For the typical K-POP fan, AleXa is a familiar face. After making her debut in 2019, she’s been truly making a name for herself, whether with her music or her hosting roles like Virtual Top Ten Song, Codename: Busan, and podcast How Did I Get Here? After entering and winning American Song Contest back in 2022, the Korean-American idol introduced herself to a whole new audience. Her winning song ‘Wonderland’ ranked 38 on Billboard’s Pop Airplay Chart, making her the 5th most Korean artist on U.S radio. Since then, she’s been growing her American audience with a performance on The Kelly Clarkson Show and a spot at Jingle Ball in December, making her the first solo Korean artist to perform at the annual festive tour.
This year has seen AleXa take a new direction in her music. The singer has been focusing on English releases, with ‘sick‘ and ‘i’m okay’ showing a new side to her artistry. AleXa’s sound has been giving a nostalgic pop punk sound reminiscent of the 2000s, and her new single ‘distraction’ feels like a real throwback. We’ve been lucky enough for a quick catch-up with AleXa to interview her about her new sound, cosplaying, and her career so far.
AleXa Interview
Hi AleXa, welcome to The Honey POP! And congrats on your new release! ‘distraction’ has a theme of recognizing one’s self-worth. Was there a defining moment for you in your life when you realized your own self worth?
I’d say about two years ago, I really started placing value on my wants and needs rather than people’s expectations of me.
We know you love to cosplay! Can you tell us about this hobby? How did you discover this love? Do you think it helps inspire your artistry?
I’ve been a fan of anime since I was about 11 years old. My friend knew about the local anime convention scene and introduced me to it; I went for the first time in eighth grade. I wouldn’t say it helps me at all as an artist, but it is another avenue of expression through art.
And you do such an incredible job at it. This year marks five years since your debut with ‘Bomb.’ If you could sit with 2019 AleXa and talk to her; what would you like to tell her or advise her from present-day AleXa?
Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself; there are people around you who will listen and assure you that your voice holds value. Things will be hard, but don’t hold back from relying on those around you.
That’s such great advice! Your performance at iHeart Radio’s Jingle Ball was one for the history books! How did it feel to be the first solo Korean artist to perform there?
It was an extreme honor to be the first Korean solo artist to perform for the Jingle Ball Tour. I’m hoping with every fiber of my being that I have the opportunity to join the tour once again this year.
New Singles
For a lot of us, music provides an escape from reality when life gets stressful. Your latest release, ‘i’m okay,’ allows us to find that escape. What do you do to recharge in moments of stress and anxiety?
To be completely frank, when I’m very stressed and anxious, I tend to divide myself from the crowd, seek solitude, and just listen to music. It helps me refocus my thoughts on my energy.
We do our best to keep up with the AleXa-verse and this new era is one of our favorite
ones to date. So we have to know, if this current era was a movie installment in the hypothetical “AleXa-Verse” what would the title of it be?
Once again, to be completely frank, I have no idea where this falls in the “AleXa-Verse”…but, if a movie were to be made from these recent releases, I guess it will be called “2000 Something”…I don’t know, haha.
You’ve said that within the pop-punk genre, you feel safer when sharing certain emotions and experiences that you might not have explored in your pop music. And we really see that within ‘sick’ and ‘i’m okay.’ What has been the most cathartic part of finding ways to share those more intimate parts of yourself in your music?
I wouldn’t say that I feel safer sharing certain emotions through this genre, but releasing songs in English allows me to touch on subjects that my regular KPOP discography may not have given me the opportunity to. I’m just grateful that through my writing in “i’m okay” that people found comfort in relating to my real life struggles and emotions that I conveyed through the lyrics.
We definitely feel that way about your lyrics. You’re going to be heading back to KCON, and we’re super excited! Can we expect some KCON TikTok collabs?
I’ve got some friends going, but it’s all up to scheduling and availability, haha…
Well, we will be manifesting! We love the message behind ‘distraction’ and can definitely relate to settling for people who didn’t deserve us. In your experience, how did you know it was time to walk away?
I’ve never personally been in the situation that ‘distraction’ talks about, but I know friends who have. I’m typically the friend who gives advice, so I’ve bore witness to many a rebound gone wrong.
What’s Next
We love your aesthetic! If we wanted to “steal AleXa’s style” where could we turn for inspiration? What inspires your look?
When I style myself, day-to-day, it ranges from comfort to what makes me feel fashionable; I love dressing up a simple crop tee and sweats with some accessories and nice makeup, or I love to wear any combination of my various Vivienne Westwood clothing pieces and accessories.
You always look incredible. What is one big career (or personal) goal that you hope to achieve this year?
I just hope to be in a happier headspace, and to be satisfied with what I’ve done in my career.
You’ve participated in various music competitions, from Rising Legends to Produce 48 and the American Song Contest. How have these experiences shaped your career and musical style? Do you feel that competing in these shows has given you a unique perspective as an artist?
I’m not sure if survival programs have influenced my musical style at all, but I will say that ever since I was a child, I’ve had a heavily competitive edge to me. Being competitive definitely provides one with pros and cons as an artist; you constantly strive to be the best, but if you fall below your expectations, it’s disappointing.
With ‘distraction’ recently released, what other projects or collaborations can fans look forward to? Are there any new directions or experiments you’re excited to explore in your upcoming work?
Hopefully, the full album will be released by the end of the year, so keep looking for future releases.
We’re looking forward to it! Thanks AleXa, we’ve loved chatting to ya!
‘Distraction’ is out now!
Are you obsessed with ‘Distraction?’ What’s your fave lyric from AleXa’s new single? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ALEXA:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE
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