Born into a family of musicians, Alycia Dias already possessed the much-needed zest for music. Her vocal quality and melodious pitch left judges spellbound when she made her first appearance on national television as a participant for music competition Awaaz Banaye Star at just 17 years of age and reached the semi-finals. Since then, her exceptional singing talent has been acknowledged by top musicians of the country, making her one of the most gifted playback singers Pakistan has ever produced. The 25-year-old has achieved immense recognition after she lent her vocals for the much popular Turkish drama Noor’s OST and went on to sing for many more in the future. Her gig at Coke Studio was another feather in her cap but the young lady has made her mark in the industry with immense hard work, talent and versatility not many are born with. In a candid interview with MAG, Alycia spills the beans about her music and what’s next on her plate. Read on!

What does music mean to you?

Alycia: Music means love to me. It is something I love doing. I recently started composing and writing my own songs so it’s a fun and fulfilling process. It changes my mood in seconds if I’m ever feeling down.

Pakistanis first found out about your singing talent through the much-popular show Awaaz Banaye Star, but how long have you been actually singing?

A: Honestly, I have been singing all my life. I was in the choir when I was five and professionally I started singing in December 2012, when I did my first OST with Waqar Ali for drama serial Daagh. Apart from that, I belong to a family of musicians and singers. My dad is a lead guitarist and has performed with Pakistan’s renowned artistes.

What inspired you to take up music?

A: Celine Dion. I absolutely love her and the way she performs. I have learned a lot from her singing and performances.

What genre do you enjoy listening to and singing the most?

A: Don’t really have one genre in specific that I enjoy. Apart from hard rock, I listen to all kinds of music. I also like the old Indian and English songs.

It is generally believed that a singer is not truly an excellent one unless they have suffered pain in their life. Do you relate to this notion?

A: Every one suffers. Tell me one person who hasn’t. But people have different ways of expressing and utilising their pain in a positive way. Yes, it’s true to feel something before creating or producing your work but people sing happy songs too and apparently, happy songs are more difficult to sing than the sad ones. So I feel one needs to understand the emotion first. I don’t think one needs to go through pain to create something.

Your musical influences are quite multi-faceted. Which one do you connect more with, local or international?

A: Well, with both. However, I do connect more with international ones as it offers multiple variations.

Coke Studio’s platform helped you get much more recognition among the masses; do you think you could have pulled it off on your own in this competitive industry?

A: Coke studio was an amazing platform. But I believe that an artiste needs to keep coming up with their own, original music to survive as well. So, I have also been abiding by the same now.

When are you coming up with your own album?

A: Not now, because I have been working on a couple of single tracks which will be out soon. Album main abhi thora time hai.

Where do you see yourself in the industry right now; do you think there is enough competition in Pakistani music?

A: I don’t take things as competition nor do I believe in races. I just know that I have to give my 200 per cent and my performance and songs have to touch people’s hearts. I wish luck to all my fellow female artistes.

What would you have been if not a musician?

A: Most probably I would be an actor, a hip-hop dancer or a psychiatrist, because I love psychology.

You’ve performed in a lot of concerts. Do you get jitters when on stage?

A: Sometimes, but not always! It largely depends on people and places. I do get nervous when performing in front of a bigger crowd and at a new place.

If given an opportunity, what would you do to improve Pakistan’s music scene?

A: I would ensure the freedom to create. A lot of our producers are told by the clients how to produce and create music when the latter don’t know anything about music. I would ask the government to encourage music education in all institutes till the tenth grade at least. There’s also a need to open more music institutions.

As far as singing is concerned, you have pretty unconventional vocals (in terms of western influences in your singing).

Is it easy for a singer to flourish with it in the local music scene?

A: Yes, of course it is! I feel that I am different in my own way and I am still flourishing. No matter how different you are, you just need to be original and give it your best shot.

If given an opportunity to perform with your most favourite singer/musician, what song would you like to perform and why?

A: Ali Azmat’s Na Re Na for 100 times, if I had to.

What can your fans look forward to in the future?

A: Some great original tracks! 

HIT SONGS!

Sohni Dharti – Coke Studio, Season 8 (2015)

Armaan – Coke Studio, Season 8 (2015)

Woh Bhi Bus Chup Rehti Thi – Chup Raho (2014)

Ishq Barra Beymaan Hai – Ishq (2014)

Sher-e-Ajanabi – Sher-e-Ajanabi (2014)

Jahan Ara – Jahan Ara (2014)

Intikam – Intikam (2013)

Kankar – Kankar (2013)

Dil e Muztar – Dil e Muztar (2013)

Yahan Zindagi Bhi Fareb Hai – Fareb (2013)

Noor – Noor (2012)