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New record explores facing the shadows of trauma and the light of growth

By James Sloan, Rogue Valley Times

Americana artist Aliza Hava brings emotion and power to each of her songs and the musician’s newly-released album, “Into the Light,” evokes that same sentiment, albeit through the much more intimate lens of examining her own trauma and healing from old, multi-generational wounds. 

“Into the Light,” released Sept. 9, includes 10 songs encapsulating Hava’s healing journey and encouraging messages to listeners. 

“It’s been really exciting and positive; I’ve gotten feedback on the record and people were saying it sounds fantastic,” Hava said. “I’ve had a lot of gratitude and people have been interested in learning about my story and why I made the record.” 

From addressing childhood trauma to illuminating a sense of hope and growth in the music, Hava’s album involves a journey of resilience and overcoming mental and physical burdens in life. 

“I look at it as pillars; each song is a pillar of an experience I went through and awakening while I was going through this deep healing process; to be able to share that with people, I think, is part of the healing process of recording,” she said. 

To listen to the full album, go to alizahava.bandcamp.com/album/into-the-light.

While music serves as a casual form of expression for many artists in their formative years, it was a refuge for Hava.

“I’ve been writing songs since I was nine and I grew up in an extremely violent home,” she said. “I don’t think there was a day when there wasn’t fighting in the household; there wasn’t anyone looking out for me.” 

“I found that music became my refuge; I could sit in a room and play (instruments) for hours,” she added.

A particular song, 1980s rock ballad “When the Children Cry” by White Lion, struck Hava at her core and further deepened her affinity for music and the power of lyricism, leading her to decide to cover the song for the eighth track of her recent record. 

Many of the singer-songwriter’s previous songs and projects centered on social critique and injustices in the world, but “Into the Light” forced Hava to look within and acknowledge her personal trauma. 

“I had so much shame around it and I realized that until I came to terms with the fact that holding it all in was not healthy for me; people knew me for decades and had no idea what I’d been through,” Hava said. 

“Into the Light” was produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Mikal Blue, who has worked with artists such as Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat.

“It was amazing; Mikal is an awesome human being — brilliant, kind and humble — I don’t think I’d be able to make this record with anybody else, because it was such a deep process for me and he has just a genuinely natural kindness,” Hava said. “He created an environment where I felt completely comfortable and safe to go through this process of sharing these songs, and in studio, telling the story behind the song and getting that energy.”

In addition to her album, the artist is currently working on an accompanying book of the background stories behind the songs. 

“I’m actually working on a book companion to the album telling the story behind the songs, the healing process and why we repeat the cycle of abuse, why it’s so hard to break these patterns … a lot of that, I think, is because of the trauma inside our bodies and ourselves,” Hava said. 

For the rest of the year, the singer-songwriter plans to take it easy while preparing for a future tour on the horizon. 

“At the moment, I have no shows coming up but I’m looking into a tour in the Pacific Northwest … next year in the spring and people can follow my Bandsintown account if they’re interested in finding upcoming shows,” Hava said. “I’m taking things one step at a time and the book is important to finish properly and give it the time it deserves.” 

To learn more about Hava, visit her YouTube account, Instagram or her website at alizahava.com.

Reach reporter James Sloan at [email protected]. This story first appeared in the Rogue Valley Times.