"Music is incredibly social. We choose the artists and music we listen to, based on how they relate to our lives. On the other hand, music is also a powerful tool that can have great influence over a demographic of people."

Alia Logan: Imagine If...Creative Music

The Imagine If, the enigmatic band renowned for their fusion of blues, rock, and soul, is poised to captivate audiences once again with their latest offering, "Devil's Child." This electrifying single is the first glimpse into their new album, promising a sonic journey that transcends time and genre boundaries. Album released on March 22, 2024, "Devil's Child" channels the raw energy of bluesy guitar riffs, powerhouse vocals, swinging horns, and an infectious groove that harkens back to a bygone era. With their signature blend of vintage charm and contemporary flair, The Imagine If delivers a musical experience that is as timeless as it is irresistible. "We wanted to create a song that pays homage to the classic sounds we love while injecting it with our own unique style and energy," says Alia Logan, lead singer of The Imagine If. " 'Devil's Child' embodies that spirit – it's bold, soulful, and undeniably catchy." The Imagine If, the progressive Soul/ Roots/ Blues band from Toronto, Ontario Canada, are: Alia Logan on vocals, Keith Boddy on guitar, Eric Lefebvre on keys, Brian Pauls on bass, and Tom Paulovits on drums.

(Photo: The Imagine If)

Alia brings a story-driven writing style and expressive, bluesy vocal stylings to the bands sound. Alia draws influence from the song composition and vocal production of performers such as Stevie Nicks and Alicia Keys. Alia’s has solidified her place as a songwriter, singer, and performer through a multitude of musical projects. She previously fronted the band Read No Reply and contributed to various independent projects and performances within the Toronto music scene – ranging from intimate gatherings to large groups. Her passion for music fuels her dedication to “Imagine If”, and enables her to dream big, and write even bigger songs.

Interview by Michael Limnios                   Special Thanks: Sarah French Publicity

How has the music influenced your views of the world? What moment changed your music life the most?

Ever since childhood, music stood out to me as something that brought people closer to each other, and closer to themselves. The right melody, or lyric can help us to see different perspectives, reveal hidden truths about ourselves, or come together in joy. Music has taught me to feel deeply and to look for the beauty in it all. On my musical journey, there have been many pivotal moments. I’m sure there will be many more, as the path forward expands in front of me. Maybe the moment that changed my music life the most, was the very first time I picked up a guitar, or perhaps the time I met my band mates. Just maybe, the moment that changes my music life the most, hasn’t happened yet!

When did the idea of band come about and what is the story behind band’s name: THE IMAGINE IF?

The idea of the band manifested when I ran into the band’s drummer and guitarist, Tom and Keith. It was at an industry event, where the two were playing a live show. Tom picked me out of the crowd and later that night approached me about possibly working together. That planted the seed, that eventually grew into what the band is now. What The Imagine If means to me, is whatever you dream, you can achieve. It’s a testament to positivity and perspective. Because, if you Imagine the worst that’s what you’ll bring about, but if you imagine the best, you set yourself on a path to abundance. When I look at The Imagine If, I see a ragtag group of individuals, from different backgrounds, with very different stories. We may not look like we fit together, but Imagine If we come together and make our dreams come true.

"The most important lessons that music has taught me are, Patience, discipline, and focus. Often when we’re working toward our goals, and we don’t see results as quickly as we’d like, it’s easy to get disheartened. When the truth is, as long as we stay focused, the results will come." (Photo: The Imagine If, the progressive Soul/Roots/Blues band from Toronto, Ontario Canada)

How do you describe band’s sound and songbook? 

I like to describe the band’s sound as ‘New Vintage’. It’s the kind of music that could’ve lived on Vinyl a couple decades ago, but with a modern take. We’re deeply inspired by the Soul, Blues, Funk, Jazz and Rock genres. You can find echoes of their sounds in the songs we write.

Are there any highlights of your career that you would like to tell us about?!

A career highlight, that can’t go without mentioning is the incredible opportunity given to us by Factor and the Government of Canada, to write, record and release our debut album. Devil’s Child being the first single to release.

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I think very few songs today, capture the soul of music past. The honesty and power of it. So much music today is overly polished and sterile. Copies of a popular formula. That being said, there is something about tracking a record live off the floor, that brings that soul out. That’s what we’ve done with our debut Album. My hope for the future of music, is that our idea of ‘popular music’ expands past the mainstream. I hope that artists and listeners experiment and try new sounds, so that our understanding of music continues to evolve.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

The most important lessons that music has taught me are, Patience, discipline, and focus. Often when we’re working toward our goals, and we don’t see results as quickly as we’d like, it’s easy to get disheartened. When the truth is, as long as we stay focused, the results will come.

"To prepare for recording and performing, I’ll start by steaming to hydrate my vocal cords and throat. I run through some warm ups, and get familiar with the set list. I’ll visualize the performance and key moments of connection with the band and crowd. I often become very introverted right before the show, escaping into my own private corner to run through exercises and put myself in the right mindset."

(Photo: Alia Logan)

What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications?

Music is incredibly social. We choose the artists and music we listen to, based on how they relate to our lives. On the other hand, music is also a powerful tool that can have great influence over a demographic of people. In that regard, it’s important to be purposeful in the message we send with our music.

How do you want the music to affect people?

With our songs, we aim to tell different stories, not all of them ours. For example, Devil’s Child isn’t auto biographical, but there are people out there that can relate to the songs message whole heartedly.

What does to be a female artist in a Man’s World as James Brown says? What is the status of women in music?

Being a woman in a male dominated genre presents its challenges, but I’ve never met a challenge I couldn’t face. In fact my experience being a woman, surrounded by men has strengthened my character. I speak up, I don’t allow myself to be put down or spoken over and I take responsibility for myself, my career and goals. In my opinion, the status of women in music today is one of strength. Women are breaking boundaries and writing history. I couldn’t be more proud to be a woman in music right now.

How do you prepare for your recordings and performances to help you maintain both spiritual and musical stamina?

To prepare for recording and performing, I’ll start by steaming to hydrate my vocal cords and throat. I run through some warm ups, and get familiar with the set list. I’ll visualize the performance and key moments of connection with the band and crowd. I often become very introverted right before the show, escaping into my own private corner to run through exercises and put myself in the right mindset.

The Imagine If - Home

(Photo: The Imagine If - Alia Logan, Keith Boddy, Eric Lefebvre, Brian Pauls , and Tom Paulovits)