Music:
Member Since: 08/07/2007
Band Members: Writing is my passion. I do it because I love it. I do it because I was meant to do it. For as long as I can remember I’ve loved to write. I kept a diary as a little girl, scribbling in it my thoughts intermixed with little poems and story ideas-then I would hide it under my bed. It was my secret playground -and I could escape to it anytime I wanted to!
I love that words can be used to paint a picture and recreate an experience. Whether it be sexy, edgy, flitatious, or even expressing that you are mad as hell- there are so many ways to relay those feelings and emotions with words.
For so long I only considered my writing to be a hobby-a private past time for only my personal enjoyment. Reflecting back, I realize that deep down I was afraid, afraid to really go for something that pulled and tugged at me. I ignored my inner voice. I didn’t have the courage to follow my passion and pursue my dreams. Now, all of that has changed.
My writing is such a huge part of who I am. I am now courageously moving forward. While everyone dreams of wild success, I am wise enough to know that being deemed "successful" by others is not the goal. Being true to oneself is. At least, that is my goal-to embrace all of me-proudly-and the end result is really inconsequential.
FYI-I have written every song on this page. And FYI- I am not looking to be an artist. Many songs I have demoed out myself- but that too will soon change. I now have a talented vocalist I am working with whose incredible vocal gift can really do justice to my songs! and I am really excited about it!
In my quest for quality music to write to I have met many talented people here in Chicago and I want to take the time to name a few: A special thank you to Harvey Allbangers and P of J.A.W Entertainment, Trailblazers (Damian), Asa Watkins, Willie Eaglin, and D. Knowles for providing me with hot tracks. Thanks to Bethany Pickens (musician) and Marketa Allen (singer) for your hard work and hustle to get the Winner song done for Idol. Thanks to Chciago rappers, Bo Binez (you’re killing the game) and Mecca (the hottest female rapper ever) both of you came through and did ya thing!! Thanks to all my family and friends who have been so supportive of me in my pursuit of songwriting, especially my sisters who listen to my ideas and constant singing when I am in my creative process.
I am truly, truly blessed -and above all I humble myself in the ever-presence of the Lord. THANK YOU!!!
And finally, I thank you for listening! Feel free to leave me a message and I will respond. I admit, I am not on this everyday, but I do check it and get back with my myspace friends. Be encouraged in whatever you are doing, keep your eye on the prize and believe in yourself! You can do it!
Sincerely, Robin Ali
Chicago Songwriter
Influences:
When did you become a songwriter?
I’ve been writing since childhood. I have focused on songwriting for the past three years. For me, it was a natural progression. I have always loved to write and have a background in writing and singing. Songwriting is the perfect union of these two passions.
Who do you dream of working with in the industry?
There’s so much talent out there, it’s really inspiring. Right now I’m into fierce beats with heavy bass. I love Jazze Pha for that. In fact, I went to workshop hosted by WGCI here in Chicago and while I was in the lobby, I was given a BOO/Jazzy Pha single “Make it Rain†which I listened to everyday for a week. Jazzy has hypnotic beats that make you wanna move and shake what your mamma gave ya! I was definitely feeling it. Just for fun, I flipped the instrumental track and wrote a song called “Foolish†because I really felt an R&B female vocal could really just crush Jazze’s sick instrumental track. I sent it to Jazzy Pha and the verdict is still out. So, keep your fingers crossed for me!
JD, Missy Elliot, Timbaland, Puffy, and Scott Storch are the other talent giants that come to mind of the top. They just make one ridiculous hit after another. One must bow down. Period. Of course, the one and only, Kanye West, and the Good Music family are doing it big and rep Chicago all day everyday. I’d love to get down with them on a project!!!
There are a lot of female artists that I’d love to work with. Ciara, Faith, Kelly Rowland, Jennifer Hudson (yep, Chi-town!), all come to mind. My songs have a sexy, sassy edge to them and most often I’m telling the story from a woman’s point of view. I’m writing about things other women can relate to, and have probably gone through too. Sometimes when I write I even hear a specific female voice/artist in mind. There’s so much talent out there now, there’s no way for me to list all the female vocalists out there doing it big-that would be a really long list!
Is there a Down-side for you with your song-writing?
Yes. It’s hard to get a break and get an “in†in this business. EverDONOTBLOCKOURADSybody says you have to know someone and it’s tough. I also hate when I meet with people in the business and they aren’t professional. All attractive women don’t want to become half-naked video dancers and all women are not for sale. I admire anyone with a strong work ethic. I believe there is magic in the grind work. Some of my best ideas have come when I’m tired and I think the song has lost its direction. I regroup and take a coffee break and get right back at it. Something always comes to me during that time and I am thankful for those moments.
What’s Next for Robin Ali?
Writing, writing, and more writing...
I’m just doing my thing- I believe everything happens at the right time and place! I have a “girl group†song I wrote that I’m really excited about called Crush and I hope it gets picked up soon. I want to hear my songs on the radio. I can’t wait! I know I will just lose my mind!!!
I’m also in the process of revamping my catalog. I have a lot of songs. I’m working on getting them demoed so I can just play track after track for producers, label execs, etc.. That’s what I’m currently working on.
Thanks for checking me out! I hope you liked what you heard. Feel free to post a comment and I’ll get back at you.
I’m always open to taking beat/track submissions from producers and working with new vocalists. So get at me!
Type of Label: Major