Rising K-pop star AleXa made her latest comeback with new single “sick” at the end of February. The latest in her growing discography, “sick” is a return to the influences that shaped AleXa’s music taste growing up and inspired her to pursue a career in music. The song tells a poignant story of struggling through a toxic relationship with both a significant other and with herself and has already made a deep impression on her devoted listeners. Atlas spoke with AleXa via email about how the track came together, her upcoming tour and her goals for the future.
Atlas Artist Group: Congratulations on your latest single! Can you tell us how this song came about? What was the recording process like and how did you decide that this song was going to be your next release?
AleXa: Thank you very much! It was a tedious task deciding on the first single and getting it all recorded and finalized, but I’m just happy that it’s finally out there in the world.
Atlas: You’ve spoken about how this song is a return to your pop punk roots. As a pop punk kid myself, I’d love to know what bands or artists really shaped that part of your musical influences. Do you have an artist or song that really takes you back to when your musical interests really solidified?
AleXa: More so an emo than punk pop, but I’m obviously a huge MCR fan, a lover of Evanescence, Paramore, etc. Just think of all the iconic bands you love, odds are, I love them too. If there’s one song that sparks punk pop/emo nostalgia for me, it’s “Complicated” by Avril Lavigne.
Atlas: When you start the creative process, do you tend to focus on lyrics and world-building before moving on to music and melody or is it the other way around? Or does it depend?
AleXa: When it comes to the songs I write, though ‘sick’ is not one of them, I envision what I want my audience to feel while listening. Do I want to evoke *my* experience through my writing? Do I want to pull at heartstrings or provoke feelings of vengeance? It differs with every song.
Atlas: So many incredible things have happened with your career in the last few years- what’s been the most memorable moment from all of these amazing milestones? What goals do you now have your sights set on going forward?
AleXa: Performing at KAMP 2019 is still my most cherished memory to date. My only goals from here on out are to work on my craft and do everything that I can to make myself a better artist.
Atlas: You’ve also got a full US tour starting up soon! What are you most looking forward to and do you have any spoilers you can share with your fans?
AleXa: I’m just happy to be performing again, and honestly, looking forward to performing in my hometown of Tulsa. Not many spoilers I can give, but just expect the unexpected.
Atlas: What would you say to your fans if you were standing in front of them right now? What’s the most important thing you hope your listeners will take away from your music?
AleXa: You are the reason that I am an artist and you are the motivation I have to improve, do better, and to live a happy life. Art is subjective, the art does not equal the artist, especially when one’s pen was not used for the words they say. I just hope that the art I make in the future is well received.
Atlas: Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you or your music or is there anything you wish you could talk about more that you may not get asked.
AleXa: I’m just excited for the next step forward. There is a long path in front of me, and I intend to continue conquering it.
Stream “sick”, out now!
Story by Olivia Khiel
Photo courtesy of AleXa
