Why Amy Winehouse is 22-year-old Grammy winner's inspiration

With her chart-topping success and a Grammy award under her belt, 22-year-old Alessia Cara has become one to watch in the music industry.

Now the Canadian singer has opened up about the music that inspires her, in terms of songwriting as well as other facets of her life.

“I always talk about Amy Winehouse who’s a huge inspiration to me,” Alessia says in a newly released video promoting Musicians Making A Difference (MMAD), an Australian charity that strives to change young lives through the power of music and mentoring.

“She has a song on her album Back To Black called Tears Dry On Their Own. I’ve always loved that song. Although it is a song about the end of a relationship, you can apply it to everything.

“You can apply it to things ending and remind yourself you can walk away from those things and walk away from the end of something feeling ok as long as you’re feeling ok within yourself and that all tears eventually dry. [It’s] is a nice thing to remember.”

Alessia is one of many artists signed with Universal Music, who’s taken the time to record a special message for young people about the power of music in transforming lives.

“I think a lot of us, especially when we’re young, think that we have to suppress these feelings of being sad or alone because one, we’re made to believe that they’re not normal and two, are made to believe they’re not ok,” says Alessia.

“So if there’s anyone out there that may be going through one thing or another that is negative or hurtful, I would say you have to allow yourself to feel it and never be ashamed of feeling it first and foremost, and just remember they’re not permanent.

“They never are and time is a really great thing that always allows for change and growth and healing, most importantly.”

Alessia’s message comes ahead of MMAD Day on December 7, with MMAD being an organization that support young people, particularly those who’ve suffered abuse, neglect, disadvantage, homelessness and run-ins with the law.

“Imagine a world and our own lives – our formative years, our trying times and our happiest moments – without music,” says MMAD founder Dominic Brook.

“This day is all about celebrating the power of music in making a difference in the world and acknowledging the artists whose music has impacted our own lives. At MMAD, we witness the power of music every day. But on Musicians Making A Difference Day we encourage everyone to celebrate its power, and those songs & artists that helped shape who we are today.”

Yahoo Lifestyle proudly supports MMAD Day and would love to hear what songs have inspired you. Head to our Facebook page to share your thoughts.

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