Singer-songwriter Alexander 23 shares how his new EP has been a ‘reaffirming’ mission, his ‘most personal and favorite song,’ and when followers can count on extra music.
Alexander 23 is a reputation it is best to know if you happen to don’t already. The Chicago native skilled a style of viral fame in 2020, due to the “IDK You Yet” TikTook craze that noticed customers apply the music’s heartfelt lyrics to a range of totally different tales and eventualities. Alexander additionally occurs to be one of your favourite artists’ favourite artists (Olivia Rodrigo just lately dubbed him “the coolest, most talented dude I know”), and after listening to Oh No, Not Again!, it’s simple to see why.
The nine-track EP, full of songs written on the top of the pandemic, showcases Alexander’s charming voice and plain expertise. “My songwriting process is all about trying to be as true to my life as possible,” he tells HollywoodLife, “and I think that in order to do that, you have to explore your past as well as the present.”
Well, the future seems good for Alexander. Along together with his new EP, he launched the video for the charmingly titled “Come Here and Leave Me Alone.” He additionally made an look in Dove Cameron’s new video for “Lazy Baby,” additional proof that every one your faves are followers of this rising star. Alexander 23 spoke with HollywoodLife over electronic mail about his new EP, why “Track 9” has a particular place in his coronary heart, and the primary factor he needs to perform earlier than 2021 is alleged and carried out.
HollywoodLife: You’ve stated that Oh No, Not Again felt “a nice, light-hearted way of saying ‘Why the fuck am I like this?’” So, one month after its launch, do you have got a solution to that query?
Alexander 23: Sadly, I believe it might take me a lifetime (after which some) to reply that query! I’ll say it’s been very nice discovering out that so many individuals really feel the identical approach.
How have your followers responded to the EP? Have they latched on to a specific music? Granted, “IDK You Yet” has blown up on TikTook, however are they actually feeling a observe like “Come Here and Leave Me Alone”?
It’s been actually particular to see how the followers have accepted the EP as a full physique of work, truthfully, and it makes me actually excited to get again within the studio to go make an album! There’s at all times this concern that perhaps individuals will solely take heed to the singles, however the stage of detailed evaluation and care the followers have given the entire mission has been actually reaffirming.
I learn that you simply wrote songs in the course of the pandemic about stuff you wouldn’t have written about if you happen to “didn’t have to sit in the same place and confront out of necessity.” First off, how do you are feeling now that you simply’ve written these songs?
It’s cliche, nevertheless it positively looks like there was a weight lifted off my shoulders. Quarantine compelled me to cope with some previous points and relationships that I virtually definitely wouldn’t have in any other case.
Do you suppose you’ll hold that songwriting course of?
Definitely! My songwriting course of is all about attempting to be as true to my life as potential, and I believe that in an effort to try this, you need to discover your previous in addition to the current so, in a approach, the pandemic has helped to open some inventive doorways.
“Track 9” is fairly meta – like, in a great way. It strikes me because the boldest observe on the EP. Was there any hesitancy to jot down/embrace this music on the mission, or did it really feel like a cathartic second?
Both! Track 9 is probably the most private music and my favourite music I’ve ever written. It’s positively scary to launch a music to the entire world that clearly has an meant viewers of one.
It’s been extraordinarily cathartic to observe the followers latch onto that music so strongly and convey it into their very own worlds.
“IDK You Yet” is already licensed gold, which might – within the eyes of many – make Oh No, Not Again a hit. Does it really feel that option to you? Or is simply ending a chunk of artwork, like a music or an EP, in itself a hit to you?
Great query. I clearly see all of the loopy streaming stats and all of that basically blows my thoughts, however for me, what actually makes it really feel “successful” is truthfully the day after the discharge, all of the messages from followers. To have one thing that’s so private and that I’ve lived with for thus lengthy immediately switch possession to them is unbelievably rewarding.
We’re a couple of quarter of the best way by way of 2021. When the 12 months’s stated and carried out, is there one thing you positively wish to say you’ve carried out, tried, and/or achieved?
ALBUM 1!
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Oh No, Not Again! is out now.
