Pop-Culturalist.com

There’s no better feeling than being able to express yourself authentically through your craft. It’s the reason singer-songwriter Alice Aera became an artist, and it’s what keeps her motivated during challenging times. An artist to watch in 2020, Alice has toplined for some of the biggest DJs in Europe and received notable shoutouts from artists such as Martin Garrix and Pitbull. Pop Culturalist caught up with Alice to chat about her career and her latest single, “Got U.”

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Alice: I was drawn to music when I was four years old. I started playing the violin. I did that for many years until my sister started singing in a band and she brought home a microphone. I remember doing karaoke nights. There was this one time when I was nine years old and we were at a restaurant. I started singing and the audience was amazed. I remember that feeling of being on the stage, having that attention, and people enjoying what I was doing. I immediately fell in love with it. I was like, “I want to be an entertainer.”

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Alice: Growing up, it was always Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston. I tried to sound like them and perform like they did. Over the years, it became Lauryn Hill and all the soul legends like Aretha Franklin. Then it was Beyoncé.

PC: You’ve experienced the highs and lows in this industry. What did you learn about yourself as an artist, as a person, during those challenging times? What instilled that fight in you?
Alice: I’ve always had that drive inside of me. It gets really hard, and I’ve definitely been at that place where I’m like, “Why am I doing this?” But even in those darkest times and when you feel like you’ve hit rock bottom, you remember your love for it. That keeps me going. I’ve been blessed that I have something in my life that I’m working towards. Being able to create is a feeling like no other. I ultimately do it because it makes me happy.

PC: Despite the challenges, you’ve had a lot of success in your career already. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out to you?
Alice: It’s still hard because sometimes I don’t really see my successes as big successes. I have really big goals and dreams. Sometimes I have to stop myself and remind myself “Oh, where was I last year?” I didn’t have any of this. I should be proud of myself and what I’ve accomplished, but as I said, I have some big dreams. I think it keeps me humble and working hard.

PC: Can you share any of those goals?
Alice: Ultimately, I want to have a number-one album. I want to have a song that I wrote in the top ten. I want to be able to tour the world and reach as many people as I can with my music.

PC: You recently dropped a new single. Tell us about “Got U” and the inspiration behind the song.
Alice: “Got U” was created in my living room. I was jamming with one of my friends, Andrew, and he brought his guitar. He played something so beautiful and simple. I was in a loving mind space and wanted to write a song that was light. I tend to write sad and moody songs, so this was a nice change. It gave me a good feeling. That’s how the song about true love came about.

PC: You’ve dropped a couple of singles already this year. If you had to pick one that best encompasses you as an artist, which one would it be and why?
Alice: That’s a hard one. I have so many different sides to me. What I love about “Like That” is that it’s moody and on the vibey side. That song is very personal to me because I’ve been in so many broken relationships. That one I felt like I was coming out stronger. But then I love “Got U” because it’s about finding that love and seeking it. I love how “Got U” showcases my voice because it’s an acoustic song. There isn’t a big production. I can really have that space to let my voice resonate.

PC: The music industry has evolved into the singles market. How has that changed your approach to your craft?
Alice: For me, I wanted to put some singles out. When I put my heart into an EP or album, I want to make sure that I’m telling a whole story. That puts a lot of pressure on me. I feel like everything needs to flow into each other, and I want that story to be evolving. The singles market allows me to drop a song whenever I want, and it doesn’t have to sound like the last one.

As an independent artist, it’s easier. You can put your mind more into doing marketing for one song. To promote a whole album is a big project to take on. I like it being a singles market. If I had enough material, I would love to put out an album. But I’m a perfectionist. I’m definitely not afraid to put out an album, even though it’s a singles market. I really admire artists that put out EPs and albums. I think that’s dope.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Alice: I listen to a lot of H.E.R., Ella Mai, Deza, and Lucky Daye. I listen to a lot of soul, R&B, and hip-hop. It lifts my mood.

PC: First album you bought?
Alice: Craig David

PC: First concert you attended?
Alice: Alicia Keys

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Alice: Alicia Keys’ A Minor. I just love Alicia Keys. She’s so unique and always wrote her own songs, played the piano. She inspired me to play the piano and write my own songs.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Alice: Madison Square Garden

PC: A must-have on the road?
Alice: A good team around you.

To keep up with Alice, follow her on Twitter and Instagram.