Released on March 25th, Alexandra's newest single "I'm Not Good At This Anymore" is the follow up to the lighthearted previous release "Bonnie & Clyde". This track details the come down that happens when the party's over and you're forced to reconcile with the unfamiliar reflection you see in the mirror. This song soundtracks the feelings of cynicism that sit on the other side of self-awareness. It paints the picture of someone's journey into jadedness. The propulsive live drums create a fresh, organic pulse, but the thoughtful lyricism, layered vocals, and driving guitars are the obvious through-line connecting this release with the previous.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey Alexandra, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. How has the time gone for you since our last interview?
Oh, Kamil, it’s been so great. I am not above the natural ebb and flow of it all, but it’s been an overall good time in my life. Thank you for asking.
Who inspired you to make music?
When I was younger, I was inspired by heavy hitters. I first admired performance before I dug into songwriting or production. I grew up in theater, so I loved watching big names on stage. That was what was so captivating to me. But I also saw these characteristics bleed into the pop stars I loved and the country singers I was surrounded by in Appalachian Ohio. My early inspirations were a mixed bag of Idina Menzel, Kelly Clarkson, Aretha Franklin, and Faith Hill. I loved seeing a bold, unapologetic front woman.
Your latest song is 'I'm Not Good At This Anymore'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
Well, we recorded the track in Nashville with my longtime producer Gabe Neal of JST FRNDS and Andrew Masters. Andrew was kind enough to engineer and produce the track at his space and film it for his YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cerL429C7-w&t=64s
Andrew gave it these incredible live drums that really keep it driving forward, and Gabe’s guitar work on this is just exquisite.
These guys really brought this to life. I mean, I wrote it, so I believed in it... But to give someone something so vulnerable and have other people get excited about spending time on it, it’s the best feeling in the world. This song was incredibly personal but totally effortless to write. It’s one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written. I think I wrote it in under 3 hours?
What’s your most embarrassing moment?
This sounds so silly, but it takes so much for me to get embarrassed. I am naturally a clumsy, foot in mouth, silly person... So I feel like I have at least one embarrassing moment a day. Recently, I walked off stage with my guitar still plugged in. Everyone was yelling at me, but I thought they were applauding since it was the end of the show. NOPE. How arrogant of me to assume that. I almost tore down all of the gear on stage in one quick swipe, haha.
Is the artistic life lonely? What do you do to counteract it?
Yeah, for sure. It’s funny because one of the biggest lessons of my life right now is that things can be more than one thing at once. We can feel more than one thing at once. Being an artist is lonely, but at the same time, it can give me the strongest sense of community. I just try to compartmentalize and give myself grace to feel it all. It’s not ungrateful to feel lonely. It doesn’t mean you aren’t well loved if you feel lonely. It’s a superhuman thing to feel.
Besides reminding myself of what I said earlier, I just try to get around my friends. My friends are so loving and generous with their words. We are often much more company than we realize.
What is your dream project?
Oh, this is hard! To be quite honest, I would love to get back into theater. I really admire the career of Sara Bareilles and how she has transitioned to the stage after a very bountiful career as a recording artist. I would love to write a musical or get back to performing in that way.
Do you think it's easy to become established in the music world, or is it difficult?
It just depends on your definitely being "established", you know? Everyone has different parameters for success, and that’s how it should be. I think artistry can be stifled when you're trying to reach someone else’s parameters of success. I think if a viral moment makes you feel established, have at it. If the grind of a slow burn and long haul to a single record makes you feel established, there you go. To each their own.
But, honestly, the music industry can be quite territorial, and people tend to be selfish. I will say that I have found that the right community around you is the secret sauce. With the right people in your corner, you can easily find success, whatever that means for you.
Just work hard, be kind, and do the right thing. I live by this motto: What is meant for you will not pass you.
Can you reveal the recipe for a musical hit?
Hahaha! When you find it, let me know! I’m flattered you think I have it. Personally, I think a hit is something that can supersede taste. When you find something that every age range, walk of life, genre lover, etc. can at least appreciate, you have something good. I’ve heard that if you can strip it all the way down to one instrument and a vocal and it still hits people the same way, then you know it’s good.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
You don’t have to rush. Like I said above, what is meant for you won’t pass you. You can’t rush your destiny. Take your time, appreciate your friends, and equip yourself with knowledge so you always have a seat at the table.
What can we expect from Alexandra in the near future?
Well, I am happy to announce that I am opening for the amazing Abraham Alexander at the Kessler Theater in Dallas on June 3rd. It’s a dream come true. I’m already working on the new music that's coming out, and I’m going to try to release it ASAP. I’m just going to keep playing shows, and hopefully people will keep supporting this thing we've got going.