We were fortunate enough to catch up with the brilliant artist ALEJ following the superb release, ‘Infectious’. Read the full interview now!
Hi ALEJ, what is your earliest music memory?
When we were kids, me and and my sister were obsessed with the SpongeBob Christmas song. We would literally sing it at the top of our lungs in the back of the car, driving my parents crazy! Haha
Who or what got you into music?
I can’t really pinpoint EXACTLY what got me into music as I’ve loved it my whole life. But growing up, my teachers always said I had a great singing voice (not to brag, I promise!) Those little compliments, I feel, really gave me the courage to keep it going.
Who influenced your latest release, ‘Infectious’?
‘Infectious’ took influence from many of the artists I enjoy listening to, including Taylor Swift, Troye Sivan, etc.
What’s the music scene like in Miami?
The music scene in Miami is TRULY like no other. Since the majority of us here are Latin (myself included, I’m a proud Cuban-American 🇨🇺❤️), the music that’s most popular here is mainly Latin pop and reggaeton.
‘Infectious’ is taken from a much anticipated forthcoming album. Can you tell us any more?
I’d say ‘Infectious’ is just a fraction of what’s to come on the album! The album has a concept which it blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. Most of the songs are either exaggerated versions of my own personal experiences or even completely fabricated experiences that tell a story from the perspective of someone else. It was so much fun taking it in that direction as I felt that everyday life was starting to really bore me, and I wanted an outlet to escape. So that’s what this album is!
You worked with Valerie Perez on the photos to support this superb release; what was that process like?
I met Valerie through my friend, laCami, who is also an incredible artist (STREAM CÓGEME AND CLOSURE)! We sat down for a FaceTime call to discuss the concept and vibe I wanted for this era, and we took notes and bounced ideas back and forth. Then about three weeks later, we met up at her studio to shoot the photos. It was such an amazing experience as I’ve never had a professional photoshoot before. Any visuals for my other projects were usually done by myself on my phone. So it was definitely an exciting thing to experience!
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
I think I would love to collaborate with Max Martin. The way he’s able to literally make POP PERFECTION so effortlessly is insane! He’s made some of my favourite songs from my childhood, and I would love to know what’s his secret.
What’s your dream venue to play?
Honestly, any venue is a dream venue for me.
Other than music, what are you passionate about?
I really like fitness and nutrition, I gotta say. I really like being active and making sure I stay healthy. I feel like it’s a great start to your day.
What changes would you like to see in the music business?
Probably that you have to have a certain look and style in order to make it in this business. Also, record labels in general, desperately need to change for obvious reasons.
What would it be if you could choose one thing for fans to take away from your music?
That it’s ok to fantasize and have fun with your imagination, I just want people to enjoy my music.
What is your favourite song to play live?
‘Too Famous for Me’ is a song that’s always really fun to play live. Every time I play it for my friends, in particular, they always scream it word for word. It’s such a fun feeling!
Have you started working on your next release?
I’ve been working and recording with my producer, Andrei, on this album since last December. So yes, we are definitely working on it and are almost done!
FVMusicBlog August 2022.
Leave a Reply