Thread Interview
Full Ali Blake - Thread Interview
Published March 3, 2020
By: VIRGINIE ONEPHITHAK
LA-based singer/songwriter Ali Blake released her new single "Witness” on February 28th.
Co-written with Eric McNeely and produced by Anton Söder and John Avila, the new single was initially written for her brother.
“The inspiration for “Witness” has to do with wanting to save my brother from pain and give him unconditional love. To do something and not merely be a witness to his pain as well as the pain of children around the world and in our country dealing with the immigration system,” explains Blake.
Blake has recently completed her new record titled Blood. Produced by Anton Söder and John Avila, Blood is a family concept album set to be released early this year.
Inspired by the likes of Nina Simone and Sia, the Chicago-native has become an empowering artist who delivers personal and powerful records.
“Witness” is now available worldwide.
What did you feel when writing "Witness"?
When first writing Witness I was actually in Atlanta at the time and was so inspired by the spirit and history of the place. How dark and alive it is from the history and the layers of pain, turmoil, beauty, protest, so many things. I was listening to Mahalia Jackson and she brought the intro melody out of me. From there it kept evolving and I felt alive, inspired, heart-broken, hopeful.
What message do you want to convey through this single?
The message I want to convey is that no matter how big or small the action we take is, we have unconditional love to give to these children. Through that we are led to more ways in which we can take some sort of action to make a difference in a child's life, whether that is simply being heard, getting them out of a detention center, lifting them from starvation, etc. We all need to be seen and heard and at one point we were all children. We always will be. And in this context I guess I was thinking of how being a witness sometimes feels like helplessness and not doing anything.
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Full Ali Blake - Thread Interview
