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April 15, 2008
Hard work pays off for Multi-talented Alaine
By: Joseph Cunningham
ALAINE, singer, songwriter and actress, studied classical piano for four years and began writing songs at a very early age. Her talents as a singer and actress were recognized while she was a child and it secured her roles in numerous Jamaican television programmes and commercials, radio jingles, and theatrical productions. At age nine she became a Red Cross Ambassador, performed in several cabaret shows and national events. She hosted a popular children's television show and landed herself a role in the movie "Clara's Heart" starring Whoopi Goldberg.
After graduating with an honors degree in Management and Psychology, Alaine moved to New York where she juggled working in an Investment Bank (JP Morgan) while pursuing her musical career. She sang hooks for Roc-A-Fella recording artist, Cam'Ron, in the songs, "Live My Life" (Leave Me Alone) from the album "Come Home With Me" (Roc-A-Fella 2002), and "Yeo" from "Music Inspired by Scarface" (Def Jam, 2003).
After receiving two promotions at JP Morgan, she no longer had the time to dedicate to her music career and so had to choose between the security of a full time job and the uncertainty that came with pursuing music. She took a leap of faith and chose to return to Jamaica to pursue music full time.
Since returning to Jamaica in July of 2004 Alaine has worked with some of the islands top producers including the internationally acclaimed producers, Sly & Robbie and Donovan 'Don Corleon' Bennett.
Her music is a mixture of traditional Jamaican Dancehall/Reggae rhythms combined with writing and vocal arrangements that showcase her R&B/Hip Hop influences. Her song "No Ordinary Love" charted on several Reggae Charts from across the world including, New York, Florida, Japan, Europe and the Caribbean. The music video topped the charts on MTV, Tempo's Cross Caribbean Countdown for several weeks and became the first video by a female reggae artist to be retired from the countdown on one of Jamaica's biggest video request shows, E-Strip.
Her song "Deeper" is featured on "Kingston 5" (Sony Europe 2005) and "Strictly the Best Volume 36" (VPRecords 2007). "Wine" has been featured on "Strictly the Best Volume 5" (VP Records 2007) and "The Biggest Ragga Anthems for 2006"(Greensleeves Records). Her singles "Heavenly" and "Jah Jah Cry" were included in the compilation for "Biggest Reggae One Drop Anthems 2006" (Greensleeves).
"Love Sound," her collaboration with Beres Hammond is featured on Sly and Robbie's Grammy nominated "Rhythm Doubles" album (Taxi Records 2006). "Dreaming of You" (featuring, Beenie Man), "Rise In Love," "I Love You," (featuring Busy Signal) and "Sacrifice," among others, are in rotation across the world. Alaine performed at Reggae Sumfest to positive reviews.
A music video for her single "Sacrifice," directed by top Jamaican director Ras Kassa was recently released and it is the title track on her new album, "Sacrifice," that is now complete and in stores. The track displays her sweet voice coupled with her excellent song writing skills; forming a perfect combination of creativity and unforgettable sound.