so I think that the music. 142 00:08:07,520 --> 00:08:11,040 Speaker 2: And my decision to pursuing music professionally when I became 143 00:08:11,080 --> 00:08:14,240 Speaker 2: an American was a sort of me to find myself 144 00:08:14,320 --> 00:08:17,880 Speaker 2: again because there was a time when I felt like 145 00:08:18,640 --> 00:08:20,880 Speaker 2: there is not enough language for me to express what 146 00:08:20,920 --> 00:08:23,160 Speaker 2: I want to say. You know, I want to say something, 147 00:08:23,240 --> 00:08:27,200 Speaker 2: but there's so nuances that I feel could be brought 148 00:08:27,400 --> 00:08:29,960 Speaker 2: like using let's say Russian language or Ukrainian language or 149 00:08:30,000 --> 00:08:33,280 Speaker 2: Japanese language that I speak, I can't and that when 150 00:08:33,400 --> 00:08:36,000 Speaker 2: music would come in and I would, you know, sit 151 00:08:36,080 --> 00:08:39,400 Speaker 2: down with I usually I love writeing a ton down 152 00:08:39,400 --> 00:08:42,920 Speaker 2: with the people. I would sit down with my partner 153 00:08:43,040 --> 00:08:46,160 Speaker 2: and we would put all this carmony so use instruments 154 00:08:46,200 --> 00:08:49,440 Speaker 2: that represents different cultures, and it sort of would come 155 00:08:49,480 --> 00:08:53,000 Speaker 2: together and express whatever emotion I wanted to bring. 156 00:08:54,280 --> 00:08:55,680 Speaker 3: On the table at that moment. 157 00:08:56,640 --> 00:08:58,960 Speaker 4: Do you feel that you ever could have done what 158 00:08:59,000 --> 00:09:02,320 Speaker 4: you're doing here back home or that probably never would 159 00:09:02,360 --> 00:09:03,120 Speaker 4: have been able to happen. 160 00:09:03,880 --> 00:09:05,559 Speaker 3: I don't know, because. 161 00:09:06,800 --> 00:09:09,840 Speaker 2: You know, I believe that there is not such a 162 00:09:09,880 --> 00:09:13,280 Speaker 2: thing as if what if in history, whatever happened happened 163 00:09:13,280 --> 00:09:13,720 Speaker 2: for a reason. 164 00:09:13,880 --> 00:09:18,120 Speaker 3: That's fair, because because like if I when I mean, 165 00:09:18,320 --> 00:09:19,680 Speaker 3: it's not like I wasn't trying. 166 00:09:19,720 --> 00:09:23,080 Speaker 2: I was trying to do my music career when I 167 00:09:23,160 --> 00:09:25,280 Speaker 2: was back in Russi, even though I was very successful 168 00:09:25,280 --> 00:09:28,200 Speaker 2: as a journalist. But back then, the music industry was 169 00:09:28,320 --> 00:09:30,920 Speaker 2: very different in my country and everywhere in the world. 170 00:09:31,000 --> 00:09:33,720 Speaker 2: You would have to find a big label that would 171 00:09:33,800 --> 00:09:36,240 Speaker 2: back you up, and you know, sign a contract, and 172 00:09:36,280 --> 00:09:41,600 Speaker 2: the contracts were not good and actually all right before 173 00:09:41,600 --> 00:09:44,920 Speaker 2: im agready to the United States, I was offered a 174 00:09:45,040 --> 00:09:47,840 Speaker 2: contract from Universal and it was not a good one, 175 00:09:48,000 --> 00:09:51,520 Speaker 2: and I didn't didn't sign it because I got pregnant 176 00:09:52,160 --> 00:09:54,320 Speaker 2: and kind of thinking back then, you know, back then, 177 00:09:54,360 --> 00:09:57,319 Speaker 2: I thought, oh my gosh, this is such a terrible timing. 178 00:09:57,559 --> 00:09:59,360 Speaker 2: You know, I always wanted to do that, and this 179 00:09:59,520 --> 00:10:03,720 Speaker 2: is such a great opportunity, a great company, promising career, 180 00:10:04,120 --> 00:10:06,160 Speaker 2: and you know, I'm about to have a baby. And 181 00:10:06,320 --> 00:10:09,880 Speaker 2: of course they dropped the contract and I felt like 182 00:10:10,000 --> 00:10:12,520 Speaker 2: this is the end of everything. But that's actually was 183 00:10:12,600 --> 00:10:15,160 Speaker 2: the beginning, and the music industry changed today. 184 00:10:15,679 --> 00:10:19,959 Speaker 3: So today I don't have to look for approval from 185 00:10:20,000 --> 00:10:20,640 Speaker 3: the big label. 186 00:10:20,720 --> 00:10:23,480 Speaker 2: You know, like every single talented person can go and 187 00:10:24,120 --> 00:10:28,640 Speaker 2: record anywhere, even in their bedroom, and release anywhere they want. 188 00:10:28,679 --> 00:10:33,520 Speaker 2: There's so many different distribution platforms and it's just completely 189 00:10:33,679 --> 00:10:37,400 Speaker 2: different world. So everything happened for a reasons at the 190 00:10:37,520 --> 00:10:41,199 Speaker 2: right time and the same I believe with the approach 191 00:10:41,480 --> 00:10:44,480 Speaker 2: to music that I have. You know, I love blending generous, 192 00:10:44,559 --> 00:10:47,800 Speaker 2: I love blending languages, I love trying new things, and 193 00:10:47,880 --> 00:10:50,959 Speaker 2: I feel like this kind of music, in addition to 194 00:10:51,280 --> 00:10:56,679 Speaker 2: you know, given something not just perfect in terms of performance, 195 00:10:56,760 --> 00:11:01,760 Speaker 2: but molwas the soul and something more personal. I think 196 00:11:01,840 --> 00:11:04,240 Speaker 2: this type of music is having a moment right now 197 00:11:04,520 --> 00:11:06,520 Speaker 2: and this is what I love to do the most. 198 00:11:07,679 --> 00:11:10,960 Speaker 4: Hindsight absolutely is twenty twenty. And you know, I want 199 00:11:11,000 --> 00:11:13,320 Speaker 4: to bring up something that you just sort of mentioned 200 00:11:13,320 --> 00:11:16,880 Speaker 4: about giving back. You know, I've always been a person 201 00:11:16,920 --> 00:11:18,400 Speaker 4: who felt like, if if you can get a big 202 00:11:18,520 --> 00:11:22,839 Speaker 4: enough platform, why would you not do good with that? 203 00:11:23,120 --> 00:11:25,400 Speaker 4: And you know, why wouldn't you use that for good 204 00:11:25,480 --> 00:11:28,280 Speaker 4: things and to help people? And not everybody does that, 205 00:11:28,480 --> 00:11:30,640 Speaker 4: but I always felt like you had to. Can you 206 00:11:30,720 --> 00:11:33,839 Speaker 4: tell us how you feel about how musicians have this 207 00:11:34,000 --> 00:11:39,199 Speaker 4: responsibility to use their platforms for meaningful change, because I 208 00:11:39,280 --> 00:11:39,760 Speaker 4: agree with you. 209 00:11:41,440 --> 00:11:44,920 Speaker 2: I mean, everybody has an opinion, and as as you said, 210 00:11:45,200 --> 00:11:49,040 Speaker 2: I'm I usually don't understand people that have a huge 211 00:11:49,080 --> 00:11:52,559 Speaker 2: platform and they either use it, have a legion want 212 00:11:52,600 --> 00:11:55,679 Speaker 2: to tie, which I mean, I can understand. But then 213 00:11:56,120 --> 00:11:58,160 Speaker 2: you have to leave with your soul. You know, you 214 00:11:58,280 --> 00:12:00,800 Speaker 2: have to look at yourself in the mirror single morning, 215 00:12:00,880 --> 00:12:03,520 Speaker 2: and at some point you might you know, I end 216 00:12:03,640 --> 00:12:06,160 Speaker 2: up thinking that I don't really like the person that 217 00:12:06,280 --> 00:12:07,040 Speaker 2: I see every day. 218 00:12:07,600 --> 00:12:08,720 Speaker 3: So you can't. 219 00:12:09,040 --> 00:12:12,600 Speaker 2: You can't sell your soul for the money. And if 220 00:12:12,679 --> 00:12:15,640 Speaker 2: you have a platform, you have responsibility. This is something 221 00:12:15,720 --> 00:12:20,360 Speaker 2: that I've learned from being a journalist. And you know, 222 00:12:20,400 --> 00:12:22,839 Speaker 2: as I said, everything comes at the right time and 223 00:12:22,920 --> 00:12:28,559 Speaker 2: the right place. Maybe if fame, an opportunity to pursue 224 00:12:28,600 --> 00:12:31,360 Speaker 2: the music to my pleasure came to me earlier, and 225 00:12:31,480 --> 00:12:34,880 Speaker 2: maybe I wouldn't have this very strong sense of responsibility 226 00:12:35,120 --> 00:12:39,839 Speaker 2: for what I say and what I'm trying, you know, 227 00:12:39,920 --> 00:12:46,920 Speaker 2: people to convince, but knowing how much you know, the 228 00:12:47,040 --> 00:12:51,560 Speaker 2: words can go. I'm very conscious like what I say, 229 00:12:52,280 --> 00:12:56,200 Speaker 2: what I do, like on my social media, I'm very 230 00:12:56,360 --> 00:12:59,840 Speaker 2: very careful of what information I'm putting I'm very care 231 00:13:00,120 --> 00:13:04,960 Speaker 2: full what people, what brands, or what companies I represent, 232 00:13:05,240 --> 00:13:08,680 Speaker 2: and for me at this stage of my life, it's 233 00:13:08,720 --> 00:13:13,040 Speaker 2: about giving back. Like even you know, my partnering with 234 00:13:13,240 --> 00:13:17,959 Speaker 2: UNISEFF for the song Hope kind of confirmation of that. 235 00:13:18,280 --> 00:13:22,160 Speaker 2: I was looking for the right partner for plenty of time, 236 00:13:22,559 --> 00:13:24,800 Speaker 2: and finally I felt like the UNISEEF this is the 237 00:13:24,920 --> 00:13:28,920 Speaker 2: organization that aligns with my principles and what I've believed 238 00:13:28,920 --> 00:13:32,120 Speaker 2: in this time. And the collaboration happened, and you know, 239 00:13:32,200 --> 00:13:34,600 Speaker 2: it's raising money for children around the globe. 240 00:13:35,720 --> 00:13:39,480 Speaker 4: It's a wonderful thing that you're doing. And I wanted 241 00:13:39,520 --> 00:13:43,160 Speaker 4: to know specifically a few things because you do I 242 00:13:43,280 --> 00:13:46,920 Speaker 4: alluded earlier that you do a lot. What ways would 243 00:13:46,960 --> 00:13:48,839 Speaker 4: you say or that you can share with us that 244 00:13:48,920 --> 00:13:51,760 Speaker 4: you use your platform to make a positive impact, and 245 00:13:51,920 --> 00:13:54,240 Speaker 4: some of the initiatives that you're working on as well 246 00:13:54,280 --> 00:13:56,840 Speaker 4: as the UNSEEFF initiative that I definitely want to hear 247 00:13:56,880 --> 00:13:57,319 Speaker 4: more about. 248 00:13:58,120 --> 00:14:01,880 Speaker 2: Well, the UNISEF collaboration one that I'm really really proud. 249 00:14:01,960 --> 00:14:08,079 Speaker 2: It's ongoing collaboration and started from me releasing very very 250 00:14:08,160 --> 00:14:10,839 Speaker 2: powerful song. Its song is very beautiful by itself and 251 00:14:10,920 --> 00:14:13,880 Speaker 2: the name is hope it's out there. It was released 252 00:14:13,920 --> 00:14:18,560 Speaker 2: not long ago, a beautiful single and we were pro 253 00:14:18,600 --> 00:14:22,880 Speaker 2: Grammar consideration last year. And as soon as I released 254 00:14:22,920 --> 00:14:25,560 Speaker 2: the song, I asked my followers to see if it 255 00:14:25,600 --> 00:14:30,200 Speaker 2: could inspire them to do something good, like little act 256 00:14:30,280 --> 00:14:35,160 Speaker 2: of kindness, and people started making these videos. It started 257 00:14:35,200 --> 00:14:39,000 Speaker 2: from TikTok and then it b led to Instagram and 258 00:14:39,080 --> 00:14:42,280 Speaker 2: YouTube when they you know, do like random things like 259 00:14:42,440 --> 00:14:45,400 Speaker 2: one lady was giving hugs, that lady was talking about 260 00:14:45,520 --> 00:14:48,359 Speaker 2: the love to their children's but it was making sandwiches 261 00:14:48,400 --> 00:14:51,200 Speaker 2: for friends or spouses, or giving flowers on the street. 262 00:14:51,600 --> 00:14:55,080 Speaker 2: It became sort of this beautiful movement that let me 263 00:14:55,200 --> 00:14:59,080 Speaker 2: thinking about the potential that the song had. And then 264 00:14:59,120 --> 00:15:03,240 Speaker 2: I started looking for a good partner. And then you know, 265 00:15:03,360 --> 00:15:06,480 Speaker 2: Russian and Ukrainian conflict happened, which was very personal for 266 00:15:06,640 --> 00:15:10,200 Speaker 2: me because you know, I'm half Ukrainian, i have Russian 267 00:15:10,360 --> 00:15:13,280 Speaker 2: so an I'm pacifist also on top of that, so 268 00:15:13,400 --> 00:15:16,360 Speaker 2: it was like very very painful moment for me, which 269 00:15:16,880 --> 00:15:20,640 Speaker 2: gave me a lot of anxiety. And I started thinking about, 270 00:15:20,760 --> 00:15:23,000 Speaker 2: you know, all these children that suffering, and how it's 271 00:15:23,160 --> 00:15:26,480 Speaker 2: terrible that in the strangey first century we adults can 272 00:15:26,600 --> 00:15:30,680 Speaker 2: figure out any other ways to solve the conflict, but 273 00:15:31,040 --> 00:15:34,000 Speaker 2: go and you know, kill each other. Like what lessons 274 00:15:34,040 --> 00:15:37,000 Speaker 2: we give to about children? And I have three children myself. 275 00:15:37,240 --> 00:15:40,920 Speaker 2: I mean, I'm not just saying from some perspective. I'm 276 00:15:40,920 --> 00:15:45,960 Speaker 2: among myself. So it is a very very hard topic for. 277 00:15:46,080 --> 00:15:46,880 Speaker 3: Me to talk about. 278 00:15:47,280 --> 00:15:51,880 Speaker 2: And so the Universe was the company the organization that 279 00:15:53,800 --> 00:15:56,760 Speaker 2: it's heavily you know, supporting children. And I love the 280 00:15:56,840 --> 00:15:59,520 Speaker 2: scope of their work. I love that they go to 281 00:16:00,960 --> 00:16:05,320 Speaker 2: very far away areas, they work with the people in fields. 282 00:16:05,400 --> 00:16:07,520 Speaker 3: They I mean they really rich people. 283 00:16:07,640 --> 00:16:09,560 Speaker 2: So that was very important for me to make sure 284 00:16:09,640 --> 00:16:12,520 Speaker 2: that the money, the royalties that we give from the 285 00:16:12,640 --> 00:16:17,000 Speaker 2: song Hope, they not just go somewhere, they go directly. 286 00:16:16,640 --> 00:16:19,360 Speaker 3: To the people. They go to the affected areas. 287 00:16:19,520 --> 00:16:21,760 Speaker 2: And as soon as I will have opportunity, And I'm 288 00:16:21,760 --> 00:16:23,640 Speaker 2: actually I was begging your stuff. I'm like, I want 289 00:16:23,680 --> 00:16:26,520 Speaker 2: to go myself there, really, I mean, I have so 290 00:16:26,720 --> 00:16:29,320 Speaker 2: much to give. I speak languages, so I want to go, 291 00:16:29,760 --> 00:16:32,120 Speaker 2: you know, to this Ukraine and Russian and Ukrainian border, 292 00:16:32,240 --> 00:16:35,320 Speaker 2: whatever conflict, you know, whatever people speak, any Islamic languages 293 00:16:35,360 --> 00:16:37,280 Speaker 2: that I speak, I want to go there. I wanted 294 00:16:37,560 --> 00:16:40,480 Speaker 2: not just to give you money royalties from a song. 295 00:16:40,560 --> 00:16:42,080 Speaker 2: I want to go and give my time. I want 296 00:16:42,120 --> 00:16:45,240 Speaker 2: to give my love because I know on my own 297 00:16:45,320 --> 00:16:51,400 Speaker 2: example that even your appearance, like someone who does something, 298 00:16:51,600 --> 00:16:55,240 Speaker 2: who brings any sort of life or light, it can 299 00:16:55,400 --> 00:16:58,680 Speaker 2: have a lessing impression on the little child and it 300 00:16:58,800 --> 00:17:02,160 Speaker 2: can propel career. What you know, let them dream beg 301 00:17:02,880 --> 00:17:06,720 Speaker 2: because you know, we all live in this sort of 302 00:17:06,880 --> 00:17:09,240 Speaker 2: lottery in this world. You know, we're very lucky to 303 00:17:09,720 --> 00:17:13,080 Speaker 2: live in this country where females have rights, but there 304 00:17:13,080 --> 00:17:15,840 Speaker 2: are countries that females have no rights, or where there's 305 00:17:15,960 --> 00:17:20,680 Speaker 2: extreme poverty, and people still dream and the talents distributed 306 00:17:20,920 --> 00:17:24,000 Speaker 2: just as evenly, the opportunities might be not. So I 307 00:17:24,119 --> 00:17:28,639 Speaker 2: feel very responsible to have the resources and platform to 308 00:17:28,960 --> 00:17:33,320 Speaker 2: inspire people and you know, to give back any ways. 309 00:17:33,119 --> 00:17:36,399 Speaker 4: I can, and that it is a beautiful song, and 310 00:17:36,520 --> 00:17:38,760 Speaker 4: it's a beautiful thing that you're doing to help vulnerable 311 00:17:38,840 --> 00:17:40,200 Speaker 4: kids all around the world. 312 00:17:42,280 --> 00:17:44,800 Speaker 1: It's such a testament to who you are and. 313 00:17:45,040 --> 00:17:49,320 Speaker 4: What you're doing, and it's it's a wonderful I don't 314 00:17:49,320 --> 00:17:51,720 Speaker 4: even know how to encapsulate it all, because you know, 315 00:17:51,800 --> 00:17:53,520 Speaker 4: you do want to change the world. When you have 316 00:17:53,640 --> 00:17:57,360 Speaker 4: a platform for the better like you are, and even 317 00:17:57,480 --> 00:18:00,960 Speaker 4: just helping one person, it can totally, like you said, 318 00:18:01,160 --> 00:18:05,040 Speaker 4: change the entire trajectory of that person's life. And if 319 00:18:05,080 --> 00:18:08,520 Speaker 4: you can do that, then you know, absolutely you can 320 00:18:08,560 --> 00:18:10,399 Speaker 4: really feel good about yourself. It's the reason why I 321 00:18:10,520 --> 00:18:13,880 Speaker 4: do this podcast actually, so I totally understand where you're 322 00:18:13,880 --> 00:18:16,960 Speaker 4: coming from. You know, if one person hears this and 323 00:18:17,040 --> 00:18:20,120 Speaker 4: it helps them, that's what we should all be doing. 324 00:18:20,760 --> 00:18:21,280 Speaker 3: Absolutely. 325 00:18:21,400 --> 00:18:24,680 Speaker 2: One of the things that I know it as the 326 00:18:24,760 --> 00:18:29,600 Speaker 2: person from a different country about America that Americans, in 327 00:18:29,840 --> 00:18:33,679 Speaker 2: my very very personal point of view a little bit 328 00:18:33,760 --> 00:18:37,280 Speaker 2: forgot what it is about something about American dream because 329 00:18:37,359 --> 00:18:40,600 Speaker 2: we all from all over the world count for the dream, 330 00:18:41,359 --> 00:18:43,880 Speaker 2: like for the dream whatever this dream is where it's 331 00:18:44,000 --> 00:18:45,800 Speaker 2: very personal theme, what is American dream? 332 00:18:45,840 --> 00:18:48,320 Speaker 3: But Americans? You know, every time I would talk with Americans, 333 00:18:48,320 --> 00:18:50,000 Speaker 3: I would ask, you know, what is it? 334 00:18:50,240 --> 00:18:50,280 Speaker 2: Like? 335 00:18:50,440 --> 00:18:50,800 Speaker 3: What is it? 336 00:18:51,040 --> 00:18:57,119 Speaker 2: And people very confused, so and very often what comes 337 00:18:57,359 --> 00:18:59,960 Speaker 2: out is, you know, well, this is not for us 338 00:19:00,240 --> 00:19:01,320 Speaker 2: to think about the dream. 339 00:19:01,400 --> 00:19:03,960 Speaker 3: Here's all these wealthy people or politicians. 340 00:19:04,040 --> 00:19:07,080 Speaker 2: That's for big people, you know, for big wolves to 341 00:19:07,480 --> 00:19:08,200 Speaker 2: work on a dream. 342 00:19:08,240 --> 00:19:11,040 Speaker 3: We're just little people. Were just living our lives. And 343 00:19:11,200 --> 00:19:14,920 Speaker 3: I think this is something that I don't know. 344 00:19:15,400 --> 00:19:18,280 Speaker 2: As I tell to my son, when he would say 345 00:19:18,280 --> 00:19:20,560 Speaker 2: me something like that, I would say him to him, Isaiah, 346 00:19:20,720 --> 00:19:21,679 Speaker 2: you're just too lazy. 347 00:19:22,119 --> 00:19:24,920 Speaker 3: You go out of your rand and go do the work. 348 00:19:25,480 --> 00:19:28,800 Speaker 3: So the dream comes from little actions. You don't have 349 00:19:28,960 --> 00:19:30,879 Speaker 3: to have a lot of money, you don't have to 350 00:19:31,040 --> 00:19:35,480 Speaker 3: have a platform. You just have to get going because 351 00:19:35,920 --> 00:19:38,760 Speaker 3: you never know where you will end up. But the 352 00:19:38,880 --> 00:19:42,200 Speaker 3: only thing, the only way you will succeed is just 353 00:19:42,280 --> 00:19:45,080 Speaker 3: by moving. It doesn't have to be big. And this 354 00:19:45,280 --> 00:19:48,879 Speaker 3: is a dream dream to keep going, to keep doing something. 355 00:19:49,560 --> 00:19:53,920 Speaker 3: I believe it's very important. I mean not just for America, 356 00:19:54,160 --> 00:19:57,639 Speaker 3: but for any country. And I'm very dreaming by that. 357 00:19:57,800 --> 00:20:00,920 Speaker 2: I'm a really like do your person and I believe 358 00:20:00,960 --> 00:20:03,000 Speaker 2: that that's something that keeps us alive. 359 00:20:03,160 --> 00:20:07,040 Speaker 4: Probably well, hard work pays off. I mean that's the truth. 360 00:20:07,280 --> 00:20:10,639 Speaker 4: And you know you're living proof of that. So and 361 00:20:10,720 --> 00:20:12,560 Speaker 4: you know, you come here, I think to become the 362 00:20:12,600 --> 00:20:15,639 Speaker 4: best version of yourself because it's the freest place in 363 00:20:15,720 --> 00:20:16,119 Speaker 4: the world. 364 00:20:16,960 --> 00:20:19,600 Speaker 1: So you know, I think that's a lot of people 365 00:20:19,680 --> 00:20:20,040 Speaker 1: forget that. 366 00:20:21,520 --> 00:20:23,800 Speaker 4: And I'm so excited for you and your family and 367 00:20:24,480 --> 00:20:26,720 Speaker 4: all the amazing things that you have ahead of you, 368 00:20:27,400 --> 00:20:30,280 Speaker 4: besides the stuff that you've already accomplished just to get here. 369 00:20:30,359 --> 00:20:32,600 Speaker 4: To do that, I want to know how you believe 370 00:20:32,720 --> 00:20:36,600 Speaker 4: music can serve as a healing tool for other people 371 00:20:36,720 --> 00:20:40,280 Speaker 4: who are maybe suffering or going through personal challenges. Kind 372 00:20:40,320 --> 00:20:41,920 Speaker 4: of like what you were just saying, but maybe a 373 00:20:42,000 --> 00:20:43,720 Speaker 4: bit more about how music can help. 374 00:20:44,720 --> 00:20:49,040 Speaker 2: I'm a very spiritual person and I'm also a very 375 00:20:49,160 --> 00:20:55,040 Speaker 2: pragmatic person. So every time when there is a research 376 00:20:55,160 --> 00:21:01,160 Speaker 2: somewhere I find online about how music actually scientifically can alter, 377 00:21:01,920 --> 00:21:04,240 Speaker 2: you know, not just our stays of mind, but something 378 00:21:04,320 --> 00:21:06,960 Speaker 2: on a level of self, I always go dip down 379 00:21:07,119 --> 00:21:10,720 Speaker 2: and kind of try to track this research and more 380 00:21:10,760 --> 00:21:13,119 Speaker 2: and more I find a lot of evidence and this 381 00:21:13,240 --> 00:21:15,120 Speaker 2: is a very hot topic and the science as well. 382 00:21:15,600 --> 00:21:21,720 Speaker 2: How music, how words, How everything that we say changes, 383 00:21:22,320 --> 00:21:25,800 Speaker 2: you know, our reality. And I'm a big delivering that. 384 00:21:26,560 --> 00:21:31,639 Speaker 2: I when my kids were still in my belly, they 385 00:21:31,680 --> 00:21:34,280 Speaker 2: will listening from the moment I knew that they have 386 00:21:34,600 --> 00:21:35,920 Speaker 2: all the sensory. 387 00:21:37,160 --> 00:21:39,200 Speaker 3: You know, things evolved and working. 388 00:21:39,240 --> 00:21:41,680 Speaker 2: They were listening to classical music and they all have 389 00:21:41,880 --> 00:21:44,359 Speaker 2: perfect pitch that just came out like that, So I 390 00:21:44,480 --> 00:21:45,159 Speaker 2: know it works. 391 00:21:45,560 --> 00:21:47,520 Speaker 3: I know music can heal salts. 392 00:21:47,640 --> 00:21:52,680 Speaker 2: I know music can change lives, not just because we've 393 00:21:52,720 --> 00:21:54,760 Speaker 2: a little bit, but because it's scientifically proven. 394 00:21:54,920 --> 00:21:58,600 Speaker 3: And that's why in my music, I. 395 00:22:00,440 --> 00:22:04,640 Speaker 2: I'm very very careful about lyrics, you know, my lyrics. 396 00:22:05,200 --> 00:22:08,200 Speaker 2: I don't write music about bad stuff, not because it's 397 00:22:08,280 --> 00:22:12,760 Speaker 2: all sugarcoated and cheesy, but because I believe that at 398 00:22:12,800 --> 00:22:16,119 Speaker 2: this point of my life and my life in the 399 00:22:16,200 --> 00:22:19,120 Speaker 2: life of the earth, this is the content that we need. 400 00:22:19,320 --> 00:22:25,000 Speaker 2: We need start talking about positivity, about something bigger and 401 00:22:25,119 --> 00:22:30,120 Speaker 2: better than money, fashion, you know, all these wonderful, beautiful 402 00:22:30,240 --> 00:22:32,920 Speaker 2: instincts that we love, you know, love and hate or 403 00:22:33,040 --> 00:22:37,399 Speaker 2: sexual relationship. There is something more out there. So I 404 00:22:37,600 --> 00:22:42,080 Speaker 2: found myself very successful and self inspired, only failed of 405 00:22:42,320 --> 00:22:45,720 Speaker 2: inspirational pop. I still would like to write pop music. 406 00:22:45,800 --> 00:22:47,960 Speaker 2: I want to have a big platform because I believe 407 00:22:48,280 --> 00:22:51,320 Speaker 2: there's so many people want to hear this music and 408 00:22:51,440 --> 00:22:56,359 Speaker 2: this kind of message that I mean, the more the 409 00:22:56,480 --> 00:22:59,879 Speaker 2: merrier is. So I'm really, really, very very excited to 410 00:23:00,080 --> 00:23:01,840 Speaker 2: work in here. And you know, my first Grammy that 411 00:23:01,960 --> 00:23:05,639 Speaker 2: I got it comes from New Age music. This is 412 00:23:05,720 --> 00:23:07,760 Speaker 2: sort of type of music that become in a very 413 00:23:07,920 --> 00:23:12,240 Speaker 2: very mainstream these days when it's meditative, when it's calming, 414 00:23:12,440 --> 00:23:17,080 Speaker 2: when it's something that puts people in this stage when 415 00:23:17,160 --> 00:23:20,439 Speaker 2: they can slow down and think about who they are 416 00:23:20,800 --> 00:23:24,040 Speaker 2: and don't forget about their roots. So this is just 417 00:23:24,560 --> 00:23:27,879 Speaker 2: I believe that the music and especial music that I 418 00:23:28,600 --> 00:23:32,240 Speaker 2: love and work on, it's a little bit more than entertainment. 419 00:23:32,720 --> 00:23:35,960 Speaker 3: This is something for the soul for sure. There. 420 00:23:36,280 --> 00:23:36,760 Speaker 1: Well, thank you. 421 00:23:37,280 --> 00:23:39,919 Speaker 2: I'm not saying I'm just only you know, write something 422 00:23:40,359 --> 00:23:43,159 Speaker 2: very melodic and obviously like in my repertoire. In my 423 00:23:43,280 --> 00:23:46,679 Speaker 2: album is Dropping this year, you will see a lot 424 00:23:46,720 --> 00:23:49,480 Speaker 2: of ballads, a lot of melodic, inspirational things. But I 425 00:23:49,600 --> 00:23:52,199 Speaker 2: also write songs that you can dance, you know, your 426 00:23:52,240 --> 00:23:55,640 Speaker 2: head off. But the lyrics over there, they're still good, 427 00:23:55,680 --> 00:23:58,200 Speaker 2: There is still inspiring, there is still clean. I really 428 00:23:58,720 --> 00:24:03,600 Speaker 2: want to make sure that whatever comes out from me 429 00:24:03,640 --> 00:24:08,200 Speaker 2: as an artists is clean and suitable for everyone. So 430 00:24:08,400 --> 00:24:11,359 Speaker 2: my kids can listen to that, and the grandma that 431 00:24:11,680 --> 00:24:15,040 Speaker 2: turned hundreds you know last week, also can you know, 432 00:24:15,200 --> 00:24:18,080 Speaker 2: comprehends and relate. So this is kind of my goal 433 00:24:18,119 --> 00:24:18,800 Speaker 2: as an artist. 434 00:24:19,800 --> 00:24:23,800 Speaker 4: Wow, well, thank you for first of all, congratulations. That 435 00:24:24,040 --> 00:24:29,200 Speaker 4: one hundred's pretty impressive, and I hope we all should 436 00:24:29,240 --> 00:24:32,440 Speaker 4: live that long, if not longer, And thank you for 437 00:24:32,480 --> 00:24:34,440 Speaker 4: all the great work you do on top of all 438 00:24:34,480 --> 00:24:36,760 Speaker 4: the wonderful music that you put out. I was dancing 439 00:24:36,800 --> 00:24:40,000 Speaker 4: to your song in the club. The name is escaping 440 00:24:40,040 --> 00:24:43,600 Speaker 4: me because it just it was twenty twenty American beauty. Yes, 441 00:24:44,160 --> 00:24:47,680 Speaker 4: thank you, that was the one, and I thought I 442 00:24:47,800 --> 00:24:49,600 Speaker 4: remember hearing it, and then when I was doing my 443 00:24:49,680 --> 00:24:52,000 Speaker 4: research on you, I thought, oh my gosh, that was her. 444 00:24:52,119 --> 00:24:54,440 Speaker 1: I didn't even realize that I that was you. 445 00:24:54,760 --> 00:24:57,080 Speaker 3: And that's so funny. Yes, I love this song. This 446 00:24:57,320 --> 00:24:58,000 Speaker 3: was so beautiful. 447 00:24:58,280 --> 00:25:01,000 Speaker 2: That was one of the songs that sort of introduced 448 00:25:01,080 --> 00:25:04,600 Speaker 2: me to American market. And it was inspired by my 449 00:25:04,800 --> 00:25:08,800 Speaker 2: personal journey as someone from different countries coming to United. 450 00:25:08,600 --> 00:25:10,719 Speaker 3: States to chase the dreams. 451 00:25:11,320 --> 00:25:17,520 Speaker 2: And there's that that's that's what I felt represent American beauty, 452 00:25:17,560 --> 00:25:19,560 Speaker 2: you know, the variety of us, the beauty of us, 453 00:25:19,800 --> 00:25:21,000 Speaker 2: the freedom of us. 454 00:25:21,760 --> 00:25:23,359 Speaker 3: It's a good song, yes, and. 455 00:25:23,440 --> 00:25:25,960 Speaker 4: So as hope it is equally is wonderful in a 456 00:25:26,040 --> 00:25:28,440 Speaker 4: different way though, and it is it's very healing, and 457 00:25:28,560 --> 00:25:31,360 Speaker 4: it also goes to such a great cause. So where 458 00:25:31,400 --> 00:25:34,120 Speaker 4: people can go download the song on iTunes anywhere it's 459 00:25:34,160 --> 00:25:38,240 Speaker 4: called Hope by Alia. Yes, and thank you so much 460 00:25:38,440 --> 00:25:41,879 Speaker 4: for everything that you're doing, and keep keep dreaming because 461 00:25:42,000 --> 00:25:44,359 Speaker 4: I'm sure there's going to be more great things coming 462 00:25:44,920 --> 00:25:47,720 Speaker 4: from the artist known as Alia. And thank you for 463 00:25:47,800 --> 00:25:49,720 Speaker 4: being on Music Saved Me and sharing your story. 464 00:25:50,200 --> 00:25:50,520 Speaker 3: Thank you