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We’re very excited to have some time today acclaimed musician, singer and songwriter and – WHEW! – engineer Ali J. Hassan; greetings and salutations Ali and thank you for taking time out of a very busy schedule to speak with us here at Vents Magazine! Before we meander down the Q&A musical pathway, how is 2025 finding you and yours?
Thank you so much for YOUR time as well. As of April 29th my wife and I opened a new chapter in our lives by welcoming our first child, a beautiful baby girl named Ayla. So it seems 2025 will be the year of ‘Firsts’, both personally and creatively.
Major kudos and accolades on your freshly-minted debut single as a solo artist Into the Winds which is set to light up record charts across the ever-loving globe when it premieres this May 16! Starting at the top, can you talk about what inspired this indie rock meets roots rock gem of a ditty?
I wanted my first representation of ‘solo’ music to be something that I felt displayed some of the biggest influences from across multiple genres. Whether it be classics like Bruce Springsteen, Social Distortion, Rancid, Green Day, John Mellencamp, and The Bouncing Souls, or ‘newer’ artists like Dave Hause, American Aquarium, The Gaslight Anthem, or Charley Crockett, there’s a little bit of all of that in there whether it’s totally apparent or not.
Who did the producing honors on Into the Winds and what did the in-studio collaboration between artist and producer look like while fashioning and shaping the new tune?
I produced this and recorded the majority of the parts in my home studio. I’ve produced the majority of the records and songs from my previous bands, but when producing and working on my own material there were moments of over-analyzation and self-doubt. The hardest part of the process for me was recording the vocals. Putting a microscope on something that I was trying for the first time wasn’t easy for me. A lot of questions like, ‘Is this good enough?’, ‘Should I even let anyone hear this?’ Once I was able to breakthrough that and approach it the same way I would producing and mixing another artist is when things started coming together. In the demo process I had my close friend and former bandmate, Sean Salant of Adequate Fur, play the guitar solo, that’s the same solo that stayed on to the finished version. Once I had the demo together I sent it off to Kyle May in Nashville to record the drums in his studio. He’s such a great player and that process couldn’t have been any easier. After the foundation was together I felt it needed some outside perspective, so I had Tyler Tomlinson (Morgan Wallen) put some guitar parts down, his contributions really tied everything together and brought the song to life. The final collaboration came via Time Hause (Dave Hause), who filled everything out by doing the background vocals/harmonies.
What made 2025 the right time to make your solo debut with Into the Winds?
After losing my Mom at the beginning of 2024, I spent a lot of that year reevaluating life. She was such a major part of all of our lives, and was always my biggest supporter when it came to music. I was able to play her a rough demo a few years ago and she was so proud and encouraging, insisting that I should let people hear it. So knowing that 2025 was going to be a new chapter, I figured now’s the time.
In your humble opinion, what differentiates the Into the Winds single from the Distinguished Competition on the current day music scene?
I honestly never intentionally set out to write anything to ‘stand out from the crowd’, I try to take pieces of stories from in or around my life and weave them into their own story and universe.
You’ve worked with the distinguished likes of Alicia Keys, Elton John, John Legend, Benson Boone and Sting. How did working with this amazing lot prepare you to jump into the solo waters with Into the Winds?
I’ve been lucky enough to work with some really incredible artists, both live and in the studio. I’m a very analytical person, so I try to soak in as much as I can from those around me. Whether it’s the heart and soul of Alicia Keys, incredible melodies of Elton John, or the fearlessness and pure talent of Benson Boone, it’s an honor and privilege to share experiences with them and so many other artists, producers, and engineers.
In the wake of the May 16 release of your debut solo single, can fans look forward to catching you on the touring/performing circuit?
Currently, there’s no immediate plans of touring, but definitely some one-offs in the future.
Speaking of things to look forward to, should we all keep eyes and ears on high alert for even more music from you as the year marches forward?
That’s the goal. I have more songs that I’m putting the final touches on in the studio, so at minimum a few more singles throughout the year.
Who are some of the folks both in and out of the world of music who have informed and influenced your own indelible pathway?
My mom definitely nurtured my passion for music, from bringing me to my first concert at 5 years old to see Bon Jovi, or seeing Bruce Springsteen together a few years ago. She was the biggest Bruce fan, even had ‘Born to Run’ tattooed on her wrist! My wife is also such a major inspiration and supporter as well, not just in encouragement, but her involvement in the artistic side is invaluable. She’s an incredible photographer and graphic designer. My family is always sharing music with each other as well, it’s our thread of comfort for sure. In the music world I’m blessed to talk shop with some incredible people, Aaron Joos (Silvertomb), Sean Salant (Adequate Fur), Chris Gonzalez (The Explosion/The Loved Ones), and so many others.
At the end of the day, what do you hope listeners walk away with after giving many-a- spin to your stunning debut solo single Into the Winds?
I hope they walk away with the chorus stuck in their head, and even more importantly maybe some inspiration and hope. Into the Winds is a reassurance to trust life’s path and stay the course.
