You may not know the young talented Alih Jey just yet (think Alanis Morrissette), though you might have already heard her big single "Ingrata." The track, released on her debut album "Necia" has gotten such praise that Jey is nominated for a 2008 Latin GRAMMY for Best rock vocal. NocheLatina got a little personal with the singer, for your sake of course.
nocheLatina: What's been the coolest thing you've experienced since the release of your debut album?
Alih Jey: Well, this doesn't seem like a big deal, but it is to me! A friend of mine got into a cab in my home country, Dominican Republic, and they got into a traffic jam. The taxi driver says, "this traffic jam is like Alih Jey." My friend goes, "What? How do you mean?" The taxi driver says, "Necia." (The name of my album, which means Stubborn).
nocheLatina: Is there a particular city, or venue in the U.S. that you wish to perform in?
Alih Jey: I'm dying to go back to San Francisco... it's one of the best shows I've done!
nocheLatina: Who influenced you growing up?
Alih Jey: My dad, Juan Luis Guerra and George Michael!
nocheLatina: Name five artists on your iTunes right now?
Alih Jey: Feist, Nina Simone, Rufus Wainwright
nocheLatina: Where do you plan to go on your next vacation
Alih Jey: Dominican Republic(my home country).
nocheLatina: What's the last good movie you saw?
Alih Jey: The Dark Knight.
nocheLatina: Describe your music to someone who's never heard it.
Alih Jey: If the girl from The Cranberries were Dominican and was influenced by Gustavo Cerati and Hanson.
nocheLatina: You're getting tons of attention at the moment, especially with your Grammy nomination. Tell me what you're experiencing at the moment?
Alih Jey: I'm on a roller-coaster right now! What with going to school full time and the album media tours, it's a bit hectic but all worth it. I'm so happy that this album is getting the recognition it's getting after all the hard work that was put into it.... so I don't mind the craziness.
nocheLatina: What about your fashion sense. Is that a big deal for you?
Alih Jey: You don't know the mission I've had to go through. I've never been very fashionably inclined, but I've realized that when you're in pictures and on TV often, it kind of begins to matter! I've been getting more interested in it, starting to explore different looks. And I think I'm on my way!
nocheLatina: What artists influenced you, fashion wise?
Alih Jey: I like Chloe Sevigny and Zoe Deschanel.
nocheLatina: And where do you do your most shopping?
Alih Jey: I like Urban Outfitters and certain vintage stores. Nordstrom has great basics.
nocheLatina: What's one thing that would surprise fans to know about you?
Alih Jey: I'm shy.
