Q: I loved listening to ‘Come and Get Yours’! Can you tell us what inspired you to write this song?
ALYNA: Originally, I wanted to write a more upbeat, feel good song as a way to switch things up from my typically slower tracks. Lyrical inspiration came from explorations of my own sexuality through fantasy as well as stories from friends. After that I sent it over to my writing partner, Alexander Shane to add his magic to it. He ended up completely changing the hook and it just flowed so well.
Q: You recently released an EP, ‘Sweet N Sour’. What would you say is your personal favorite track and why?
ALYNA: I really love them all but at the moment, my personal favorite would have to probably be “222”. I just love the message behind it: how everything is as it should be and all you should worry about is being present. I feel like we all get in our heads so much about our lives and we forget to breathe in the fresh air and savor the moment.
Q: What is your songwriting process like?
ALYNA: It varies but I usually either start writing based off a beat I get from YouTube or get into the studio with a few lyrics written and then build the production around that. I like to start with a concept first and just freely write whatever comes to me. It’s different every time. Some days, it just flows out of me and I can finish the song in less than a day but other days it can take me months to write. The inspiration comes and goes. That’s why I love collaborating with other people and getting their perspectives on things too.
Q: What first got you into music?
ALYNA: As a child I had a natural love for music, always singing and dancing in front of the family whenever I got the chance. I remember I would have a whole performance routine in the back of the car with my mom while we blasted Whitney Houston or the Fugees. I’m naturally shy so I kind of leaned more towards dance at first but as I grew older, I started singing and writing songs as well. I always kind of knew most of my life that I wanted to do something in the arts and entertainment industry. In grade school, I would perform in talent shows and write songs for class assignments. But I didn’t start to work on my music seriously until I moved to LA in 2018.
Q: How would you describe your unique sound?
ALYNA: For the EP, I would describe my sound as a collection of chill, catchy pop melodies. I take inspiration from many of today’s R&B artists like Jhene Aiko and Kali Uchis but I would love to incorporate characteristics from other genres like rock and jazz in the future. I try not to box myself into a specific genre so I experiment with different sounds and have fun with it. For me, making music is ultimately about having fun with the process.
Q: If you could give any advice to your younger self, what advice would you give?
ALYNA: My advice would be to just be patient and don’t let other people’s negative energy get in the way of pursuing your dreams and goals. The universe will give you signs showing you that stepping up to the challenge of pursuing your dreams is the right choice. I would’ve really appreciated being told this as a kid, especially because I grew up in an Asian culture where submitting to the expectations and desires of your parents & elders is the norm.
