Aly Berry: Jazz and Time, in the Big Smoke

Aly Berry is a conduit for emotion. Her sound combines mystery, instinct, and dark magnetism. Rooted in the lineage of classic jazz yet unmistakably modern, Aly’s sound draws from the smoky elegance of Peggy Lee and the raw vulnerability of Amy Winehouse, filtered through a lens that feels diaristic and unguarded. Her debut album, Hope This Reaches You In Time, unfolds like a collection of unsent letters, each track a snapshot of lived experience, written in notebooks carried everywhere and sung with disarming honesty. Mentored by jazz heavyweight Paul Higgs, Aly has honed not only her sound but her sense of self, learning the power of collaboration, lineage, and trust. Whether tucked away in a London jazz club, pen in hand, or stepping into the spotlight with growing acclaim, Aly’s work is an invitation to feel deeply, listen closely, and witness an artist defining her own quiet power, one song at a time.

Written by Amy Woodroffe
Published 11/01/2026

Izland Interview: Aly Berry, Jazz Singer and Composer

You moved to London at 18. What was the first moment you felt the city shift from intimidating to empowering

It’s very different to where I grew up. In London, there’s a lot of competition and many different personalities. In the end that's also what makes it exciting. It's empowering to see all the opportunities that the city can offer you and visualise all that you can accomplish.

Your background spans both modelling and music. How has that duality shaped the way you present yourself as an artist today?

I started modelling when I was 14 years old and it taught me quite a lot of things about how to conduct myself and definitely how to get a thicker skin which has come very handy for music. I met a lot of amazing people whilst modelling and it’s the career that initially made it possible for me to live in London, which is where my career is a musician began.

Your sound sits somewhere between classic jazz and contemporary cool. How intentional is that blend, and where do you feel your voice naturally belongs?

I feel at home when I hear Jazz.. so it’s definitely the genre I belong in. I guess I have my own individual style, but of course have had a lot of inspiration from classic Jazz and contemporary artists, such as Peggy Lee, Amy Winehouse.. etc.

Your debut album, Hope This Reaches You In Time, feels deeply personal. What was the emotional centre of the project for you?

I wrote all the songs based on emotions I’ve felt, situations I’ve been through... I write constantly, always carry a notebook with me. So all the songs are very personal... almost like a diary entry. ‘Hope this reaches you in time’ is a collection of everything I want to say to someone who needs to hear it

Working with Paul Higgs, someone with such a rich jazz lineage, what did that collaboration bring out in you that surprised you?

Paul really helped me grow. He worked with me to help me find my sound and my voice. He is the person that really believed in me and pushed me to get to where I am. He mentors me as well as writing and performing with me. I have so much appreciation and respect for him. I’m so grateful to learn from him all the time.

You’ve already worked with some of the most respected musicians in the genre. What did being in the room with them teach you about your own artistry?

I’m so grateful to have been able to work with some incredible musicians.. and to continue working with them! I really admire them and learn what I can from them .. being in a room with people you admire really makes you feel empowered to pursue your dreams.

You’ve been nominated by The Jools Holland Boisdale Awards for Jazz/Blues Artist of the Year. How do you stay grounded while your profile is rising so quickly?

I’m very hard on myself so no matter how much I grow I am the kind of person that always wants to constantly improve. I’m a real perfectionist. I always try celebrate the wins and reached milestones. However, I’m very hard on myself so no matter how much I grow I am the kind of person that always wants to constantly improve.

London is full of micro‑scenes and hidden creative pockets. Where do you go when you need to reconnect with your artistic instincts?

I love to go to Jazz clubs in London. It feels like home - falling in love with the music over and over again. I love to watch other artists perform. I’m a huge fan of Pizza Express Jazz Clubs where I’ve managed to meet some amazing artists. Like I said I always bring a notebook with me too, so often find myself in jazz clubs writing.

Is there a lyric or moment on the album that feels like a snapshot of who you are right now?

I think the album is more of a collection of emotions I’ve felt and things I’ve gone through which had taught me valuable lessons and had made me stronger.