Altsounds - Altsounds Interviews: With ... AYAH MARAR

Whether you know it or not, your ears have most likely already been graced by the unique voice of Ayah Marar. Born in Jordan and moving to London when she was 18, Ayah recorded her first pop song ‘Let me Know’ with Calvin Harris in 2004.

This collaboration laid the foundation for Ayah’s songwriting skills and she is now working with Calvin on his new record as well as putting the finishing touches to her own debut album. Her peerless voice is currently in high demand from producers and artists alike and you might also recognise her as the voice behind the chorus to Jack Penate’s recent hit ‘Tonight’s Today’ and forthcoming track ‘Be The One’

Ayah was more than happy to fill altsounds in on a little more info on herself ...

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[altsounds] How did you get started in the music industry?

[Ayah]I've always been involved in music in one way or another. My first ever record was with a pair or drum and bass producers who took a chance and put me on their track. It all took off from there really!

[altsounds] What was it like collaborating with Calvin Harris on your first pop song 'Let Me Know'?

[Ayah] It was pretty special. Calvin had built an MDF soundbooth in his tiny bedroom in our house and we locked ourselves in there in the height of the summer and recorded 'Let Me Know'. Neither of us had any plans for it originally but then an indie label picked up on it and asked if they could release it which was great news for us.

[altsounds] Your debut album is coming on along nicely?

[Ayah] Yes thanks! What I'm doing at the moment is writing as much as possible. Moods and directions change but it feels like I'm settling into a comfortable place with the writing and the sounds so it's all very exciting.

[altsounds] 'Tonight's Today' is a great catchy little tune, did Jack Penate call you up to feature on the chorus?

[Ayah]It was actually the connection between my manager and Paul Epworth, the producer. They have known each other for some time and Paul was keen to get me involved so it all went from there and I ended up in a studio with Jack, Paul and Florence to record the track.

[altsounds] To say your at the beginning of your career you have achieved quite a lot, have you worked hard for this? Or has it all just come together for you?

[Ayah] You know, if I hadn't worked for it, none of it would make sense. Of course there's an element of serendipity in it but on the whole I think that things happen for you when you put yourself out there and show people what you can do. I've put on nights, run a label, released a bunch of underground tracks and this has all naturally progressed towards a career in mainstream music. I want to learn to produce next too!

[altsounds] How did the Radio One Live Lounge performance go?

[Ayah] It was wonderful. It's a pleasure being around Jack and the band, they have a fantastic energy.

[altsounds] Do you get nervous for performances like that?

[Ayah] Not at all, it's where I feel most at home.

[altsounds] You seem to have a very varied style, what would you say is your favourite genre?

[Ayah] I've had different phases of styles of music that I like. Reggae will always be the love of my life, but it changes according to moods and seasons. I'm getting into my folk/guitar music at the moment. Loving the Bon Iver album.

[altsounds] What genre is your album?

[Ayah] I don't rightly know. It's just sounds that I love, so however they want to be interpreted is exactly my aim. I love my synths and heavy basslines but there's also quite a lot of live sound in there for good measure.

[altsounds] Having played the John Peel stage at Glastonbury , where you a big fan of him? Did you ever listen to his shows?

[Ayah] I got more into his show in the months before his death. I was so impressed with him supporting unknown artists. It was actually a friend of mine who put me on to him as he had started playing their tracks which were proper underground drum and bass joints.

[altsounds] Is radio quite a big factor in your life? I hear you have been working with Fabio & Grooverider on Radio 1?

[Ayah] Absolutely. Shamefully enough, I've been getting into talk radio quite a bit these days. I do a lot of driving and listen to a lot of music, so I like to listen to a bit of chat when I'm on the road.

I've known Fabio for years and he asked me to do the jingles for his show which they are still using years on.

[altsounds] What instruments do you play?

[Ayah] I learned to play the piano growing up and recently have been sinking my teeth into a bit of tambourine shaking. It's harder than it looks! Would love to pick up a guitar someday though.

And can you name …

[altsounds] A band that has influenced you to do something in the past year?

[Ayah] I've been listening to a lot of disco again recently. SOS Band, Womack & Womack and the like. A bit of that has been creeping into my song writing of late.

[altsounds] An event that has shocked you in the last year (and not MJ's death) …

[Ayah] I was hoping not to have to get too political, but all this government spending business got me pretty riled up. Shocking behaviour really.

[altsounds] The most famous person you have met …

[Ayah] Well, I don't know if you cold consider this a meeting, but I tripped over Eric Clapton in a hotel lobby once.

[altsounds] The best gig you have played / been to in the last year.

[Ayah] Has to be Glasto with Jack. It's been something I've wanted to do for a very long time and for the first time to be on the John Peel Stage was pretty special.

Went to see Raphael Saadiq at Indigo a couple of months ago too. He's such a legend and puts on a proper show.

[altsounds] A hotly tipped artist/band for '09 (apart from yourself obviously).

[Ayah] There's a killer electro-dance act coming through called BLACK & RED. Watch out for their first single 'Just A Fad'. It is massively good.

[altsounds] Is there anything else you would like to say?

[Ayah] Would it be completely inappropriate at this point to push my single?

MY SPY out now on iTunes and Limited 7”!

[Ayah] Thanks!

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Ayah Marar's new single is out now! Grab it while you can, this girl is going to be mahuuusive.

Check her out here: http://www.myspace.com/ayahmarar

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