Known For Being Handpicked By TALIB KWELI, Newcomer Musician ALISSIA Is Fastly Making a Name For Herself With A Debut EP!

Alissia was handpicked by Talib Kweli for his most recent tour! She has over 2 million views on YouTube, a strong social following, and has been doing some huge plays at funk and jazz festivals in Europe. Alissia is garnering comparisons to funk greats like Parliament with a perfect mix of the modern that has referenced artists like Janelle Monae. 

In the past two years alone, she’s worked with the likes of Q-Tip and John Blackwell (Prince, D’Angelo, Justin Timberlake). Her new EP Back To The Funkture was released on Feb 16.

Learn more about Alissia in the following All Access interview:

Thanks so much for your time today! So, what were some of the highlights of 2015 for you? What are you most excited about for this year?

Thank you for having me! 2015 was a great year – lots of writing, recording and playing! This year I am very excited about the release of my first record “Back To The Funkture” which just came out and I am looking forward to discover what 2016 has in store!

Growing up, did you always know that you wanted to be a musician? Can you remember your first musical memory?

Growing up, I didn’t necessarily know that I wanted to be a musician, but I was very passionate about music. I used to listen to a lot of music, I always loved songs with good grooves and good basslines! I actually started playing piano at the age of 4, so I was already a musician technically but I was playing more so for fun! I do remember my first piano recital. I was very nervous, but it felt great to be playing in front of an audience. 

How would you describe a typical day for you?

It is hard to describe a typical day because each day really varies depending on what I have going on!  Typically I would be writing, playing, recording or rehearsing! I always take time to listen to music, watch video interviews or live shows, and walk outside to get some inspiration as well. 

Can you talk about your newest EP, “Back To The Funkture”? Where did the inspiration for these songs on the EP come from?

Inspiration comes from a lot of different places. Some of these songs started with a bass line idea in mind, others I started writing the lyrics or even a song concept. Musically the inspiration definitely comes from what I listen to! Lyrics and concepts come from reflections of what I see going on around me. 

It sounds like you’ve had quite an international upbringing being raised between Milan and London and now living in New York City. How do you think this life has influenced your music and you as an artist in general?

I am indeed a European mix! I traveled a lot and lived in different places, and I do think it had a big influence on who I am as a person and as a writer. I see a lot of different cultures, how people interact, how they are, etc. For example being in New York and seeing how people walk fast, are on their phones and always focused definitely inspired me to write “On The Go”! 

Who are some of your favorite artists? Who has really inspired your music? Who would you love to work with in the future? 

I admire a lot of different artists. My list is very long but I would say those who influenced me the most are; Prince, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Bootsy Collins, Larry Graham, Bernard Wright, Don Blackman, Herbie Hancock, Earth Wind & Fire and Cameo. 

Do you have any upcoming tour dates? Where can people see you perform?

We are currently working on a summer tour. Dates will be posted on my website www.alissiabenveniste.com ! 

What do you think is the message of your music? What do you hope listeners take away from your songs?

I hope that people have a good time, enjoy listening to it, and that they feel better from the moment they press play. My goal is to spread positive energy and to bring back the good funk music. 

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about yourself or your music?

Thank you for your support!!