By: Maggie Stankiewicz
Photo By Dom Delfino
Q) Your music is often described as alternative, but is there a way you prefer to describe it?
A) I describe it as heavy rock, melodic metalcore, and nu metal!
Q) Who were some of your musical influences when you were growing up?
A) I had so many! I was constantly discovering and diving into music of all kinds – Paramore, Sum 41, The Cranberries, A Day To Remember, Evanescence, Sleeping With Sirens, Audioslave, Led Zeppelin and Queen to name a few.
Q) Your debut album EXES is out now. Talk about what it’s like to finally have this story released to the world.
A) It feels like a huge release of energy. I spent years working on it and sometimes I drove myself crazy, but now I feel calm and excited at the same time. I went through a lot and learned so much about myself – I’m ready to take what I learned and keep writing!
Q) You’ve mentioned that EXES is a Sorry X origin story. What makes this record the true starting point of your most authentic expression?
A) I feel like this was my first proper project that I spent years on and really followed my instincts and I’m grateful I was able to release it through a label and work with great producers. The heavy rock sound is where my heart is.
Q) The album was written through a period of intense heartbreak and the growth that followed. How did those emotions shape the sound and direction of EXES?
A) Let’s just say I have a lot of crazy break up stories and I’m a hopeless romantic. [laughs] I think that comes through on the album, but everything I went through made me stronger. I’m excited to show my fans other sides to me as well.
Q) You’ve said this was the record that helped you find your place within heavy music. Was there a specific moment during the process where your sound finally clicked?
A) I would say writing “THE WRONG ONE” was a moment where I really felt like “this is me.”
Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can begin crafting lyrics?
A) I would say part of my process is to mix it up! Sometimes I hear a melody in my head that is really solid and maybe I’ll hear a few lyrics with it and that’s what we build the music around. Usually, though, I prefer to hear musical ideas based on a theme or feeling that I have and then I let the music fully shape the melody and lyrics from there.
Q) Please tell us the story behind one of the tracks on EXES that means the most to you.
A) When I wrote “AFTERTHOUGHT (ROT)” I actually had gotten broken up with at a party pretty abruptly and went into the studio a few days later. Writing music was the only thing that distracted me. The demo I wrote at the time sounded more hyperpop and upbeat, but I knew the melody had a lot of potential and it came from a really raw place. I went through multiple variations of the song until I landed on one that felt right, and I’m really happy with how it turned out.
Q) “THE WRONG ONE” features hard rock legends Drowning Pool. How did that collaboration come together, and what was it like having them on the track?
A) I actually did a cover of “Bodies” by Drowning Pool and they reposted it! They’re also on my label, so we reached out and sent them “THE WRONG ONE” and they were really into it. I’m super honored to have a song with them.
Q) You worked with producers Hiram Hernandez and Shea Moore and got some co-writing from Tobin Esperance of Papa Roach. What did those varied collaborators bring out of you?
A) That is a great question! I feel like Shea Moore and I were able to get into the nitty gritty and we especially worked well on the more vulnerable tracks. We both grew so much in the process. Hiram Hernandez brought the energy and we worked really fast together which was fun. Tobin Esperance helped me take ideas and elevate them to be more universal and I was super excited to work with him!
Q) Themes of loss, resilience, identity, and self-discovery run all through the record. Which of those was the hardest to put into a song?
A) I might have to say “CAN YOU HEAR ME?” This song actually started out completely different and we re-wrote it many times (sorry Shea). Then, one night it just clicked and we accidentally wrote an entirely different song, which is the version that’s on the record!
Q) What do you hope lingers with listeners that explore EXES as a whole – either as an emotion or message?
A) I hope people come away with a strong sense of my journey and who I am as an artist. I hope this project becomes the soundtrack to others’ stories and, above all, I hope it helps heal a broken heart.
Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with in the future?
A) I would love to collaborate with another hard rock legend like Jacoby Shadix, Lzzy Hale or Amy Lee.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) I’ve dedicated my entire life to music and I cannot thank you enough for supporting me on this journey. I’m excited to bring you all along for the ride. XOXO
All Questions Answered By Alexa Graves