Having already garnered tens of thousands of streams for his vibrant releases over the last few years, Iranian-American singer, songwriter and DJ Ali Rez has now returned to fold with his sweeping new delight 'Live Above Pollution'.
Channelling a wonderfully smooth and effervescent direction from start to finish, 'Live Above Pollution' makes for a wonderfully bold and inventive listen. Jam-packed with light and airy textures, married elegantly to his own otherworldly vocals, this new offering really stands out amongst his repertoire to date.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and influences over the years.
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What was the first band or artist you fell in love with?
The first artist I fell in love with was 2Pac. I was probably like 8 or 9 years old. There was something about his music, his attitude that I gravitated towards. But I also connected a lot to his soft side – the songs he made about growing up in challenging circumstances, trying to help his community, or overall just being a good dude.
Anyone of my childhood friends knows I was a big 2Pac Stan lol. I definitely believed he was still alive and faked his own death. But sadly, he’s gone. Also I was always a big fan of his acting – and my favourite movie of all time is “Juice” where he plays “Bishop.” I can probably recite most of the lines from that movie.
Did you ever form a band when you were younger and if so, what did they sound like?
No, I wasn’t in a band growing up. But I actually wrote and performed a lot of poetry. I would do an open mic in Queens often. I think the first time I performed at an open mic I was 15 years old. I actually performed at the Nuyorian Poets Café for a Poet Slam they did with the Knicks. That was a lot of fun.
What has been your primary inspiration in writing music?
To encourage & Inspire others to live up to their full potential and fulfil their purpose in life. I am in a position to use my voice and create music to use my voice and bring attention to things that I think are important. Over the years I’ve learned that writing music, recording music, is therapy for me. It helps me release energy that builds up inside me at times. So I really enjoy the process.
What is a song you wish you had written yourself?
This is a really hard question – but probably Yung Lean “Agony” or “Red Bottom Sky.”
If there was any moment in your career you could relive, what would it be?
A recent performance at the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn, NY. I really enjoy performing and hope to perform more in 2022 & beyond.
Which artist would you most love to share a stage with?
Moby, Yung Lean, Pharrell, Blood Orange/Dev Hynes or Kid Cudi.
And is there an artist you would love to collaborate with as well?
Really want to collaborate with Moby– I’d be happy if it was just on either production work or even just signwriting together. That would be dope. He recently inspired me to get an “Animal Rights” tattoo!
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
Touring either the United States or a world tour. Organising monthly hikes/retreats with Youth around the states – get in nature, reconnect, camp, etc. Doing some music supervision work – either for a movie or TV Show. Gardening and being outside more in general. And working with local nonprofits as an advisor – blending my music and passion to better the community.
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Ali Rez's new single 'Live Above Pollution' is available to stream now. Check out the new video for it below.