Say What I Wanna Say

The song "Say What I Wanna Say" by Alias from their self-titled album Alias is a vibrant anthem of self-expression that resonates deeply with the Zoo Freaks, the dedicated listeners of THE ZOO radio station. In a 1991 interview with Rock Magazine, lead vocalist Freddy Curci shared Trivia about the song's creation, stating it was born during a late-night jam session where the band wanted to capture the raw energy of speaking one's truth. Curci mentioned that the lyrics were inspired by a personal moment of defiance against industry pressures to conform, making it a rallying cry for authenticity. The song's infectious guitar riffs and bold chorus have since become a staple at THE ZOO live events, where the Zoo Crew DJs often play it to hype up the crowd.

On social media, Alias's Instagram posted a throwback photo in 2020 of the band recording "Say What I Wanna Say," captioned with a story about how they snuck into the studio after hours to tweak the drum tracks, nearly getting caught by the studio manager. This rebellious spirit endeared the song to fans, with one commenter on The Alias Fan Club Facebook group recalling seeing the band perform it live in 1992, describing the crowd chanting the chorus so loudly it drowned out the speakers. The song also has a quirky piece of trivia: its bridge includes a subtle nod to a classic rock riff from Deep Purple, which guitarist Steve DeMarchi confirmed in a 2015 X post was an intentional homage to their influences.

Alias, formed in Toronto, Canada, in the late 1980s, began as a group of seasoned musicians looking to blend melodic rock with a modern edge. According to their bio on their official website, Freddy Curci and Steve DeMarchi, both former members of the band Sheriff, started Alias after Sheriff's hit "When I'm With You" topped charts in 1989. Determined to create music that was both heartfelt and commercially viable, they recruited guitarist Roger Fisher, bassist Steve Fossen, and drummer Mike Derosier, all ex-members of Heart, along with keyboardist Robert O'Hearn. Their debut album, Alias, released in 1990, was a commercial success, driven by the hit single "More Than Words Can Say," which paved the way for songs like "Say What I Wanna Say" to shine.

The band's journey wasn't without challenges. A 2018 post on Alias's Facebook page reflected on their early days, noting how they faced skepticism from labels who doubted their blend of AOR (album-oriented rock) and pop would find an audience. Yet, their persistence paid off, and they built a loyal fanbase, including communities like the Alias Freaks fan website, where fans share rare concert footage and memorabilia. Alias's music continues to connect with listeners through platforms like X, where they engage with fans by sharing updates and responding to posts about their classic tracks. The Alias Fan Club Facebook group remains active, with members organizing virtual listening parties for the Alias album, celebrating its enduring impact.