Alina K is Taking Back Time
City Times talks to the Dubai-based singer about her latest single that’s out now and how the UAE is the perfect place for artists
Alina K is
back. This time last year, we met Alina when the Dubaibased singer released her first single Love is Blind which got over 13,000 views within one week. She has since released two more singles, Get Up and Would You. Since then, Alina has been performing in the region as well as keeping active on her social media platforms, with the goal of promoting her music. She now has a new single which we’ve been playing on repeat since it was released - Taking Back Time.
We caught up with the singer to discuss what she’s been up to over the last year, discussed her musical journey, what songs she’s been listening to, the misconceptions of being a working artist and what she has planned for her next video.
How have you been spending your summer in Dubai?
I love summer in Dubai, it’s always so exciting! It’s definitely a mixture of fun and work I’d say. I recently finished filming my forth music video that will be released soon. I am also preparing my fifth single and rehearsing for my upcoming events.
What’s changed over the last year since the release of your first single?
This year helped me to know my audience better and at the same time for them to know me more as an artist and as a person. Since the release of my first single Love is Blind I released three other singles Get Up, Would you and now Taking back Time, that are so different in style and the messages they hold. Each one of these songs has its own audience who relate to it.
Can you tell us about your latest single Taking Back Time?
This is a very special, meaningful
and powerful song, written and composed by my producer Rayan Bailouni who translated my feelings and thoughts in the best way. It’s about our daily life when we focus on the material stuff, we even drown ourselves in work, trying to succeed, aiming for a better life, better titles, but we forget that the only moments to cherish are the memories. We don’t usually remember how many nights we spent working in the office, but we will always cherish a trip done with our loved ones, or the quality time with family and friends. Let’s not regret the time and start taking back time from now.
What do you have planned for the music video?
Shooting with the director Freek TV is always so much fun but yet always professional. Although we faced some challenges here and there, we were able to finish it after cancelling the shoot many times because of the heat and the July surprise rain. All I can say is expect suspense mixed with a little bit of humour and so much adrenaline. I really can’t wait for everyone to see it.
Given that the song is about not wasting our time on material things – how do you center yourself on what matters?
People who know me well, they know I always put family first, my passion, my dreams and all the material things last... like I said before it is always about the souls who surround us, always about good times.
What has been one of the biggest obstacles you’ve faced over the last year of working as an artist?
I don’t think we should call it an obstacle, because as an artist, you should have this constant drive and passion for what you do. It’s always about preserving your identity without compromising, it’s about being an inspiration, challenging yourself, and always pushing your work to the top. And with the constant support of the media in Dubai, we will be able to reach the world.
What is the biggest misconception that exists out there about being an artist?
In our days, everything is related to numbers, or lack of creativity. This is the biggest misconception that people who want to be artists fall into. It’s not about numbers, nor is it about being like someone else. Its not about fame or just creating a commotion! It is about being humble, true, transparent, and doing what you love for yourself first so you can get into the hearts and minds of people, be different and be yourself. Inspire others with your messages, energy, melody, just simply be an artist.
Have you seen any changes in the Dubai music scene over the last year?
UAE is pitting art at the core of its plans with all the new projects in place, changing and elevating the level of art in the region, with the Opera House, the Louvre and all the global artists and concerts that happened here. They are proving again that the UAE is the perfect place for any talent to grow. And also the diversity of people help us as artists to spread music across many different cultures. UAE or specifically Dubai, gave me and other artists, the opportunity to meet my producer Rayan Bailouni and Freek TV, my director and other like-minded people who played major role in this music scene.
Where have you performed over the last year and do you have any live performances coming up?
This year was amazing with many events in the UAE, Romania and Lebanon, but the three main events that were very special to me, the one I performed in Kuwait, in one of the biggest malls, and on Radio Kuwait FM, and at the Ras Al Khaimah Happiness Festival. I also had the privilege to be a judge in a kid’s talent show in UAE. Yes, I’m preparing for upcoming performances, and I will be announcing them soon.
What’s on your playlist right now? What music/artists are you listening to?
You will always find, jazz, contemporary music, a mix of everything on my playlist and of course my music. It’s more about the song than the artist these days, but I always listen to all the new releases of Maroon 5, Coldplay, Jessie J, Dua Lipa, Beyonce and other Romanian and Lebanese artists.