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HelloBeautiful.com’s “Base Level” column features the hottest new artists we’re buzzing about. Before they make it to the summit of superstardom, we spot them at base level–the beginning of their hopeful journey to the top.

Alus’ candy-coated vocals mixed with her upbeat, 60’s-inspired sound creates a new aural pleasure, affectionately named “Vintage Pop.” Influenced by vocalists like Billie Holiday, Judy Garland, Whitney Houston, Pat Benatar, Christina Aguilera, John Mayer, and Mariah Carey, Alus gathers many of their strengths and laces them in her Motown-inspired melodies and you’re left with a sound that caresses your eardrums.

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The 19-year-old singer, songwriter, musician and entertainer has already gained a large internet following with her latest videos for “Run” and “Stilettos.” Trust us, once you hear her voice and her funky sound, you’ll want to hear more! We sat down with the soulful singer to find out all the basics we need to know so that we can all become fans of Alus together, on the Base Level.

Name: Alus

Age: 19

Hometown: Montville, NJ

Who are you listening to: Right now, I’m really feeling Lana Del Rey’s album. But, I’m always listening to other decades of music too. I love 50’s/60’s music… The Shirelles, The Ronnettes, Diana Ross. It’s great inspiration to travel back in time and take a listen to how music has evolved.

Musical inspirations: Billie Holiday is one of my absolute favorite artists of all time. I saw “Lady Sings The Blues” starring Diana Ross when I was little. I loved the story so much that I bought and read the book. Mariah Carey is my favorite singer. She has an incredible range and there are so many colors to her voice, from her whispery side to her whistle tones. And of course Whitney Houston. She doesn’t need an explanation, that’s how amazing she is. Judy Garland will also always be one of my inspirations because I did musical theater for the first 10 years of my life. I always watched a lot of her classic films and musicals to get inspiration.

Biggest break thus far: Getting signed to Water Music Publishing! Without my amazing team, I wouldn’t be where I am today! And we have a lot of stuff in the works so you’ll be seeing a lot more of me in the future.

Biggest fear as a new artist: I’m fearless!

Was being an artist always your passion? Since I was in the womb. Every since I was little this is all I wanted to do. I can’t go a day without striving to be the best artist I can be. I always sang and danced around my house and watched my favorite artists on TV and said, “One day, that will be me.” I didn’t wake up one day with this passion, I was born with it.

If you were the love child of two musicians–dead or alive–who would they be? Bruno Mars & Diana Ross.

Check Out Alus’ New Single, “Ordinary Girl” Below:

Check Out Alus’ “Stilettos” Below:

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