Event Highlights
I had the opportunity to join an intimate celebration for Alfiya Glow’s recent single release – a six-minute-long cinematic, melodic house soundscape titled “New Earth” – acting as her official debut on Enormous Tunes Records. The progressive house label is headed up in Zurich, Switzerland and most notably regarded for their collection of Nora En Pure’s EPs and single releases.
The “New Earth” Official Release Party was uniquely curated for enjoyment as a breath-taking and intimate live show officially hosted by Groove Cruise on their growing Cabin Fever Twitch channel.
Set at N360 Studios – which is located unsuspectingly in the offices of a construction site for a new venue space brings a first-of-its-kind creative space for artists across all mediums (not just music!). Experience unparalleled synergy and exposure from these virtual livestreams in a post-pandemic world. We now know this space to be Artist Rowand the N360 Group team graciously hosted the livestream event, while their media team, aka Killed With Kindness took the reins in operating the digital experience.
By way of Virtual DJ Stages while showing off their LIVE veejaying expertise, this surprisingly under-rated art form could be a new addition to artists’ touring. It’s more than a digital medium; it’s an art rooted in utilizing visual design to enhance the live music experience and requiring a veejay to stay on the pulse of the musician’s performance.
About Alfiya Glow
Journeys around the world are nothing new for the classically-trained, Russian-borne artist though – as she has already physically traveled across the world to bring her music to the States. It would be in the experience of taking roots in this new land, that she would undergo the major evolution that took her from playing an acoustic violin in an orchestra at Disney’s Concert Hall in Los Angeles, to the electric violin, captivating crowds at festivals like Electric Forest and small “unofficial” showcases in Austin during SXSW – a weeklong arts, film, and music event that takes over the entire city every March.
After years spent settling into her first home in the States (Philly) though, the multi-faceted artist followed an unexplained draw to (pay tribute to the Fresh Prince of Bel Air and) move to Los Angeles. It was a move that came less than a year ago, but after years of deliberation and maybe a paralyzing hesitation, unable to find confidence in going those extra 3000 miles to chase her dream.
Even with having the 8000 it already took her to get that far, it would never feel completely right until the abyss of 2020 hit. Both on stage and while discoursing 1 on 1 – Alfiya Glow is someone that pulls on your heartstrings with her undeniable passion for music and warm appreciation for human connection. So, it’s not surprising that within six months of her new chapter of life in LA, Alfiya has quickly proven to be someone dance music should be paying attention to. Alfiya Glow is an artist that can undeniably change how our dance community across the world will experience EDM in the future, and more impactfully – how the rest of the world will define EDM culture in the future.
While the move was critical for the exposure of her talents, she pays equal tribute to the solitude of the past year. The blessing in disguise provided a unique opportunity for reflection of her artistry, and purpose as a musician. Fortunately for everyone with ears, the time gave her confidence in what makes Alfiya Glow so unique and special to our scene.
Her snow white, electric violin.
And notable expertise in music production. While dance music has come a long way on stage, that becomes very different in the studio. Among the population of music producers today, less than 3% of them are woman. This statistical reality makes it jarringly apparent that we need to amplify the talents of artists like Alfiya Glow who breathe expertise of this craft – and most significantly, as not only a performer and artist, but also as a technically eloquent audiophile. “New Earth” perfectly offers this insight too, as the track’s entire list of credits belong to Alfiya, and Alfiya alone (for clarity, that means writing, production, instrumentation, vocals, sound engineering… and even pitching the final product to labels!)
______________________________________________________________________
[Interview] Following the private dance party, we were able to get some intimate time with Alfiya Glow to discuss her journey to a “New Earth”:
It’s so great to meet you! We’d like to start by asking how have things been since the lockdown? Any cool projects you’ve been working on or activities you did to keep busy?
Hi! So wonderful to meet you as well, thanks for having me. First, I want to acknowledge the difficult past year we’ve experienced as one humanity and my heart goes out to every person in the world who experienced and is still living and lingering in the hardships of the past year.
For me personally, the lockdown has been an eye opener, a blessing in disguise. As hard as it was in every way imaginable, that time in solitude allowed me to get really honest with myself on what is truly important for me as an artist. I had a moment to discover my life’s mission. Rather than distracting myself with new activities and hobbies, I chose to spend a lot of time meditating, journaling, reading, connecting with nature and making music.
You’ve said the music industry is unpredictable but the one thing we need is raw, intricate, and powerful instrumentation. We couldn’t agree more! What inspired you to create sounds paired with the electric violin?
So cool that you agree! Violin has been my life since I picked it up at 5 years old. And as I started transitioning from classical music to EDM it was a no brainer that she was going to transition with me. It was just the matter of finding the perfect blend between my two big loves – EDM + violin.
Congratulations on ‘New Earth’ and its release on Enormous Tunes. That is such a great milestone. What was your creative process behind making this track like?
Thank you! I remember having a strong impulse and inspiration to create that day, I didn’t have a clear idea or a melody in my head yet. But as I sat down to write, the music began to flow and a few hours later I had the track laid out. Once I was done with the instrumental part of it, as I was listening back I heard the ‘new earth’ lyric in my head, and that’s how my vocals ended up on the track too.
From Russia to LA, how has your musical journey changed?
Haha sometimes I think back on where I started musically and geographically and ask myself: “how did I end up here?” Fun fact, my first gig in the USA was at Walt Disney Concert Hall in LA. My musical journey has changed drastically as you can tell. It started with traditional Russian classical music training, after moving to the US I embraced an opportunity to explore other genres and learn new skills within music, and simply followed my heart. It took me to creating EDM music, sound for film and other cool projects. Most recently, I collaborated with a wonderful artist – Luna Maye, on an ambient custom track for W Hotel’s “AWAY” SPA.
You’ve played at Electric Forest, and opened up for many international prodigious artists. Are there any other events you would like to play?
Yes, I definitely have quite a few events I’d love to experience as an artist, Ultra Music Festival in Miami being one of them.
It’s so awesome that you’ve turned it for Google, Ferrari, McLaren, Dell, and many more luxury brands. Has the pandemic affect your performance plans at all? What will your approach be for coming back to live events?
Yes, pandemic has practically erased my performance calendar. However, it again gave me time and opportunity to start fresh and get clear on what types of live events I want to do moving forward. I’m not in a rush and trust that the path to playing live events that align with my vision will be revealed to me.
Is there an artist you would love to collaborate with?
Yes, so many! Nora En Pure, Worakls, Rufus Du Sol, Lane 8, NERVO are just a few of the wonderful artists I’d love to co-create with.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Any personal goals you have?
One of my personal goals is to travel and explore the world. I see myself healthy, happy, fulfilled on every level, surrounded by a loving community of friends and family, continuing my artistic mission that fulfills me and serves others in the highest way.
Lastly, are there any message you want to shout out to the universe?
YOU ROCK, UNIVERSE! Thank you for continuing to surprise me:)
ICYMI: Check out Alfiya’s livestream set on her uniquely designed VR stage, here. Stay tuned for Alfiya’s second single on the label, rumored to be coming out as early as July 9th.
Stream “New Earth” below:
Stay plugged in to her dancefloor takeover at: www.alfiyaglow.com
