Focus Magazine of SWFL Hot Summer Looks | Page 122

Urban Mystique By Rebecca Winship Alus may be eighteen, but she definitely doesn’t look nor sound the part. At a glimpse, Alus is a passionate, sophisticated, and talented young woman with a big voice and the ability to play and write her own music. From a suburban town in New Jersey, Alus grew up with a strong connection to music. It was evident that Alus was a star from a young age, as she would entertain her family with radio hits by singing and choreographing routines. Alus’ musical bloodline runs deep. Her grandmother, a Juilliard graduate, was once a renowned musician in the Violinaires, a group of violinists that regularly performed with Frank Sinatra’s The Rat Pack. Alus’ father was also a drummer and trumpeter. Singing since she was able to talk, Alus would sing melodic lines that were too good for a child. At age four, Alus started performing on stage. Her training in musical theater seasoned her performances and led her to vocal training classically in opera at eleven years old with a Curtis Institute of Music instructor. Alus has always tapped away on the baby grand piano in her parent’s living room, creating songs by ear. 1 22 FOCUS of SWFL 2014 Knowing she would love to accompany herself, she was placed in classical piano lessons as well. Her musical abilities don’t stop there, as she is also a self-taught guitarist. Alus was also accepted into Berklee College of Music. Alus’ performances vary from national anthem performances to venues in New York City. Alus has sung the national anthem for nationally televised professional boxing matches and for the prosoccer team D.C. United, the most successful team in major league soccer history. Alus loves to showcase her large vocal range in pop music influenced through retro soul, making for a unique and interesting sound. Alus lists influences as Billie Holiday, Judy Garland, Whitney Houston, Pat Benatar, Aretha Franklin, Elton Jon, and Mariah Carey. Alus is set to embark on a long journey that she will share with the world into stardom. The plan has been mapped out for Alus’ arrival into the music industry and you can expect big things from this new artist.