Make sure to check out Alana Belmont in the February 2013 issue of Amped Asia.
So I heard you were Vinnie’s roommate (singer, songwriter Vinh Pham)?
I was. We lived together with 2 other guys back in his condo in scarborough.
How was that?
Living with 3 dudes haha was pretty chill. We’d have weekly team meetings.
That seems like a weird arrangement. Didn’t they ever hit on you?
I was dating one of them at the time.
Ah, that makes more sense.
Vinnie was pimpin girls on a nightly basis whom I’d have awkward convos with the next morning. That boy has game.
Should’ve asked him for some tips when I interviewed him. Haha.
Haha yeah definitely. I’m sure he would’ve liked that.
Anyways, the reason we were all living together was because we were a music production team called Triple City Entertainment.
How’d you get into this group?
Funny story, I actually met vinh through my then ex-boyfriend in Montreal. I was just finishing my first year at University and my ex-boyfriend met him at a club through mutual friends. He told him about me and how I’d wanted to get involved in the music biz. I met his group and they were impressed with my vocal abilities and they asked me if I was interested in working with them. But I had just arrived in Montreal for school, and prior to that meeting my goal was to finish school first.
These guys were on the verge of moving to Toronto where the real opportunities are. I thought about it over the course of a few days and decided to take a year off school and move thereto really get a feel of how music is made.
In my one year in Toronto, I learned how to write a hit song, how beats are made, how songs are recorded, what kind of equipment are used at industry level, and how tracks are mastered.
Which song are you most proud of currently?
My favorite songs are Another Mistake, Words I Should Have Said, Last Chance, All I See Is You. But I’m kind of proud of most of my works.
When did you begin singing?
When I was 7. First time I heard “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion, I loved it. I was born in China and came to Canada at age 9. Before Celine, I’d sing but I never really liked any Chinese music at the time – so when my mom came back from a conference in New York and brought me a Titanic soundtrack I fell in love instantly.
I remember performing that at my school talent show in grade 2 and all these white people came up to me and started talking to me in English but I didn’t understand a single word they were saying because I didn’t actually speak any English then. I was just really good at mimicking how Celine sang it.
So is your singing career what you’re trying to pursue professionally right now?
Yes, but only half-assedly at the moment because I’m a fulltime student at mcgill. I plan on moving back to Toronto or LA once I obtain my bachelors. It has been really eye-opening. I used to think that it was so easy to be an artist, but then you start writing your own material and you realize how much work goes into creating a successful song. When I was younger I thought you know, someone comes along and “discovers” you and then you get assigned tracks with lyrics already written. But I guess I’m talking about a different era in the music industry when big record labels were still thriving now in this digital era, it’s very different.
What are the biggest challenges for you in your singing career?
At this very moment, it’s not being able to invest 100% in my music because school is very demanding and take up a lot of my time.
So if you can’t become a professional singer, what would you do as your job?
I MUST become a singer, but after my music career (when I’m 40), I think I’d want to get into therapy. Actually, I’m fully prepared to be a lyricist first. That is usually how people break into the scene these days, but if that doesn’t pay, counselling will be my day job.
What’s the craziest thing that you’ve ever done?
Dropping out of school and moving to a city where I didn’t know anyone, and then being temporarily disowned by my mom.
What are you studying in college right now?
Psychology.
Why psychology?
Because i’ve always been fascinated by people. Why they do certain things. What motivates them, why we’re all so different. I like to help people too. Sounds so cliche but its trueI’ve always been the one in every friendship circle to be the therapist that everyone runs to for their personal issues.
And when do you graduate?
If all goes smoothly, winter semester of ’14, but until then I’m still writing everyday and recording demos whenever I have time.
I’m currently working with another group called SiK Productions
Did you write all the songs I see on your reverbnation?
Yes, except the ones that have “COVER” in the title.
So you wrote the song entitled “Perfect Stranger”?
Yes. I wrote that.
Tell me about that song. It sounds like you’re about to have a one night stand.
Hahaha. It’s about being at a club and meeting a person who you have an instant connection with you and you just want to enjoy being in the moment. Being spontaneous.
So has that happened to you before?
No haha. I don’t have one night stands.
Haha, so the song is all a lie!
It’s not about me though haha. I often write songs as different alter egos. I sometimes base my songs on something that happened to someone I know, or something I’ve dreamt about, or something I fantasize about hehe.
I’m just imagining you having a ton of one night stands now after that song.
LMAO. No my life is way too boring haha. But HEY! just because it hasn’t happened yet doesn’t mean it won’t.
To the topic of “instant connections.” What do you think triggers an instant connection with a guy?
When a guy has substance. When he knows what he’s talking about, and isn’t full of shit. When he has something in common with me and takes a genuine interest in what I’m saying.
Good advice. Usually girls just say…
Let me guess. “Confidence.”
Yeah or “humor.”
I’m just like …really? I’ve met tons of guys with confidence but they’re empty as ****. Yeah confidence is great, but I look for a guy with a brain.
Do you think you can find love at the club?
Yes.
From a random stranger?
Everyone’s a stranger until you get to know them.
I mean, my best friends were at one point a complete random to me. I think it might be less common to find love at a club because most people go there looking for only physical things but I do think it is possible.
So let’s say a guy thinks you’re cute at the club, and wants to start a conversation, how should he do it so he’s not creepy?
Hi, I’m (insert name) *extend hand*
I don’t think that will work.
Oh well. Haha.
Currently are you single?
No lol.
Facebook says you’re in a complicated relationship with another female.
She’s my friend, but she wants me. Totally.
When did you realize you had bisexual tendencies?
You know what I’m actually bisexual, and I do not mean that in the woohoo look at me I’m kissing a girl at a house party kind.
In grade 12, I started developing feelings for one of my girl friends at the time. She was a lesbian though, and we dated for about half a year.
How did that relationship go?
It ended because I moved to montreal (party city) and I didn’t want to be in a relationship. You’re supposed to be single in first year.
Let’s talk about your boyfriend then, what attracted you to him?
What first attracted me to him was his personality. He’s very down to earth like meand super chill. We just got along very well, and we’re both idiots. I’ve had many tumultuous relationships in the past. With a lot of drama. The men have always been super insecure when it comes to me. He’s very self-assured, and he trusts me.
Why do you make guys so insecure?
Lol.
Is it your activities in the club?
I don’t think it’s me though! i think I just attract insecure men. I have a radar for them.
I also think it’s because I’m a free spirit and I don’t do what I’m told.
What are your biggest turn offs?
Ignorance, intolerance, arrogance, and self-righteousness.
Make sure to check out Alana on Reverbnation and SoundCloud.
Photos by Christian Peterson.
Written by kevinhype