Following on from a flurry of bright and enticing releases over the last year, LA-based artist Alex Beck is back once again with her mesmerising new single 'Wishful Thinking'.
Channelling the sweet and wistful pop-rock energy of acts like Haim, 'Wishful Thinking' makes for a wonderfully passionate listen. With her warm and heartfelt voice layered amongst a bold and sun-kissed production, she is certainly set for big things in the years to come.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I fell in love was the guitar.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
When I was younger I loved classic rock and pop. My dad ever since I was a little girl would play it in the car and it has stuck with me ever since. My mom was always into 80s pop. Those two genres have influenced the music I make today.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album I remember owning was Metamorphosis by Hilary Duff. I remember playing it on my portable cd player constantly. I thought it was the coolest thing ever.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
The one song I wish I wrote is either Tiny Dancer by Elton John or Dreams by Fleetwood Mac.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Every time I write a song the process is different every time. Whether I go into a session and we start the song then or I write a song in one moment sitting down at the piano. But one habit I have is whenever creativity strikes me during the day, I will go into the notes app on my phone and jot that idea down. When I have a day where I don’t have that initial idea, I will scroll through my notes app and see what ideas I have there because there are so many verses, concepts, etc. that are just sitting in there untouched.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
At the moment I have been loving 99 corolla by medium bold, your love by mallrat, and of course Charli xcx’s new album crash.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
If I could open for anyone, it would be the 1975.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The most rewarding part is putting that vulnerable side of yourself out there and people coming back to you saying that they’ve felt the same way. That connection is unlike anything else. Especially with the current state of our world it's just comforting to know that you’re not alone with what you’re going through.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The most frustrating part is those moments when it seems like you’re stuck in a rut creatively. But, I've learned that those moments are actually very crucial to the creative process. Because once you have one of those moments, afterwards it brings you to a place of abundance. Then I am constantly coming up with new ideas I would have never had if it weren’t for that moment of silence. So even though it feels like that frustration feels like it's lasting for an eternity (it's not actually), the reward after is worth it.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
The best advice is you have to stay true to yourself as an artist. That is very basic advice but it truly has stuck with me. Go into everything with the intention of it being the most authentic version of you. Don’t hold back, just be yourself.
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Alex Beck's new single 'Wishful Thinking' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.