21-year-old singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Alex Aiono has had one hell of a year, and he’s not showing any signs of slowing down before 2017 comes to an end. Following nearly non-stop touring this year (most recently a run with Sabrina Carpenter over the summer) Alex just recently released his newest track, “Does It Feel Like Falling,” a sneak peek at his Interscope Records debut album, and that’s not all he’s been up to. Having amassed a following of millions creating his own “flipped” versions of popular songs, Alex is looking to use his platform to bring awareness to the issues that matter most to him – currently, he’s working on creating a mash-up that benefits the people of Puerto Rico.
Alex’s competitive nature keeps him busy, which means fans can expect more exciting announcements and new music sooner than they think. With his first North American headlining tour coming up early in 2018, this certainly won’t be the last you hear from him. Watch the video for “Does It Feel Like Falling” featuring Trinidad Cardona below!
Interview by Dom Vigil
You’ve had an incredibly busy year this year with pretty much non-stop touring including the shows you just wrapped up with Sabrina Carpenter and even some new music. What has been the highlight of your year so far?
The whole year feels like one big highlight and I don’t want to lose that feeling! But I think if I could pick one it would probably be the first time I landed in Denmark—a country I’ve never been before—and headlining a sold out show where every kid knew the words of every original song of mine. The “one world” feeling of it was such a rush!
On top of all of this, you’ve still been regularly sharing covers and new videos on YouTube too! Are there any songs that you’re dying to do right now?
It’s funny. Right now I’m torn. At the moment, I’m working on trying to do a mash-up that benefits Puerto Rico where people are isolated and suffering so that’s where my head is at the moment.
Earlier this year, you released a couple of new songs, “Hot2Touch” and “Question.” Obviously, covering other artists and performing your own material are two completely different things, but what is the most rewarding thing about releasing your own original music?
We also released “Work The Middle” and some remixes, too, and part of the plan we have with Interscope is to openly share the creative process with fans, releasing music I am creating along the way. I love singing great songs. The songs I write and the songs other people write. The biggest difference is the knowledge that my original records are tailor-made to me and who I am and that’s how I can make the best connections to my fans.
You also just dropped your new song, “Does It Feel Like Falling,” which features Trinidad Cardona. What is the story behind this song?
When I look back at 2017 from a personal space, it was such a roller coaster of emotions. From meeting someone and out of nowhere being sucker punched with emotions (“Like a boxer in the first round”), and then going through the full motion of what I thought would be falling in love, to everything crashing (“Like lightning striking the ground”) into nothing. Love, in my eyes, is never a perfectly planned happening. There is no surety in falling in love, which makes it so scary but yet so exciting and enticing. DIFLF is just the imagery to those thoughts and feelings.
How did you become connected with Trinidad to collaborate on the song?
I heard “Jennifer” and loved the fresh throwback R&B vibe and when we were talking about a feature for this record it happened to work out that my manager and Trinidad’s manager are friends and it all just naturally fell into place. He’s going on tour with me in January on the FEELS LIKE TOUR. Come see us!
What do you hope fans take away from “Does It Feel Like Falling”?
For starters, I hope they sing along with me, but I also hope that the lyrics kind of transport fans to whatever moment they may have felt like love was so strong it knocked them on the ground.
I know you’re also working on your debut album for Interscope – is there anything you can tell us about these upcoming songs? When can fans expect to hear more new music?
What I can tell you is that I refuse to be frantic about developing my record. I was signed to BMG as a songwriter a few years ago and I’ve been doing this for a good minute. So I think what I’m focused on is being positive that I am connected to these records and that it speaks to who I am. I started on YouTube as a teenager and now I’m 21 and the relationship I have with the fans is so important to me. New music is coming and it’s going to keep coming!
Do you have any big goals in mind for any of this new material? What would you like to accomplish with the album?
Of course I shoot for the stars with everything I do; it’s my competitive nature. I look at so many debut albums that have made major waves, but also were honest and drew everyone who listened, closer. I can only dream that my debut album would be reacted to the same. But all that I can control right now is how real I can be with my music, and how much I love it. I feel like as long as I keep it real with ME, and I truly love my own music, I will always be happy with it.
Do you have any other big plans for the rest of 2017?
FEELS LIKE TOUR is coming to the US in 2018. It is my first US headlining tour, which again is bringing out my competitive nature. I want these shows to be AMAZING. So to answer your question, the biggest portion of the rest of my 2017 will be prepping, organizing, and rehearsing for my tour come January.
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Anytime:) Recently, I have been in a very thoughtful space, mainly devoting those thoughts and prayers to those affected by any of the, what feels like, ever growing list of devastating events. I love using my voice to influence change in a positive way, and I want to continue to do that. I urge those reading to continue to HELP MORE, GIVE MORE, AND LOVE MORE.
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FEELS LIKE TOUR DATES:
Tickets are on sale now at www.AlexAiono.com/Tour
1/13/2018
Minneapolis, MN
Cedar Cultural Center
1/14/2018
Chicago, IL
Lincoln Hall
1/16/2018
Pontiac, MI
Pike Room
1/18/2018
New York, NY
Highline Ballroom
1/19/2018
Philadelphia, PA
The Foundry at The Fillmore
1/20/2018
Washington, DC
U Street Music Hall
1/21/2018
Boston, MA
Paradise Rock Club
1/23/2018
Atlanta, GA
Terminal West
1/25/2018
Houston, TX
White Oak Music Hall – Downstairs
1/26/2018
Dallas, TX
Trees
1/29/2018
Phoenix, AZ
Crescent Ballroom *
1/31/2018
Santa Ana, CA
Constellation Room
2/1/2018
Los Angeles, CA
El Rey
2/2/2018
San Francisco, CA
Great American Music Hall
2/3/2018
Sacramento, CA
Ace of Spades
* special guest TBD