Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Tribune
March 7, 2023
When Alison Solis was growing up in Los Angeles, the Mexican-Cuban singer said she at times felt the sting of judgment from people who viewed her as too much of a minority, while some minorities said she presented as being too white. “I’ve definitely experienced the ‘go back to where you came from’ type of bullying as a kid,” said Solis, who simply goes by Alisun professionally. “I [used to] try to actively avoid being in the sun to look lighter and blend in more, since I always had a lot more melanin than everyone in my class. I loved [Disney’s] ‘Pocahontas’ growing up and felt super connected to her. But when I started being called Pocahontas in a mocking way, I let go of that idealization. I’ve definitely been free of this for a long time, but I understand what it’s like to be a bit too ethnic in a mainly white community but also too white or privileged in a more blended community.” The Los Angeles-based songwriter recently released her debut EP “Mundieo.”
Q: Will you be touring this year to promote “Mundieo”?
A: Dates aren’t determined for anything yet, but we’re definitely in the process of figuring out a potential tour in the future.
Q: What was the dominant language growing up in a multicultural home?
A: I actually only spoke Spanish until I started preschool, then learned English along the way, forgot some Spanish, gained it back. … But, yes, we always speak it at home, even [though I still] mess up some words. [Laughs]
Q: Where have you had the best vegan food on your travels?
A: I think within the United States, Miami, New York and Los Angeles. Outside of the U.S., Costa Rica has a lot of great holistic options, Thailand, Paris and London. I think South America is slowly but surely allowing it to rise and Mexico is too. But the carnivorous traditions are deeper there for people to be open to faster change.
Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?
A: I really loved Thailand and would recommend going out into the natural parts of it, trying their unique fruits. Get a Thai massage, try some teas.
Q: What was the first trip you took as a child?
A: My first trip I remember was to Miami and I loved it so much! I felt like a fish returning home.
Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A: To have an open mind and embrace the beauty of diversity, and that we aren’t as different as many of us think we are.
Q: If you could only pick one place to eat, would you prefer a food truck or fine dining?
A: I would pick anywhere with well-made vegan food, because quality is super important. To find a good vegan chef somewhere is the best feeling ever for me.
Q: What are your five favorite cities?
A: Not in any particular order, but Tulum, Tamarindo, Los Angeles, New York and Miami.
Q: Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?
A: Bahamas and jungle places, because I feel they allow me to feel my inner vastness and wildness.
Q: Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A: I would love to discover more of Africa.
Q: What would be your dream trip?
A: I feel that maybe going to Thailand, [parts of] Africa and then the Bahamas would be an amazing journey to take.
Q: What is your guilty pleasure when you’re on the road?
A: Probably bingeing shows when I have spare time. And I do occasionally fall into the TikTok social media wormhole.
Q: What is your best vacation memory?
A: Probably being in the ocean near many fish. I spoke to one of the fish in my mind and it responded and came to me like I asked. It was a once in a lifetime thing and was incredible.
© 2023 JAE-HA KIM
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