Self-proclaimed grunge pop artist Alaena has done it all. From playing in death metal bands like Winds Of Plague while she was growing up to her latest music, which falls somewhere in between the darker side of the spectrum and moody, emotional pop, Alaena has learned over the years that it isn’t necessarily what your music sounds like, but rather what you say with it that’s important. With her latest project (and recently released single, “Paranoid”) Alaena found herself returning to her roots and writing from the heart, resulting in incredibly personal and powerful songs.
With big plans to release even more new music and play some shows this spring and summer, the year is only getting started for Alaena, and the future is looking bright! Get to know a little bit more about her and listen to “Paranoid” now below.
Interview by Dom Vigil
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself for anyone who might not be familiar?
My names Alaena, Im a quiet girl with a loud mind trying to break the barriers of pop music! I call it Grunge Pop, its like dark alternative pop, and it stole my heart. I also used to be in a few bands growing up but my most recognizable was this death metal band called Winds of Plague, where I played keys.
You have plenty of experience in the music industry in other bands and projects, but what initially drew you to the kind of music that you’re creating now?
I have always loved all types of music, metal music gave me an outlet to let go of some emotions inside of me that I couldn’t really understand at the time- but as I started to grow and become more able to understand my own head, I wanted to express it in a way that was relatable and melodic. I always have tinges of dark metal chords in my songs hidden all over the place but I have taken it to places where I can sing and voice what I want in a much more clear way. It really felt much more natural for me, and I feel completely connected to what I create now vs then.
Obviously, your past with Winds Of Plague and your new music couldn’t be more different, but are there any experiences or lessons that you’ve taken from previous projects and have been able to apply to your music now?
PATIENCE. Omg, this is the biggest lesson I had struggled with my entire music career but learned how to master it in this journey. Switching to pop music meant starting from scratch all over, and im really grateful for it because I don’t believe anything comes easy, and you appreciate what you have / what you have accomplished when you work really hard for it.
Last year, you released a handful of singles, and 2019 is already off to a great start with the release of “Californihate” and “Paranoid”. How do you feel you’ve grown as a musician and songwriter over the past year?
I stopped worrying what some people would think if I let my real feelings out. I started writing about how I actually feel. I also reverted back to my roots and stepped away from the cookie cutter molds of pop songs. All of this as well as producing my own music allowed me to be the truest, most raw and real version of myself, there’s no better growth than that, in my opinion
I’d love to talk about your latest single, “Paranoid.” What inspired the track?
This song is inspired by these crazy intrusive images i have had the past couple years. It had made me distance myself from some people because I have always been afraid of the triggers. This song is kind of my confession to what’s been going on with me in my head.
Was there anything you really wanted to accomplish with “Paranoid”? Did you have any goals in mind when you started working on it?
I really wanted to be able to connect with people who have felt the same way for whatever reasons that may be. Paranoia can happen for many reasons, maybe you have had bad experiences with friends, your boyfriend / girlfriend is a POS or you have anxiety like myself. I felt that someone somewhere would be able to relate to something that I was speaking about. I wanted them to feel less of an outcast and more like they aren’t the only ones.
With “Californiahate” and “Paranoid” out now, could fans expect to hear any more new music soon?
Absolutely! The next song is coming within the next month!! Expect middle/end of May 🙂
Do you have any other big plans for the coming months? Any shows coming up?
NEW MUSIC NEW MUSIC NEW MUSIC! Shows are coming this summer- ill keep you posted!!
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Please check out my music, do it!! I promise you won’t regret it!
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