Alicia Dara was born in Vancouver, B.C. to a family of symphony musicians. The family record collection had but one rock album, The Beatles' "Abbey Road," and Alicia's devotion to this record quickly earned her the role of black sheep. Her defection from years of classical training was sure to follow.
During her teens at an NYC conservatory, Alicia studied hard while secretly plotting her escape from the rigidity of music school. Ever the non-conformist, she shocked classmates by moonlighting at night as a session singer and back-up vocalist in some of the city's loudest bars. Fortunately she was able to gain valuable stage experience and exposure in these historic venues. She left New York a free woman in '95 with a graduation certificate and a guitar. Both items survived the trip cross-country to Seattle, where she currently resides. She started her own label, Stegosaurus Records in '97, and taught voice lessons by day while playing out at night.
Seattle was still recovering from the aftermath of the "grunge explosion," but Alicia's searing vocals and electrifying charisma cut through the murk and carved a substantial following. A 5-song EP entitled "Thrive" was released locally on Stegosaurus in '97 and recieved airplay on 103.7 FM The Mountain, a commercial station, during Kelly Wright's "Sunday Brunch," a weekly show featuring local up-an-comers.
Alicia's talent is now opening some incredible doors. Her songs garnered her a coveted place in the 1999 Lester Still Songrwiter's Workshop, held in ASCAP's L.A. offices, where she spent the month of January in classes led by the likes of legends Jackson Browne and Michelle Shocked. She returned home to Seattle in time to finish her latest offering, a full-length CD called "Toys."
Alicia Dara "Toys" showcases a stunning voice and a gifted songwriter. The ten songs chosen for this record were culled from an impressive catalogue of over two hundred songs. Alicia also handled all guitar duties and co-produced the CD with multi-instrumentalist Kirk Jamieson. Comparisons to the music of Kate Bush and the late Jeff Buckley indicate this record is a stand-out from the usual post-post-indie fare. The lead-off track, "Virgin Kiss," boasts a surging rythmic pulse worthy of a much more mature musician. The same ear also created luscious vocal harmonies that bloom effortlessly in all the right places. Songs such as "Firesign," with its laid-back groove and exploding chorus, and "Magnolia," with its odd meter and haunting narrative evoke a shimmering passion. "Caressive" highlights Alicia's heart-stopping vocal beauty, with a simple arrangement that belies the confident vision of the artist.
"Toys" takes the listener on a journey from determined surrender to blissful celebration; one that is whole-heartedly shared by the singer. Clearly, Alicia Dara is headed for breakthrough success, with enough energy and integrity to sustain a life-long career. Without a doubt, she is the real thing.
