An Interview with New York Based Promising R&B Singer-Songwriter, Alani Skye!

As early as age 7, Alani Skye starting writing songs and would entertain her family with them. Like many young aspiring singers, she joined the children’s choir at her church. The desires to be an artist led her to record her first song at just 13 years old!

Alani is now ready to really take her music career to the next level with a debut EP soon to be released.

Learn more about this talented aspiring singer-songwriter in the following interview:

Can you remember the moment that you decided to be a performer? I have read that your mother was a musician. That must have influenced you, right?

My mother definitely played a major role in my decision to be a performer. I can remember her bringing me on stage when I was younger and always having me involved in the church and school choir. I was always comfortable on the big stage and I knew for a fact by the age of thirteen, that I wanted to make a living by writing and singing my music.

You experienced tragedy and sadness at early age, how do you think that has affected your music today?

My experiences are what I sing about. Because of the things that I’ve been through, I have a story to tell and it helps to bring that joy, pain, and soul to my music. I feel writing about my life keeps the music real and helps my fans get to know me better.

How has being from NY affected your music and really who you are as a person?

Some of the greatest musicians come from New York. Like Alicia Keys said in “Empire State Of Mind” -Concrete jungle where dreams are made of there’s nothin’ you can’t do… Being from New York, whether upstate or downstate, just provides that fire, that go-getters mentality. Being form New York creates such a hunger inside. It’s like we’re all fighting for the same thing. We are all talented. So you have to prove why YOU should be the chosen one and what makes you better than the rest.

You are about to release “Project Weekend”. How does that feel? And where did the inspiration for songs like “Project Weekend” come from?

I’m excited for the release of “Project Weekend”. This sound is new for me. It’s more of an up tempo, club record with a pop feel. I worked with a producer named P-Nut out of Ohio and Sepp Herbert. And I co-wrote the record with a songwriter name Ocie from my hometown of Syracuse. He heard the track one night during one of our writing sessions and the rest was history.

Can you describe where you are in your career right now and what 2015 plans you have?

This is just the beginning of my career. I feel that I am really growing as a singer/songwriter. By working with different producers and creative individuals, we are concentrating on creating really good music. I am looking forward at hitting the stage and sharing my music with the world. My producer, Sepp Herbert, has mentioned releasing another single shortly after this one. I could also see a couple videos coming out… I definitely want to do one for “Project Weekend”.

How do you think you and your music has grown over the years?

Every time I sit down to write, I write as if this is going to be hit. Each time trying to take my music to another level. I used to write from a dark place in my life. Now I write not about how dark my past was, but about how bright the future will be. I no longer take the safe or comfortable route while creating my music, to me its about expanding everyday.

What sets you apart from other R&B singers out there today?

I really have my own sound, my own ID. I don’t sound like anyone out right now or before me. Nor do I try to replicate other artists. I sing about my experiences and avoid writing songs about what I think people want to hear or can identify with. I just speak my truth; which happen to be the truth of so many others.

More times than not, influences tend to bleed through. What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

Currently Sam Smith, Lorde and Mary J Blige. Sam Smith is an amazing writer and his sound is so refreshing and I’m also loving what he has done with Mary’s latest project. Lorde just seems so free to me when she performs, it’s like no one else exists in her world… I can feel that from her.

Living or dead, who would you love to work with and why?

Tupac and Travis McCoy. I grew up listening to Tupac his music never gets old, his message never wears out, and his voice never dies. He is a true poet and great story teller that draws people in with his timeless lyrics. Every since Gym Class Heroes “Cupid’s Chokehold” I have wanted to do a feature with Travie. I love his style of rap and the fact that we’re both from Upstate New York… we gotta represent.

Thus far, what’s a favorite memory or something quirky that’s taken place with the band (in-studio, onstage, or elsewhere)?

I performed at a music seminar and forgot my lyrics and had to freestyle a little bit. Of course no one noticed even though it was written all over my face that I was making the words up.

Is there anything in particular that you’d like people to take away from listening to your music?

I’m an all or nothing person. I’m giving all of me through each song. I come from the struggle but I will stop at nothing to get out. My music allows me to free myself from all inhibitions and I hope to be the voice to help others free themselves. I hope my fans see how much I believe in the music and also realize no matter what I’ve been through, music saved me. And hope one day to save others through my music.

When can people expect you to release a full EP?

My team and I here at FE FE Entertainment are planning to release an EP sometime later this year. We have been in the studio writing and recording and plan on putting out a project that truly represents ALANI SKYE. So tune in and be on the lookout!