Dana Ali

Q&A with Artists

Dana Ali is an American singer and songwriter from Atlanta, GA.,USA.
At an early age Dana started singing in the church. It was their she realised she had a special talent. Encouraged by her family, friends and various audience experiences, Dana Ali carried on her passion for singing and performing beyond the church and into unchartered territory.
Currently, Dana has crossed the waters to the United Kingdom with her bass player Dave Hewitt (Babe Ruth fame). They have co-written and recorded songs with producer Alan Shacklock in Nashville, USA and with Bryan Smith recording ‘’Engineer’’ at Mediasmiths Studio 2 in the U.K.
When asked what inspires her music, Dana Ali says, “Black African American Artists such as Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Beyonce, Alicia Keys, India Arie, Stevie Wonder, Al Green and Donny Hathawa; they’ve all paved the way for black artists today. I’m especially inspired by the heart and soul that they put into their music and performances and this encourages me to do the same.”
“I love making music!” Dana says, “I love a good groove.” “When you’ve got that you know you’re onto a good thang kinda feeling.”
When asked what message she is trying to convey through her work, Dana replies, “The songs that I sing, I sing from my heart. I want people to feel the love and get their groove on, forget their worries and all the junk goin’ on in the world and dance like nobody’s watchin’.”
Dana Ali has been touring the U.K. extensively performing at a variety of venues across London, Newcastle, Liverpool and the Marsden and Manchester Jazz Festivals.
She has also been featured in, ‘I Love Manchester Magazine’, ‘Examiner’ and the ‘Blues Gr. Chronicle’
26 AUG 2015 https://ilovemanchester.com/an-evening-at-matt-and- phreds/

6 OCT 2016 https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife- news/neo-soul-singer-dana-ali-11987269

How would you describe your style?
I take elements of Soul, Jazz, Blues and R&B with Latin and Funk Rhythms to create a fresh and distinctive sound.

Why do you do what you do?
I sing because it brings me joy and when I perform I’m able to bring others great pleasure and that gives me the passion and drive to do what I do.

Ambition or talent: which matters more to you?
Well, I am blessed and very thankful for my talents but without ambition my talents would stay at home, ha!

What inspires you to create music?
My heart stirs me to create and continue to develop my style! However it’s done, humming a new tune, collaborating with another artist or even spending time with family and friends, it’s that something in my heart, the raw feeling of connection and experience that drives the passion to create!

How did you find the scouting process in Rehegoo?
Rehegoo’s scouting process is ace! From the first moment I was approached with interest in me and my music there was continued and great communication with your talent and scouting team. They’ve never hesitated to answer any questions or any concerns I’ve had.

How did you feel when signing a contract with Rehegoo?
When I signed with Rehegoo I was so excited to have been selected to be a part of such an innovative company whose motto of “We Are Different” really shines through. Seeing Rehegoo’s rapid growth in the music industry and how they care for the artist- I am honoured for the opportunity to be a part of it!

What is the greatest achievement of your career so far?
Every successful gig, every recorded song and of course Rehegoo signing me have all been notable achievements, I hope for many more!

What has been the biggest obstacle?
The biggest obstacle has been getting on the radio, it can be tricky to get any of your records aired!

What is the best and worst gig you have ever played?
One memorable gig was at a Gastro Restaurant Bar in Atlanta, there was torrential rain. Our guitarist’s car broke down and couldn’t make it plus our drummer was also sick. This left Dave (my bass player) and I at the gig with no other choice but to play. So there we were, a bass guitar and my precious vocals. Oddly enough, the crowd were very pleased and we made more money that night than any others before, go figure. We even had a promise of financial backing from an NFL player who was a friend of one of Whitney Houston’s producers. So every cloud really does have a silver lining right?!

What is your worst and best fan moment?
The worst fan moment, hmmm… well that moment where there is one odd person that stands in front of the audience with their back toward you until they’re won over by the nostalgia of the music and the room starts jummpin’, they can’t help but turn around. After proving I’m worthy of being on stage they may become one of my biggest fans, crazy

What is a favorite song of yours?
Ha, this question is not really fair, choosing one out of a bunch when they’ve all come out of heart and sometimes tears and sweat is really tough! But if I had to pick.. ‘Show Me’ because it got the attention of Rehegoo Music Group, it always gets people movin’ every time!

Find out more about Dana Ali:
Website: www.danaaliband.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanaAliBand/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/dana.ali.band/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/ 06ClgUd3uQfIW5uQz6hac6? si=yAJ00LS_SAWfoiWMkb4lyw