NATURALLY ALISE
We are back just in time for Black History Month with the beautiful soul, Alise sharing some of her favorite records with us! Alise also known as Naturally Alise is a talented Writer from Durham, North Carolina. You can find her name used on many of her creative ventures including her poetry collections, blogging on imymentalmind, public speaking, and her weekly record talks and collection on social media and Youtube. You can find and support Alise’s creative ventures on her website, naturallyalise. Check out Naturally Alise’s music taste in the Q&A and YouTube video below.
Social Media:
IG, Twitter, & Tumblr: @naturallyalise
Top 5 Favorite Records:
“Come to My Garden” Minnie Riperton
“Blind Baby” The New Birth
“Paid in Full” Eric B. & Rakim
“A Seat at the Table” Solange
“What Cha Gonna Do For Me” Chaka Khan
Top 5 favorite songs:
“Superwoman” Stevie Wonder
“Someday We’ll All Be Free” Donny Hathaway
“The Star of a Story” Heatwave
“I Know You, I Live You” Chaka Khan
“Forever” The New Birth
Favorite Genres:
70s/80s soul and R&B, 80s/90s hip-hop, symphonies
Favorite Record Shop(s):
Hunky Dory (Durham, NC)
Carolina Soul (Durham, NC)
Amoeba Music (Los Angeles)
What made you start collecting records?
I’ve always had an intense love of music, but a DJ friend of mine gave me about 20 records about 5 or 6 years ago. I never looked back!
What is the first record you’ve purchased?
“Come to My Garden” Minnie Riperton
What are the most recent records you’ve added to your record collection?
“Faith” George Michael, “Let the Music Play” Shannon, and several MFSB records.
What records are you looking to add next?
I gotta have Janet Jackson’s “Velvet Rope.” GOTTA HAVE IT! I also would love some Cece Penniston albums and definitely some Mint Condition.
How many records do you think you have in total without counting?
Upwards of 600
How do you organize your record collection?
They are in alphabetical order, I also catalogue them on Discogs
What is a day of crate digging like?
I am dramatic and super enthusiastic. I laugh, squeal, and scream in record stores. I’m very extra!
How does music make you feel?
Music is a vital part of my life. It makes me feel ALIVE. It is not tied to any specific emotion, it is all of them. I equate it to the importance of breathing. It is therapy. It is celebration. It is mourning. It is love. It is pain. It is life.
Why do you believe women’s music taste vital?
It is important that our voice is part of the narrative and that a feminine point of view is part of the story. It is up to us to keep musical traditions alive.
