ALI HANDAL – AN ARTIST SPOTLIGHT & INTERVIEW
By Ralph Beauchamp
Ali Handal has just released her new full length entitled Slow Burn. Ali Handal‘s sound is an intoxicating mixture of blues-driven rock, soulful intonations and funky soundscapes. Her music is cemented with her distinctive guitar prowess and her vibrant vocals. With a style that combines raw energy with bluesy warmth, she brings authenticity and vigor to her musical universe. Her funky spirit and powerful songwriting creates a sound that is both original and timeless.
With Slow Burn, Ali Handal turns up the heat. She cradles an indominable chemistry of rock & rock and dynamic blues which in turn delivers an unstoppable sonic barrage. Sizzling vocals, charismatic rhythms, potent harmonies and driving guitars give the album its electric identity. Every track has a distinct flavor yet the record still maintains an absolute cohesiveness. The album was mixed by Grammy-winning producer/engineer Ross Hogarth and co-produced by Ali with four-time Grammy-winning engineer Seth Atkins Horan.
On Slow Burn, Ali Handal captures a confidence that catapults her into new creative territory. The album features special collaborations including comedian and actor Marc Maron trading guitar solos with Handal on “High Road” and renowned violinist Scarlet Rivera. These collabs enhance the record’s aural landscape while still maintaining its organic ambiance. Slow Burn is an invitation to turn up the volume and enjoy the passion and excitement that is Ali Handal.
Ali Handal was kind enough to sit with AMP for this in-depth interview.
AMP: You’ve been described as bringing together blues-rock grit, big riffs and emotionally honest songwriting. How would you describe your sound in your own words?
ALI: It depends on the song. I live with so many different genres. But I can tell you, there will always be a guitar part. Gosh, my music always changes. I have so many influences from Carole King to James Brown. I don’t think I have a truly definitive sound.
AMP: Your guitar playing can be fiery and aggressive but there’s also a strong melodic quality to it. When you’re soloing, are you thinking more about telling a story or creating a feeling?
ALI: It’s more of a feeling and a sound. It’s never about the story. Every solo has its own vibe and energy.
AMP: What is different about Slow Burn from your previous albums? What were you trying to do this time that you hadn’t done before?
ALI: There’s a lot more slide guitar on this record. I tried to fit the album into a particular genre, specifically blues rock. That’s something I haven’t worked on much in the past. Also, it’s my first vinyl release and it feels so incredible to actually hold it in my hands. I got chills when I opened up the box. Going back to the question, I really wanted Slow Burn to have a unifying factor even though it is hard to label my music because it tends be be all over the place.
AMP: What did you learn about yourself while making this record?
ALI: That I can drive people crazy because I don’t stop till I get what I want. In addition, I tried to be as diplomatic as possible in the studio while still trying to get my way which actually worked. It took a long time to get everything right but I finally realized that quality supersedes speed.
AMP: Were there songs on this album that were practically difficult – or practically liberating – to record?
ALI: Ahh!! There were some songs that were difficult to record but they didn’t even make it on the album. Some songs didn’t flush out properly. This record wasn’t recorded in the tradition scenario. We weren’t all present in the studio at the same time. A lot of the arrangements were recorded remotely. I knew the sound that I wanted and when I was in the studio, I went through the playback and edited the tracks from there. If I felt schematically that it didn’t work, it was shelved.
In terms of difficult to record, “Slow Burn” wasn’t easy. I had to edit all the adlib vocals at the end of the track., We had two different backup singers come in who did an incredible job and they sang all over the track. We had to find the right mix that worked for the song which turned out to be quite hard. That’s the kind of post production I enjoy but it could be exhausting. As far as liberating, having finished the entire album was liberating. Completion was my emancipation.
AMP: You’ve always put a lot of personality into your lyrics. How important is humor, attitude or a little bit of provocation in your songwriting?
ALI: Very important but not in every song. Humor is very significant. Putting my personality as an artist into my writing is everything.
AMP: How did those collaborations come about and what did each bring to the music?
ALI: With Scarlet Rivera, I grew up listening to Bob Dylan’s album, Desire. My dad introduced me to the record, practically “Hurricane” about Hurricane Carter. That’s how my dad taught me about racism. Rivera’s violin is all over that song. It is so haughtily beautiful. When I was recording “Perennial”, it was the last song I wrote for Slow Burn. I wanted to showcase a woman older than me. It ended up asking Scarlet to play violin and I was so thrilled when she agreed. I explained to her how important her history was to me. It was amazing to have her in the studio. She was a marvelous person.
As far as Marc Maron is concerned, he inspired “High Road” with something he said on his hit WTF podcast. When it came to record, I heard he was playing a lot of guitar. I’ve admired his comedy for a long time and I’m a huge fan. When he agreed to be in the song and the music video, I was over the moon.
AMP: What would you tell a young woman who loves guitar but is intimidated by the idea of walking into a room of male musicians?
ALI: Go to a Rock Camp for Girls. I volunteer at one. It’s such an empowering experience I know it can be very intimidating. I’ve experience that same situation especially early in my career. Now, most of the musician I associate with are male but in retrospect I’ve become more confident in my ability. The only way to conquer your fear is to go out there and just do it. Push yourself! Be prepared and be brave.
AMP: You’ve performed with and around some remarkable musicians. Has there been a particular artist or musician who changed the way you think about performing?
ALI: There have been so may artists that have influenced my music but I’m not sure I’ve played on stage with any of them. Led Zeppelin changed my life in the biggest way. It was because of them that I changed my primary instrument from piano to guitar. That was definitely my biggest change ever.
AMP: What do hope people understand about Ali Handal after listening to Slow Burn?
ALI: I don’t care if they understand anything about me. Maybe they learn something about themselves or life. That’s my highest goal. Boy, doesn’t that sound cheesy. I just want to spread kindness, love and self acceptance.
AMP: If Slow Burn was a place, a color or a late night scene, what would it be like?
ALI: Hmm! Interesting! My husband says turquoise but I see more of a jazz lounge with everyone just vibing at two in the morning. Let’s make it a turquoise jazz lounge. That works.
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