On The Rise: Alessia Cara
[Photo by Meredith Truax]
While making MusicFestNews’ playlist for Music Midtown, I came across a track by Alessia Cara that pulled me in and wouldn’t let go. The track is called “Here,” and it was a breath of fresh air for my ears. 12 YouTube videos later, I’m officially a fan.
Born on July 11, 1996, this talented 19-year-old has been writing poetry and singing for nine years. On July 29th, Cara made her television debut, performing her hit single on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Fallon heard her song and insisted that the producers book her. She was inspired to write this particular song after having going to a party the night before and feeling awkward and out of place. During her performance of the track for RyanSeacrest.com, she recalls hanging out in the corner observing everyone before calling her mother to pick her up. The song was premiered by The Fader and was streamed over 500,000 times it’s first week.
Cara’s style is described as smooth R&B. She’s has been compared to Lorde and AlunaGeorge. Def Jam Recordings signed the talented singer at age 18, along with EP Entertainment. Her innocent presence is mixed with a very open and honest personality that can easily be related to, almost as if she were a close friend. At 13 years old, she created her YouTube channel, where she posted her covers of songs that she enjoyed. Her YouTube channel now has over 45,000 followers. Her debut EP, Four Pink Walls, will be released on August 28th, 2015.
Alessia Cara
Four Pink Walls:
01) Seventeen
02) Here
03) Outlaws
04) I’m Yours
05) Four Pink Walls
Her set at Bestival 2015 was her first time at a music festival, but won’t be her last. She will be performing in seven different cities over the next two months.