Ali Milner Named March “Best Vocalist Of The Month” With Her Song “I Dare You”

By Dale Kawashima

Ali Milner, a promising young pop singer/writer based in Vancouver, BC, Canada, has won the March SingerUniverse “Best Vocalist Of The Month” Competition, for her performance of her song “I Dare You” (co-written by Don McLeod & Shawn Verreault). "I Dare You" is the title track of her latest album, which she released independently in October (2009).

“I Dare You” is a new song which recalls the classic '60s-style sound of hit ballads such as "Unchained Melody." This song has an understated arrangement (mainly acoustic guitar and strings) which is presented very well, and it provides an ideal setting to showcase Milner's clear, powerful vocals. Her vocals come in right as the song begins, and her singing remains compelling throughout the song. "I Dare You" was expertly produced by Don McLeod, who also plays guitar on this recording.

Milner (who is 19) was born in Toronto, and she moved with her family to Whistler, BC (a mountain resort north of Vancouver) at a young age. She learned to play piano at age 13, and started writing songs a year later. Interestingly, Milner grew up listening to and being inspired by such classic artists as Ray Charles, Sam Cooke and Dolly Parton. "My parents always played the older songs, and I connected with these classic songs more easily," recalled Milner.

When she was 14, Milner released her first album (self-titled Ali Milner), which was a collection of jazz songs that she recorded with a jazz trio in Toronto. It was also during this period that Milner performed in several music theater productions, and she had a regular gig performing at the Four Seasons Hotel. Milner has also performed shows live in Tokyo and London, which were set up by the Canadian embassy.

In March 2009, Milner began recording her album I Dare You, which consists of 13 songs mostly written by her (with Don McLeod). The album was recorded in a more traditional and organic way. "It was recorded live off the studio floor--it was recorded organically, onto tape," she explained.

Now with the release of I Dare You, Milner is continuing to gain exposure and land more gigs. She performed in Whistler when the Olympic torch passed through the city, and she recently opened a show for popular rock band Barenaked Ladies. "I just want to keep working hard promoting my album, do more shows, and build a strong online presence," she said. "I also want to continue to develop relations with record labels, managers and the music industry."

"I Dare You." Performed by Ali Milner of Vancouver, BC, Canada. Written by Ali Milner, Don McLeod & Shaun Verreault.