Finding Spirituality and Liberty with ALPHAMAMA
For many musicians projecting themselves in and outside of music doesn’t come naturally. In many cases, it often becomes one or the other. Eager to show the world she cannot be stopped, by being open, honest and free, ALPHAMAMA effortlessly does both. She channels the inner goddess that many people only wish to attain, and she’s more than happy to assist others in also reaching that high. Her music comes as medicine, healing with smooth RNB vocals, infectious pop and a badass rap flow, it’s her only cure to keep going in the music industry.
We sit down with ALPHAMAMA to chat about the challenges of being a woman in the music industry, healing with her father, and how vulnerability is a super power.
You project Oil & Water is one that many people can relate to, do you ever find yourself doubting whether to release something so personal?
Not really. For some reason, vulnerability is a super power for me. I really love going deep into myself and sharing what I find as honestly as I can. If I don't feel moved by what I'm writing then I won't be able to stand by it.
On your singles and social media you aren't afraid to be yourself, did this take you a while to find your voice so to say?
Well, I'm 35. I've had time to grow and mature. When I turned 30 I felt so relieved. Like finally I can just be me and not answer to anyone. I've had to work really hard to free myself from strict religious dogma and controlling men in my life. So it's important for me to honour the freedom I have. I think about all of the women who are still oppressed and silenced. And I try to honour them by using my freedom and privilege to the best of my ability.
You also run other projects on the side, could you tell us about it?
I am a spiritual healer and coach. I use a modality called The Spiral and I take women on deep emotional journeys to transform their lives and heal past traumas. I also mentor young women artists and help them get their shit together and put records out. I'm constantly creating different programs and courses for women to solve their life problems from money issues to self love issues.
Have you ever encountered issues with being an artist/business women in the music industry?
It's definitely a challenge. Having to play all the roles and generate your own income constantly. Especially as a single mum. I make a lot of my money through social media and so I'm very visible and outspoken. I know that a lot of people in the music industry judge and criticise me for this but I have learned to not let anyone's opinion of me stop me from doing what I want to do. It is still a very cliquey industry and I miss a lot of opportunities because of my gender, my age and my personality. But I love what I've created and I will continue to create my own opportunities and share them with other women. That's how I roll.
What advice would you give to the younger artists who are keen to get into music? Especially in Australia and to people of colour.
My advice is, put your whole self into it. Work on your craft as much as you can because talent and skill don't lie. Find mentors who will love and support you and teach you what they know. If anyone around you makes you feel incapable or invalidated, put them in the bin. Sometimes you closest friends and family are the ones that try to hold you back the most. Be ruthless in protecting your energy and your gifts. Your gifts are God. If you're already marginalised, dig deep into your story and be authentic. Don't try to impress the world by putting on a mask. Be uniquely you. Authenticity is rare and hot as fuck
With an Indonesian background, have you ever had any cultural differences with being a musician? For example did you always garner your parents support?
I didn't speak to my dad for almost 3 years because he didn't support my music dream. He kicked me out in a rage one time and I didn't come home for 3 years. I had to do it for my own heart. His religious and cultural traditions made him feel like I was doing the wrong thing and he couldn't accept me for who I wanted to be. I've since done a lot of deep spiritual work to heal our relationship and we are on really great terms now. It took time for me to learn how to build a healthy relationship but it was worth it.
What stimulates your soul?
For me, being able to facilitate someone's healing, transformation or a moment of true and wild beauty is what stimulates my soul the most. Singing from the deepest place with women I love will always be my most potent medicine.