IF YOU ARE WONDERING why you haven’t seen much of our Queen of Soca Alison Hinds for the season it’s because has been busy flying the Bajan flag and taking local music to the world. In the midst of a touring schedule that has covered places such as South California, Tampa Bay, Miramar, Philadelphia, Hollywood and Canada in recent weeks, the songstress still found time to sit down and chat with Easy magazine.
“It’s been really, really, really busy. I have lost track of a lot of the places I’ve been to already. I decided after a four-year break to go back to Trinidad this year for Carnival and that was a definite boost. It has been that much busier since then,” the multi-award winner said.
In a career that spans performing in countries which include South Africa, China, South Korea, Italy, Germany, Finland, Sweden, France, Holland, Denmark, Brazil, England, Guatemala, and the entire Caribbean, Alison is still amazed at how people respond to her.
“It’s a humbling feeling. It is truly amazing. When we were creating this music we had the intention of wanting to create music with longevity. But we didn’t know the music would last as long as it has. When I was in LA last weekend people were upfront shouting and screaming: Faluma. I cannot go anywhere and not sing certain songs. Tracks like Raggamuffin, Faluma, Roll It Gal and Iron Bazode are a must.”
The artiste has a YouTube channel that indicates which country the interest in her music is coming from. The United States has the highest numbers.
However, in places like Egypt and Iraq the numbers are increasing: “It leaves me speechless sometimes. This is what we hoped for. This is what we wanted when Square One was formed. We aimed for and we were able to do it. Andy could go and drop Kitty Kat or Plummer. These are songs that have become staples. They are classics,” said Alison, who has been on the scene for close to 30 years.
After starting out with the band Square One, Alison then later decided to go it alone. She gives much credit to the band for helping to shape her. However, she has no regrets about being a solo artiste.
“I have more flexibility and freedom as a solo artiste. I am now able to pursue what I want to pursue without having to consult with someone else.
“My manager and I, Van Gibbs, have a really good business relationship . . . . I have a team and I like to get input from them. I have more creative control . . . Everything comes down to me as to what I want to do. I’m the boss. It feels good to be the boss,” she said, laughing out loud.
“I did a show in Miramar, Florida, a couple weekends ago called Alison Hinds In Concert. It was in an auditorium, but it was not an unplugged set. I did have an unplugged segment though. I enjoyed being able to do what I do but relax in it. It wasn’t a hustle, hustle, ‘Everybody get on the stage. Everybody get off’ kinda thing. It was me talking to the audience in an intimate setting.
“There were people shouting things at me and cracking jokes. I want to do more of that. I want to do shows in an auditorium. Your fans get more of you. The vibe and energy on and off stage was good.”
The queen, who has has had the privilege of also making music other than soca while working with Caribbean artistes Machel Montano, Kevin Lyttle, Richie Spice, Shaggy and Jah Cure, has performed on local stages with Mr Vegas and more.
“I love what I do. I love singing. I love entertaining. Singing has been a part of my life, all my life. From a child I was in the choir at school. I want to be on stage for as long as I possibly can.”
Though rising to fame and enjoying the benefits of stardom, Alison remains committed to the art form and to local artistes. So much, that she is currently working with young singers Faith and Imani.
“I was at Sweet Soca Semis last Friday for them. I was there to keep them focused. I said to them keep your eyes on the prize. They are different personalities but it was a blessing to work with them. It feels good.”
Alison, the first Caribbean person to be chosen as a BPW [Business and Professional Women’s] goodwill ambassador, is very concerned about the future of the local industry and what some people are “passing off” as music. And, of course, she wants to see more women in soca.
“I am looking for new artistes that will make lasting and not disposable music.
“Why make music that no one wants to hear when the season is done? People can’t even remember the song you sang. You have to create music that leaves a good imprint, not a bad one. Something that is creative, that is witty. I am happy to see we are back to the groovy type soca, songs that tell a story . . . . Don’t ‘try ah thing’. Either you are in or out. For the time you are ‘trying’ it, give it your best at least.”
Amidst the hectic touring the 45-year-old has still produced music for this year’s Crop Over including Parade, Waterproof, and is currently thinking about what she will work on for Trinidad Carnival next year.
“I worked with De Red Boyz which was fun. My last release for the season is Addicted To Barbados written by Shaft [Jason Bishop] and produced by Monstapiece [Peter Coppin] and Terry Arthur.”
Not only is she finding time to make music, but she is also savouring this time with her family, especially husband Edward Walcott, who makes sure that all is well on the home front. Alison confessed to having that “peace of mind” and “comfort” when she is on the road, thanks to him.
“My husband is very supportive, and I in turn support him. Edward is awesome and an amazing father. He knew when he met me what I was doing. My mum and inlaws have been fabulous. The family support is amazing. When I am overseas I use WhatsApp, Skype. He does everything for our daughter [Saharan], even braid her hair,” she said with a huge smile.
Saharan, 11, who just wrote the Common Entrance Exam, passed for Queen’s College but is staying at St Winifred’s instead.
Apart from family, there are also a few things dear to her heart as well. She has worked with the Women’s Diabetes Association, Live UP HIV Awareness campaign, the BPW and anything that deals with women’s issues.
“I am always about women empowerment wherever I can. I recently did a performance with the UN in Guyana to boost the awareness of domestic abuse, which is very, very high in Guyana. They are going into the communities but they wanted someone like me to use my profile to help that fight.”
At one stage Alison had thoughts of becoming a professional model since she went to modelling school. She was also thinking about becoming a translator since she loves languages. But, she said entertaining gives her the opportunity to connect with people in a way none of those other career choices would have allowed.
Her fan base is so overwhelming that during the interview guests at Sandals Resort walked by shouting: “I love your hair”; “Hi Alison; “All the best Alison”; “Love you Alison” to which she smiled and politely said: “Thank you.”
But the most memorable moment was when we paused the interview to allow general manager of Sandals Joe Zellner to take a picture with the Britain-born queen. He was delighted.
“ . . . Without fans what is my point? My fans are part of me. They are a couple of times I had to drop off things at school for my daughter during lunchtime. One kid came and asked for an autograph, then two came, three came, then another five came . . . A teacher actually said, ‘Leave Ms Hinds alone she is not here for that . . .’.
“Everywhere I go I am inundated with the fans and people that have grown up listening to my music, young and old . . . People who are just excited about my music.
“It makes me feel good that after so many years people still respond to me the way they do. They gave me the title Queen of Soca. It’s an awesome feeling because it is a title that was given to me by the fans. It wasn’t something I manufactured myself so I try my best to live up to that title.”
