We had a chat with exciting US singer-songwriter Alexandra following the release of her third single ‘Bonnie & Clyde’
‘Bonnie & Clyde’ is the third release from emerging US singer-songwriter Alexandra, and continues to establish the gorgeous and affable sound and writing style that she has begun to establish for herself. With a her debut single ‘Bad Stuff’ released in 2020, ‘Winter’ following in 2021, and the new single released just a month or so ago, the artist is gradually drip-feeding us with intoxicating and memorable tunes that are allows the sonic world of Alexandra to gradually open up to us over time.
Her latest release takes on the narrative of someone who finds themselves in a whirlwind romance with someone charismatic and charming enough to convince you to let go of your inhibitions and follow their lead. There is an instant summery appeal to the artist’s sound, and the infectious nature of the track makes the track a perfect introduction to Alexandra and her sound. With three stellar releases now to her name, we had a chat with the exciting artist to find out a bit more about her background, the new single, and her hopes and dreams for the project going forward.
Who TF is Alexandra?
I’m an indie pop singer/songwriter originally from the hills of eastern Ohio, but now living in Dallas, Texas. I spend my time writing music, coaching young vocalists, curating playlists, upping my tolerance for spicy foods, and checking my daily horoscope.
How long have you been making music?
I started voice and piano lessons when I was 3. My oldest brother Grant is actually the whole reason I started so early. He has a developmental disability and my amazing parents put him in lessons as another way to stimulate him cognitively. I would tag a long and started singing in the lobby, waiting for him. That turned into me jumping into his lessons the last few minutes to sing a duet or two for fun… but my mom noticed how much I loved it. And that I had a natural affinity to it. I started my own lessons and just never really stopped. I was with the same teacher from 3 until 17 when I went to college. She taught me everything I know. I started writing at 13 when my parents got me my first guitar… and all of a sudden, I blinked and I’m 25 still chipping away at it.
Why do you make music?
I think music is the closest thing we have to magic. The way it makes people pause… and feel… and forget. Or maybe remember. It’s a vessel into what feels out of body. It soundtracks the most important memories. It creates the ability to time travel. Our way to create unforgettable moments. And it’s a common thread… a way to connect the most different types of people. I think we need that now more than ever. I make music because it feels like a superpower doing it. Being able to participate in something so special… it feels like fulfilling my life’s purpose.
What are your biggest influences?
It sounds rudimentary, but my life experiences. My biggest influences are the lessons I’m learning with age. The places I see. The people I meet and the conversations I have with them. As I get older, my conversations have changed… and as I expand my view, I think my brain twists and turns a bit differently. Those twists and turns shape my music. Also, I think pain influences me the most… as dark as it sounds. And I’ve never experienced pain like I have in the last two years of my life. I think that’s why my writing has changed from my first release to now. There’s something about pain that lends you the grace to go to places in your brain that you don’t usually access. Pain makes you aware of new things about yourself… about others. I’m influenced a lot by my pain and the pain of my loved ones. Making art out of pain makes the pain suck way, way less. Artists are the epitome of making lemonade out of lemons.
What would you say has been your best moment so far?
Musically? I think hearing my song on the radio. Especially since it was the first single I put out as “Alexandra” that was chosen to get played. That song means so much to me for many different reasons. It was the start of embarking on this big journey… and hearing it on the radio?! Unreal. I couldn’t help but think about the little girl from a small town in Ohio, teaching herself how to play guitar in her little twin bed, wishing to one day be on the radio. I dreamed of what that moment would feel like… and it was so surreal to actually experience that. I was surrounded by my beautiful friends in my living room… and we all just cheered, jumped around, laughed, and cried together. And I will forever get emotional at the sheer thought of it. It felt like such a triumph.
How would you describe your sound to somebody unfamiliar with it?
I’d say it’s a mix of the sonics and songwriting of the pop music, guilty pleasures you love, with this consistent emotional undertone that puts words to the things that are hard to explain. I want to create songs that feels timeless. Something that can stand the waves of popularity. It feels like a mix of artists like Noah Cyrus, Sasha Sloan, HAIM, Maggie Rogers…. Female artists that blur the lines of genre, but are no doubt killer songwriters.
What’s your dream “I’ve made it” moment?
Man… I’d love to headline a festival. Being one of those big names on the poster would feel like a huge win. Especially since this year, I played my first festival, and my name was suuuuuper tiny on the bottom. I am still so grateful. I’d love for my name to just get bigger and bigger.. and higher and higher on a lineup.
We love your latest single ‘Bonnie & Clyde’, what more can you tell us about it?
I know I’m a little biased, but damn do I love that song. B&C was my first ever co-write! My collaborators and friends, Callie Dixon and Gabe Neal, helped me out with this one. We were recording the album demos in Austin and took a break one evening… and a few glasses of wine later, we were like “should we just try to write something?” I told them about what would end up being the opening line… I had had it in my phone notes for months and it was just off to the races. We wrote it that night, demoed it the next morning, and decided to make it the next single. We were so excited about it. We still are. It’s one of those tracks that just feels very timeless… like I will play it to my grandkids and they might put it on their playlist. Or whatever the kids of the future are going to come up with that’s similar to a playlist hahaha.
What else do you have planned for the near future?
So. Much. Music. When I began this journey, I made a promise to myself that I wouldn’t rush. Growing up, I always felt like I was racing against the clock. With this, I wanted to do things honoring with the timing of my life. I am very intentional about my pace. To others, it might seem like I’m not moving fast enough… but I don’t care. Not one bit. All that matters to me is making music that I really love. And am proud of. And will be proud of for the rest of my life. So I have a whole album demoed and ready to go. I’m writing new songs all of the time. I just want to keep creating, keep playing gigs, and keep enjoying the magic of it all. I can’t wait for everyone to hear these songs. Hopefully the timing is right… and we can get a few more out before the end of the year.
And finally, who is your biggest fan right now?
I am. And I am so proud of that. I have never felt more aligned with myself then I do right now. The journey to self-love is a tough one, but I feel better about it every single day.
