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Alina Smith did not grow up listening to R&B. Still, the 19-year old singer/songwriter, raised on classical music, undeniably has soul. Voice alone – never mind her songwriting talent – puts the young artist in the select company of singers who touch people’s hearts. Blending genres like Soul, R&B, Pop and Funk, her songs are a deep reflection of her exciting, out-of-the-ordinary life.

Alina was born and grew up in St. Petersburg, Russia. Living in a rough part of the city, she stayed inside her parents’ small apartment most days. Her mother, a school teacher and an amateur actress/opera singer, made sure that those days were spent well. At 2 Alina learned to read and write, at 3 she started singing, at 4 she was speaking English and painting and at 5 - writing poetry and short stories. Alina’s childhood was happy, except for her father sometimes being mentally abusive to her and her mother. “I used to be angry at him and wish for a normal dad” – says Alina –“But I learned to accept him, because he made me who I am now. ”

Alina’s music journey started at the age of 6, when she applied for a scholarship in one of the best St. Petersburg Music Academies and was accepted. At the same time she was invited to the world renowned Vaganovsky Ballet School, but had to turn down the offer. While studying piano at the Music Academy, Alina was a member of the choir “Aurora”, the youngest ever to be admitted to the prestigious group, and the only one invited to sing solo. “Aurora” toured all around Europe, singing songs of various genres and languages: French, German, Spanish, ancient Russian and even Latin! When not on tour, Alina performed as a solo artist and in various pop groups, and has won first prizes in many competitions.

From the age of 14, Alina began composing and performing her own music. Not being exposed to hardly anything but Russian Pop, she struggled to find her identity as an artist. Her favorite singer at that time was Michael Jackson. “I was so obsessed with him” – laughs Alina – “I’d turn on a tape of his videos, throw on a guy’s suit and jump around, thinking I was a good dancer!”

It was Michael Jackson’s music that brought Alina together with her husband Brad. In 2003, Brad, who was coming to Russia that summer, came across Alina’s web-site. He happened to have a book of Jackson’s sheet music signed by the artist himself, so after reading Alina’s bio, where she raved about being Jackson’s fan, he wanted to meet with her. “When we met, he brought me the signed book as a Birthday present. I loved my gift, but I ended up loving the man who brought it much more. The moment I laid my eyes on Brad, I knew I was gonna marry him!”

Alina’s life changed dramatically since her moving to the US in 2004, as did her musical style. She headlined the "Most Promising New Artist Showcase" at the Young People’s Entertainment Expo held annually in Las Vegas; formed, wrote songs for and helped choreograph a trio performing under the name Enspyre; sang with a band X-Factor and internationally renowned singers Lani Misalucha and Martin Nievera. Being exposed to new types of music, her creativity flourished. Now Alina has a catalog of over a 100 compositions, and it’s growing every day. Her songs evolved lyrically as much as they did musically. “When I was younger I used to write about boys and partying. I never knew those things, but I thought that I had to write about them to be commercially acceptable. Now I understand that the best thing to do is to just be myself.”

In her debut EP, coming out this summer, Alina gives listeners a sneak peak into her world, talking about love, men, feelings, and life the way she sees it.

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