Pop-Culturalist.com

ALITA is a rising pop artist who’s taking the industry by storm with singles like “Human Nature” and “Too Close.” Already receiving placement on prominent playlists on Spotify and TIDAL, ALITA’s honest songwriting has unquestionably struck a chord with listeners around the world. Pop Culturalist caught up with ALITA to learn more about her career and future.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
ALITA: My mom was filling my brain with music in the womb—headphones to the stomach for hours on end. So the influence was there from day one. I grew up in a family of musicians, singers, and performers, and their passion really just extended to me as a kid. I took a break from pursuing music for a little while and went to college. I was pretty miserable without it, so it’s been nice rediscovering and honing in my craft again these last few years.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
ALITA: I’m resisting this answer because it’s cliché, but it’s the honest truth. My family really has and continues to have the biggest influence on my career. Without their support, I would not be here at all. They are unwavering with their faith in me. I’m so lucky. I feel that way about my manager too. She’s essential. We actually grew up together, so getting to partner and work together now is so cool. I really trust her, and that trust is everything in this industry.

From a creative perspective, the answer changes every day. I hear new music every day that I’m hyped on, which makes me think, “Maybe I should make something more like this.” I’ve learned that true artistry is enjoying art, absorbing the world around you, and then defining what piece you bring to the table in your own work. I definitely don’t want to be a Walmart version of Adele or Barbra Streisand or the 1975, but they all influence me greatly.

PC: Your previous single “Human Nature” was very well received. Does that add any pressure for future releases?
ALITA: I put a tremendous amount of pressure on myself regardless, so I can’t say there’s been a big shift. It’s beyond special to see people connect to my work, but I feel like we barely scratched the surface with “Human Nature.” I’m always asking, “Okay, what’s next?” And you really have to have that mentality in an industry as saturated as the music industry.

People have short attention spans, so especially as I’m building a name for myself, it’s important I stay consistent and keep telling that story. I think that’s where I feel the pressure. I have to practice intense patience and faith during this process. My manager and my family are always reminding me that although my drive is a good thing, it’s important to be able to pause, look around, and appreciate. I’m working on it.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Too Close.” What inspired the track?
ALITA: “Too Close” was inspired by a “situationship” I went through in early 2019. I was seeing someone new and was really smitten. As time went on, I realized we wanted different things, and we lost contact. During a solo writing session, I was playing around with different exercises and tried to write a song from his perspective instead of my own. I liked what I came up with at home, so I took it into the studio to flesh it out more. The beginning of the creation process was when I was going through this “nonbreakup” breakup, but it took a long time to finish it. By the time it was wrapped, my emotions about the whole thing had shifted a lot. It’s really nice to let this one go.

PC: You’ve said that this single holds a different weight than previous releases. At what point during the process did you realize that?
ALITA: I don’t think I realized that until I was nearing the release. It’s always been a song we’ve come back to and has a special place in my heart, but the process of actually letting it out in the world felt different than anything else. It was one of the first songs where I felt I had started to capture my sound, and that was such a long, jagged process for me.

PC: As you look ahead in your career, what are some of the goals you hope to accomplish?
ALITA: My constant, never-changing goal is to keep honesty and growth at the core of all that I do and all that I create. Some of the more superfluous but still important goals are continuing to build a team around me that I trust. I’d love to sign to a label I’m passionate about. I can’t wait to tour nationally and globally. I’m just at the cusp, so a lot of my goals are stereotypical for an up-and-coming artist.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
ALITA: I think people would probably think I listen to pop/R&B through and through if they listened to my stuff, but I’m kinda all over the map. I have a deep love for Mumford & Sons, Nirvana; I’m obsessed with showtunes. It just depends on the day.

PC: First album you bought?
ALITA: I wish I remembered! Honestly, probably Britney Spears.

PC: FIrst concert you attended?
ALITA: When I was six or seven, I went to a Beach Boys reunion tour in downtown Seattle on the water with my family. It’s one of my favorite memories.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
ALITA: I’m going to pick the most recent album that was a game-changer for me. Lennon Stella’s debut album Three. Two. One. came out recently and just took my breath away. No skips on that project. So good.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
ALITA: There are two hometown spots in Washington that will be so special for me to play someday. The Gorge is a breathtaking amphitheater that I’ve gone to so many times growing up, and the Showbox Sodo in Seattle. Very different vibes but equally important to me.

PC: A must-have on the road?
ALITA: I haven’t toured yet, so I’m a little naïve in this area. But besides the basic necessities, I always tell my manager we’re going to need at least two tour buses so I can bring my three dogs! They’d be the best crew members.

To keep up with ALITA, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Pick up or stream “Too Close” today.