Alexa Ray & Randall Jermaine – Begin Again

By starrymag | August 17, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Begin Again.”

ALEXA: I think we all fantasize about being able to turn back the clock or push a reset button on life. The concept of the song was inspired by past relationships and expresses the emotional despair that arises when trying to piece a relationship back together that may no longer be salvageable. Fear can cripple us and sometimes it takes tremendous courage and fearlessness to move on from the familiar. Although I left the song an open question, no matter how much we wish to reverse the clock, you can’t live your life wanting to redo the past. They’re lessons learned so we can live better tomorrows.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

ALEXA: I think the song has an epic vibe that anyone can get on board and enjoy. On a lyric level, I think we can all relate to a moment in our life we fantasized about hitting that reset button.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it? 

ALEXA: The video was meant to look simple but actually has a lot of hidden meaning. The lyric video starts with the image of flower that drips a pink ink. Although straightforward in concept, the flower is a representation of seasons in our life while the ink represents time. In the first half of the video the ink is seeping out of the flower; the breaking apart of what was believed to be growing and flourishing. Heeding to the question, “Can we just begin again?” the video responds with a glitch at the base drop. If you noticed, after this, the video is now in reverse and reconstructs the melting flower. By the end of the video the viewer is left back where they started at the beginning, symbolic of the title and the hamster wheel of emotions that come with starting over.

Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics? 

ALEXA: There are a couple different ways both Randall and I write and they differ for both of us because of our backgrounds (me being a vocalist and Randall writing for films), which I think really makes for an interesting blend. A lot of what do is called “Toplining.” So often I’ll hear an instrumental and then that inspires me to write a melody line and lyrics over top of it based on what emotions I’m feeling in the track. I also get inspiration from a line someone will say or something I’m going through – I’ll jot it down in my cell phone or text it to myself so I don’t forget.

RANDALL: Inspiration can come from anything, a film, a word, sound or even just two notes on the piano. Creativity can spark at any moment for me.

Q) Randall, talk about the hand you had in the production of Alexa’s music.

RANDALL:  I’ll generally start a music idea and create the instrumental and arrangement to send to Alexa. We go back and forth and I make sure Alexa is happy with it. Whatever idea or opinion she has I’ll try and incorporate it.

 

Q) How do you shake off a long day in the studio? 

RANDALL: A GOOD CUP OF CHAMOMILE TEA

ALEXA: Ditto! Relaxing for me is a good cup of coffee.

 

Q) Alexa, your album Fearless is coming later this year. What are some themes you can tease that you will be exploring? 

A) ALEXA: We often think that the word “fearless” means doing some hugely heroic act, like marching into battle. Although that can be described as being fearless, the album aims to redefine the common understanding by depicting fearlessness in everyday life; being fearless to start over, fearless to follow your dreams or stand for what’s right…or just to get out of bed in the morning and face the world. The album aims to energize, motivate and uplift listeners to get them through the hurdles in our everyday.

 

Q) Do you have any favorite tracks you can tease as well?

ALEXA: One of my favorite tracks from the album is one that features the amazing pianist Jennifer Thomas, which will be pre-released later this summer called ‘Father Can You Hear Me.” Jennifer is so incredibly talented and it was such an honor to work with her on this song. She really brought a new energy to the album with her performance on this track and the blend with Randall’s huge arrangements and electronic productions is pure fire and I can’t wait to share it.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future? 

 

RANDALL: HANS ZIMMER

Alexa: Ditto to what Randall said, I think working on a track with Hans Zimmer would be an incredible experience.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

ALEXA: I listen to a lot of music. I’m always learning and gaining inspiration from others. Currently I’m really into Aurora, Svrcina and Ruelle.

RANDALL: To be honest, I listen to a large variety of music, mostly popular genres.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans? 

ALEXA: I don’t know how one could have a career without social media now. Before an artist was limited to their community and surroundings to share music with local performances and now, thanks to social media, I have listeners from all over the world who can listen at any time so my reach is far greater.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work? 

RANDALL & ALEXA: I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has been supporting and listening, especially now in these hard times. It means the world to us. We have a lot we’re working on and can’t wait to share it with you. At the end of the day, we do what we do for all of you and couldn’t be doing it without your support. We genuinely appreciate it. You guys are amazing and we love you!