On the occasion of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women which occurs on November 25th, the singer-songwriter, author and performer Alice Alison took part in an important double event in Genoa.
In fact, on Saturday 22nd, in the afternoon he took part in the event Happening Wall of Dollsexactly Wall of Dolls – permanent installation against violence against women present in various cities, which has now become a non-profit organization – in Piazza De Ferrari and was subsequently among the protagonists of Break the Silenceprivate charity evening promoted by ONLUS Wall of Dolls to support the fight against violence against women and celebrate the daily commitment of tireless volunteers who offer support, listening, protection and hope to those fleeing from abusive situations.
We met Alice to tell us how she experienced this important day and also talk about her new single Je ne vois plus released on October 17th, distributed by Altafonte x The Orchard, written in collaboration with Diego Esposito and produced by Giovanni Antonicelli.
Alice, thank you so much for being here with us. I would like to start the chat with you by immediately asking you what the experience was on Saturday 22 November in Genoa, that is, singing at the Wall of Dolls and at the Charity Dinner that followed at the Hotel Bristol.
Thanks to you! It was incredible. That day was also the day after the death of my favorite singer, Ornella Vanoni, and to remember her by singing Holy cheer it was truly magical. Seeing all that energy emanating from so many women stopping in admiration was a wonderful moment.
What is the effect of performing in a symbolic “place” like Wall of Dolls, in the heart of Genoa? (for those who don't know the city, Wall of Dolls is on the facade of the Palazzo della Regione and is adjacent to one of the most famous squares, Piazza De Ferrari and the Palazzo Ducale, in the center)
It was really special! I started working with Wall in June this year and since then it's been love at first sight. Can't wait for March 8th!
Your song “Je Ne Me Vois Plus” released just over a month ago tells the story of the end of a toxic bond and the delicate path of liberation from destructive emotional dynamics. What led you to want to write such an intense song and want to share this tangle of deep feelings and emotions? Would you like to tell us about some aspect of the creative phase and, if there was one, who pushed or inspired you?
Writing it was born from a real tangle of dead butterflies in my stomach. For me, writing has always been a way to leave a trace, free myself and let go of what I feel. I took my “menate” notebook, which I have been updating since I was about 17, and I took it to Diego Espositowho in addition to being a great singer-songwriter has become a friend I respect very much.
And so she was born Je Ne Me Vois Plus. At first I didn't want to let it out because I felt too naked and defenseless, but my new version didn't care about the paranoia of the previous one: it was the right time to share it. I couldn't keep it to myself.
One of your verses reads:
If only I had the courage
To say what I feel
Maybe I need a hug
But I don't let myself be touched
There is fear, loneliness and an inability to ask for help. What is the entry point to undermine this trio of implosive states, to ensure that we do not fall into an abyss? After darkness, can light be scary?
Light after dark can be scary, yes. It's like opening your eyes after having been in the dark for too long: the impact is strong. But I always had faith that I would see that glimmer of light. I learned to calm my mind and this experience was among the most significant of my life: it allowed me to access a new level of consciousness and become the best version of myself. You have to have faith and remember that, as my mother said, “it can't get any worse than this… and you really go up from there”.
What to do to avoid “not seeing each other again”?
There's really no avoiding it. When you fall for it, you fall for it. The important thing is to find the strength to love yourself more than the crumbs of affection you receive from those who are incapable of loving themselves or others. The gap is all there. If you can remain big and intact in a situation that forces you to make yourself small, you have already won. It's painful, it's expensive, but in the end you never regret it and never go back.
In the video that accompanies the song, water is a fundamental element, but also the fight against the ghosts and shadows of the past or at least that's how I interpret it. What was it like to “frame” words and emotions?
It was beautiful! I had a team of young creatives, producers and videomakers who helped me assemble every piece of the puzzle I had in my head. I would do it again a hundred times!
Art and artists also have the “role”, so to speak, of giving a voice to those who don't have one, of awakening consciences. Almost daily we learn of feminicides or attacks on women by people close to them. We are all indignant, but although there are associations and volunteers who do their utmost to raise awareness and create culture, it “seems” like something unstoppable. And we don't want it to be that way. What can we do, each of us, to say a strong NO to all this?
Have the courage to expose yourself, to talk about your experience. Even psychological violence is devastating, silent, and must be communicated. It is essential that those who suffer manipulation or abuse know that they are not alone and find the courage to come out of the tunnel.
Would you like to tell us about your next projects?
Too many spoilers would be spoilers. Let's just say: yes to becoming!
Thanks Alice! All we have to do is… wait!
Daniel D`Amico for SANREMO.FM
