“I feel so at home sat in a venue surrounded by jazz — it’s where I truly belong.”
Q. Your sound has been described as smooth, sultry, and jazz-influenced. What drew you to jazz music, and how did it become such an integral part of your artistic identity?
Q. You moved from the North of England to London at just 18 to pursue music and modeling. What were some of the biggest challenges—and rewards—you experienced during that transition?
Moving from a small town to a big city was huge, I moved at 18 and had a lot to learn very fast and got (and still do) very homesick. It was definitely a big transition, I went through a lot of bad but also a lot of good, but every experience shaped me and also make for good songwriting haha.
Working with them has definitely changed a lot for me. I love to learn and especially from artists that have really done a lot, they know what they’re doing.
Creating the album was such a journey. We didn’t record it with instrument samples at all. We got Dave in the studio, got Scott in a studio in Italy and had to video call whilst it was happening. The whole process was crazy.
I’m just honoured to have them involved and I want the world to know how amazing they are and for this album to succeed for them as well as for my own career.
I am such an emotional person haha, so writing emotional lyrics is natural for me.
I want listeners to feel however they need to, music speaks different to each listener.
Q. What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are trying to find their voice and navigate the challenges of today’s music industry?
Aly Berry is a British Jazz influenced singer and songwriter whose smooth, sultry vocals and distinctive style have begun to quickly captivate audiences, bringing a whole new sound to the music scene.
Originally from the North of England, at 18, she made the bold decision to move to London, determined to succeed in the competitive worlds of both music and modelling- which she began at the young age of 14. It wasn’t long before she found herself immersed in London’s Jazz scene.
It was during her time in Mayfair that Aly crossed paths with Paul Higgs, an accomplished jazz composer and musician. The two soon began collaborating, writing new songs, and performing together. What started as a creative partnership soon turned into a full-fledged musical project that culminated in the creation of Aly's debut album.
I never expected to fall in love with jazz, my music taste varies a lot, I listen to a lot of genres, depending on how I’m feeling at the time - but when I came to London and entered the jazz scene I just felt I belonged. I feel so at home sat in a bar or venue surrounded by jazz music.
Q. You moved from the North of England to London at just 18 to pursue music and modeling. What were some of the biggest challenges—and rewards—you experienced during that transition?
Moving from a small town to a big city was huge, I moved at 18 and had a lot to learn very fast and got (and still do) very homesick. It was definitely a big transition, I went through a lot of bad but also a lot of good, but every experience shaped me and also make for good songwriting haha.
Q. You’ve worked with celebrated jazz musicians like Paul Higgs and Scott Hamilton on your debut album. How did these collaborations shape your sound and growth as an artist, and what was the most memorable moment during the creative process?
Working with them has definitely changed a lot for me. I love to learn and especially from artists that have really done a lot, they know what they’re doing.
Creating the album was such a journey. We didn’t record it with instrument samples at all. We got Dave in the studio, got Scott in a studio in Italy and had to video call whilst it was happening. The whole process was crazy.
I’m just honoured to have them involved and I want the world to know how amazing they are and for this album to succeed for them as well as for my own career.
Q. Many describe your voice as smoky and emotive. How do you tap into emotion when performing or writing songs, and what do you hope listeners feel when they hear your music?
I am such an emotional person haha, so writing emotional lyrics is natural for me.
I want listeners to feel however they need to, music speaks different to each listener.
Q. What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are trying to find their voice and navigate the challenges of today’s music industry?
I’m still trying to navigate it haha. But just to completely be yourself. Being unique and having your own thing going is the best and stands out.
Don’t take everything seriously too. Everyone judges everyone these days, especially with social media being such a big thing, it’s not easy, but always be true to yourself.
Q. If you could create a dream live performance experience—no limits on venue, theme, or collaborators—what would that look and sound like?
Being honest, my dream venue would be a sold out arena in my home town(near Sheffield). I used to go to many concerts as a kid and dream of being on the stage there. I want to make that happen.
Bio
Originally from the North of England, at 18, she made the bold decision to move to London, determined to succeed in the competitive worlds of both music and modelling- which she began at the young age of 14. It wasn’t long before she found herself immersed in London’s Jazz scene.
It was during her time in Mayfair that Aly crossed paths with Paul Higgs, an accomplished jazz composer and musician. The two soon began collaborating, writing new songs, and performing together. What started as a creative partnership soon turned into a full-fledged musical project that culminated in the creation of Aly's debut album.
Featured on the record are names such as the legendary Scott Hamilton, Bassist Dave Green, Drummer Neil Bullock and Paul Higgs himself.
With her smoky, emotive voice and a natural gift for songwriting, Aly is poised to make a lasting impact in the industry.
With her smoky, emotive voice and a natural gift for songwriting, Aly is poised to make a lasting impact in the industry.
Interviewed By Irene Elina Eldhose
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