IN CONVERSATION WITH ALISSIA

interview by JANA LETONJA

ALISSIA is a Swiss-born, New York / LA based producer, artist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and DJ whose work has helped define the sound of contemporary R&B, soul, funk, and pop. A five-time GRAMMY nominee, she recently made history as only the ninth woman ever nominated for Producer of the Year. After years of collaborating with artists including Mariah Carey, Anderson .Paak, Mary J. Blige, Kaytranada, Nile Rodgers, Calvin Harris, Ravyn Lenae and Lenny Kravitz, ALISSIA is now stepping into the spotlight with her debut project. Her latest singles, Hypnotic Night featuring Nile Rodgers and EARTHGANG and Can't Get Enough with Anderson .Paak, showcase her signature blend of musicianship and modern production, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her career.

all photography by JADE GREENE

You spent years building an impressive career behind the scenes. What made now the right time to step forward as a solo artist?

It’s funny because I actually started in the industry as an artist. One of my first songs accidentally went viral, but it happened way too early. I didn’t feel ready yet, I was so young, so I took everything down. I wanted to grow, learn, and really figure out who I was musically before signing any deal. That’s what led me into producing for others. Throughout that time, people kept asking me where is your project and I always knew I'd come back to it, but I wanted to wait until l had the right experience and figure out what I wanted to do as an artist. It’s always been about the music for me, not the spotlight. After my Grammy nomination for Producer of the Year, it felt like the right moment. I felt ready creatively.

How has your perspective changed now that you're both producing the music and becoming the face of it?

It’s definitely different. As a producer, you can stay behind the scenes and focus purely on the music. As an artist, music is just one piece of the puzzle. Especially today, you’re building an entire story and world around a project through visuals, creative direction, social media, live shows, fashion, etc. I’ve actually always loved that side of things, so it's been fun.

Being nominated for Producer of the Year was historic. What did that recognition mean to you personally and professionally?

It’s very humbling and such an incredible experience. Still so crazy to me, but I’m so grateful for this recognition. I think a lot of people might not know I’ve worked with so many artists over the years, but I’ve also kept it chill, so it feels really nice to be recognized by the industry for my work after so many years working behind the scenes.

On a personal level, it definitely inspired me to push harder. The overwhelming messages I've received from girls and women in the industry really made me realize I have a voice, and that’s what inspired me to also do activations such as organizing writing camps, panels, etc. for women and non-binary people in the industry.

You've worked with legends like Mariah Carey, Nile Rodgers, and Mary J. Blige, alongside a new generation of artists. What have those collaborations taught you?

I’ve learned so much from so many artists. One thing I’ve learned is that the bigger the artist, the harder they tend to work. There’s no secret. It’s truly inspiring to see. And it always takes an amazing, hardworking team behind the scenes as well.

It’s always very inspiring to see when artists are trying to make the best song they can make and at their most vulnerable. We are all trying our best.

Your music blends classic funk and soul with contemporary R&B. What draws you to that timeless sound?

I've always been drawn to the music of the 70s, especially funk and soul. The production, the musicianship, the arrangements, there was so much intention behind every record. It was rich, expressive, and incredibly timeless. Those records continue to influence generations of artists, including the music being made today.

That's something I always strive for in my own work. Rather than chasing trends, I want to create music that people can come back to years from now and still connect with. For me, timelessness has always been the goal.

Live musicianship is central to your work. Why is it so important to preserve that in an era dominated by digital production/samples?

Prince once said that if we keep sampling, eventually we'll be "sampling the sample of the sample," and that always stuck with me. I love samples in music. It's an incredible art form and has given us some of the greatest records ever made. But I also think we've reached a point where it's become the default approach for a lot of producers. Because I come from a background as a musician, I feel a responsibility to keep live musicianship alive in the studio.

How do you balance technical precision as a producer with emotional storytelling as an artist?

For me, emotion always comes first. You can have the perfect production, but if it doesn’t make someone feel something, it doesn’t matter. Of course, my knowledge in music helps, but I try to never overthink too much technically. It just feels natural.

When you're producing for someone else, how do you help them find their voice without imposing your own?

When I'm producing for another artist, I always remind myself that it's their project, not mine. My job is to help bring their vision to life, or sometimes help them discover what that vision is. Every artist has a unique voice, and I never want to impose my own or make everyone sound the same.

That's one of the things I love most about producing. Every collaboration is different. Every artist has a different story to tell, a different perspective, and a different energy. I get to step into their world, help amplify what makes them unique, and create something that feels authentic to them.

You've lived and worked across different cultures, from Switzerland to New York. How has that shaped your musical identity?

I was born in Switzerland and then grew up in Milan, but I moved to the US quite young, actually. I still go back frequently, and I love seeing how people react to certain music here differently than in the US when I do shows. I grew up mostly listening to motown and I was classically trained on piano, so I’m sure that had an influence on my music taste today and gave me a good foundation in music somehow.

What can listeners expect from your artist debut that they haven't heard from you before?

I'm incredibly excited for people to hear the full project. The response to my first two singles, especially Can't Get Enough with Anderson .Paak, has been really overwhelming in the best way, and it's made me even more excited to share what's next.

The album gives people a much deeper look into who I am as an artist. While they've gotten a taste of the sound through the first two singles, there's so much more to discover. I can't wait for everyone to experience the full journey.

Is there a moment in your career that made you realize you were exactly where you were meant to be?

I feel that way quite often, actually. I truly believe everything is meant to happen at the right time. I’ve learned that sometimes you really want something, but you’re not quite ready for it yet, and the universe will tell you so.

I remember getting calls to work with artists I’d dreamed of collaborating with and wanting that for years, and somehow all of a sudden getting a call I’d already been preparing ideas for at the right time. Those moments remind me to trust the timing. I really believe that when you’re doing the work and staying open, the right opportunities arrive when you’re ready for them.

Looking ahead, what excites you most about this new chapter as an artist rather than solely the creative force behind the scenes?

I’m excited to release more music, tour, DJ around the world, collaborate with incredible artists, and continue building a connection with listeners. More than anything, I hope this chapter inspires others to trust their creativity, take risks, and pursue the things they truly love.

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