AR Views
Interview with Alicia Sully - 2006-01-21
AR4
How did you get started as a folk singer?
Alicia
Well, I don't really consider myself a folk singer. I haven't really thought about what genre my music would be. I guess folk fits. As far as getting started with singing and playing guitar, I used to play piano, but stopped taking lessons after 8 or 9 years and still wanted to play an instrument. I'm not sure how I decided I wanted to play guitar. I just kind of did. I bought a cheap second hand guitar and just taught myself. The internet is a wonderful thing.
AR4
What inspires your lyrics?
Alicia
My lyrics are all based on my life, some more loosely than others. The literal meaning of my songs isn't always things that have actually happened to me, but the feeling behind it is always personal.
AR4
Who has been your greatest influence?
Alicia
I have had a lot of influences. It's hard to choose the greatest. I really look up to artists like Jeff Buckley, Bob Dylan, and basically anything I've listened to. I'm sure it all plays a role.
AR4
I'll give you the opportunity to ban another artist from the earth... who will it be?
Alicia
Hmm... you know what? I really don't think I'd ban anyone. As long as somebody likes their music, what's the harm?
AR4
Do you have any immediate plans for an album release?
Alicia
God, I wish. I don't have the money or the time right now, seeing as I'm a full-time university student. Maybe in a couple of years.
AR4
There's no doubting the importance of a backup plan. Stay in school kids! Oh, and don't do drugs and all that.
AR4
Aside from musical ventures, what is your favorite activity for wasting away the day?
Alicia
I like to draw and paint and all that fun artsy shit. Aside from that, I love just hanging out with friends, as cliche as it sounds.
AR4
Not only can Alicia dazzle us on stage, but she can do so while drawing your characerture between chord progressions!
AR4
What instrument(s) or studio device is on your wishlist?
Alicia
Man, everything. All I own is a guitar, a harmonica, a laptop and a microphone. I would semi-secretly love to learn to play the banjo.
AR4
Who would you love to record a track with, living or deceased?
Alicia
Bob Dylan, for sure. But who wouldn't? Maybe Jason Mraz. His earlier stuff was great, and I can really see us making some awesome music. As long as he wouldn't let the producers over-produce it to no end, like his last couple of albums (I still love him).
AR4
What is the best part of playing live for you?
Alicia
I like sing-alongs and clap-alongs. I love playing songs that everyone knows, and it would be even more awesome if those songs were ones I had written. Dream come true.
AR4
Why do I doubt you have a mosh pit at your shows....
AR4
Any upcoming shows you would like to mention?
Alicia
Nothing booked so far, but I often play open mic nights (sunday nights) at Cargo and James, on Whyte Ave in Edmonton. It's an awesome little tea house, check it out.
AR4
Whyte Ave is an excellent hotspot for talented artists such as yourself.
AR4
Thanks for your time Alicia, and good luck in the coming years!
AR4
You can find a samples of Alicia's work via her website at http://www.myspace.com/aliciasully