Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist’s Alice Lee

Actress and pop artist Alice Lee is one of the breakout stars of NBC’s Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist. The musical dramedy follows a young woman who discovers she can hear the innermost thoughts of those around her through song.

Since its premiere in 2020, the series has captivated audiences with its effortless ability to make you burst out in laughter while also tugging at your heartstrings.

Alice’s character, Emily, is a new mom whom we’ve recently learned is dealing with postpartum depression. While it’s not often depicted in mainstream media, Alice hopes the storyline will bring light to the topic and help remove any stigmas surrounding it.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Alice about her career, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, the importance of representation, and her new single “Stories“.

PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts?
Alice: My dad’s side of the family is very musical and artistic, and we would do karaoke all the time when we were younger. So, I always knew I loved to perform, sing, and act. I did acapella in high school, and college…and school musicals. I always knew I loved it, but I didn’t know I could do it professionally until my freshman year of college. Basically, I went to an open call for a Broadway musical called Spring Awakening, because I loved the show so much. Then, I freaking got it! I got the part. Through that I got an agent, and it started my professional career. But I’ve always loved to perform. I just didn’t know I could really do it as a job.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Alice: It might be cliché, but my parents, no doubt. Without their support, I know for sure I wouldn’t be here. Everything that they’ve sacrificed to give me these opportunities…if I didn’t have a way to pursue the arts, I wouldn’t be here. My parents provided an environment where I felt I could pursue it, and they supported me. They gave me the room for it.

In high school, I had this music teacher. I wasn’t in choir or anything in high school, but I finally auditioned for this variety show. My choir teacher, Mr. S., was like, “Hey, are you in choir?” I was like, “No, I’m not.” After my audition, he was like, “You should join.” He was like, “You should try out for the acapella group, too.” I was like, “Okay.”

I don’t think I believed that I was good. I wasn’t sure. But him being like, “You should do it,” made me think that I should do music. That led to me being like, “I should do music in college. I should do something that’s related to music in college,” which is why I went to NYU for Music Business. But then through that, I was in New York. I went to that open call, then I got the show. He really encouraged me to believe in myself and trust my talent. He was a big influence for sure.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your career. When you look back, is there any particular moment that stands out to you?
Alice: Oh, man. I guess it would be that first show. That was wild. Apparently, I called my parents after I got it, and I was like, “They’re going to pay me!” That wasn’t even a thing; I was just excited to do it. I think also doing Heathers: The Musical off-Broadway was another moment because that was a fun musical. It has a cult following. All these teenagers loved it so much, and they still support us today. That’s so cool. Then, I have to say, I did an indie called Brittany Runs a Marathon. We went to Sundance and it was a cool movie. It was really fun. I was really proud of that one. I’m always just grateful. It’s always fun.

PC: The industry has really made some slow progress in greater representation on screen. As an Asian American creative, what has your experience been like? Have you seen or felt the progress that’s being made?
Alice: I’ve definitely felt the progress, for sure. When I started, I guess ten years ago, there weren’t as many roles as there are now. They were also a lot more specific or a stereotype or they had an accent. But now I feel like there are a lot more roles and a lot more creatives, too—like directors, producers, writers, who are Asian, which is important. We need people in leadership positions. That’s very important.

But I mean, I always think there’s more room to grow. It’s about what the quality of the work is, too—just telling as many stories as possible. It’s not just about having one Asian person in your cast. You can’t be like, “Well, we’re diverse.” It’s how do you utilize them? How do you give them life that’s beyond what you might even still think is a stereotype? You don’t even realize subconsciously that they’re playing some stereotype. I’m very hopeful.

I feel like it’s a lot better, but there’s always more room. You have to be grateful for the progress. No one can deny the progress, but I feel like it’s slowly—like you said—slowly progressing, but I’m hopeful and optimistic. There were lots of moves made. There are so many cool Asian actors, directors, producers coming up now. It’s always been like, “Well, we feel like it won’t sell,” or “It’s not marketable,” but we’re all proving them wrong. Our story is everyone else’s story. We’re just human. Everyone can relate to every kind of story.

I think more people are seeing that you can have an all-Asian cast, like with Crazy Rich Asians. Everyone can still relate to it and love it. That makes sense to me. Or films like The Farewell. What a beautiful movie…and Parasite.

PC: Speaking of representation, you’re currently one of the stars of Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist. In the most recent episode, we learn that your character is struggling with postpartum depression and mental health, which we don’t often see depicted in mainstream media. What has it meant to you to be part of such a groundbreaking storyline? Did that bring any pressure?
Alice: Definitely. I was anxious for sure because I wanted to do it justice. I know it’s such a heavy, important topic, and I’m not a mom. I wanted to do it right for all the moms out there. It was very emotional and raw, so I was nervous, but it’s been amazing to see the feedback with everyone commenting about what it’s meant to them to feel seen and heard. You’re right; people don’t talk about it a lot, especially postpartum for women. It feels really nice. I feel very humbled and honored to be a part of that story. It feels good to know that you can help people not feel alone. Part of art is to do that. People can watch and be like, “I’m not alone.”

Being seen and heard can get rid of the stigma as well, because the more you talk about it, the more you see these issues on TV and film, the less it feels scary. It’s no longer as scary to talk about. Why shouldn’t we talk about postpartum? There’s no shame. People get depressed; it’s natural. Normalizing these conversations is important. It’s really cool. It’s so different and out of the realm of what I have done. It was challenging, but I love the challenge. It was super neat, and everyone was amazing. Jane [Levy] was so gracious during all those scenes. Austin [Winsberg], the showrunner, was very supportive. It was amazing.

PC: We have to talk about that closing scene in Episode 9 where you performed Demi Lovato’s “Anyone”. How did you prepare for that scene? What was it like moments after you finish filming it? What are you feeling at that moment?
Alice: Before we did the actual scene, we recorded the song. We knew we might do it live, but just in case, we were like, “Let’s record it first.” Even the time I was in the booth, they dimmed the lights for me to get into it, and I sang it. But the one that you see on TV, I believe it was live version. They went with whatever I did live because we started doing it and they were like, “You know what? Try it live. You can do it.” We actually started with that song first because it was so heavy. It was “Rosanna” going into that number, and that transition is very difficult, so we tried it a couple of times.

It’s hard. It’s interesting because that’s what acting is; you’re vulnerable. You have to be so vulnerable, but there are all these people watching. It’s not reality where I’m just there with my sister-in-law. Then, there are all these elements. Where do I sit? Where do I stand? All these things. During all that, it was making sure I was feeling everything. It was definitely wild. After it was done, I was like, “Did you guys get it? Did I do it?” You have to trust that you did the work and that they’re happy with the work. I’m really proud of what they put out. It really takes a village, though—every single person coming together. I couldn’t have done that performance if the whole environment wasn’t like that. No matter what, it’s always fun. I always look back, and I’m like, “That was really cool.” You know?

PC: It’s definitely a standout moment in the series for me!

Alice: Aw, thank you!

PC: Something else that I appreciate is that we’ve really seen Emily grow from Season 1 to Season 2. When you look at her journey, has anything surprised you? What’s ahead for her in the back half of Season 2?
Alice: Right. I feel like in the beginning, you were getting to know Emily. She was in the family, but it was more about Mitch and their journey. I love how now you’re getting to know her and her backstory. We’ve even seen her sister. You’re like, “Oh I see. She’s that sister.” You get to see that dynamic. Then, you get to see her dynamic with everyone else, especially with her husband and how they support each other through everything. You get to see her relationship grow with Maggie, her mother-in-law, and Zoey. Up until these episodes, you’ve seen Emily doing her thing.

You would have never known that she was going through postpartum, but that’s also what happens; people don’t notice. People don’t know that’s happening. In the future, Emily’s going to get help. You’ll see that. You won’t see it explicitly, but you’ll know that she’s seeking help and readjusting to family life and connecting with Maggie a bit more. There’s also a flashback episode that’s going to come up. You’ll see where everyone was six, seven years ago, which is fun.

PC: Oh cool.

Alice: Yeah. You see Emily and David meet, or re-meet. It’s really cute. It’s way back when, and it’s adorable.

PC: In addition to Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, you have a new single out now. Tell us about “Stories” and the inspiration behind it.
Alice: You’re so sweet. “Stories” is about a casual relationship where you both know it’s not actually going to go somewhere, but you still want to feel special. But yeah, I’ve been doing a lot more music. I feel in the music industry, there’s so much more room for Asian American artists, especially in the pop world. BTS is there, but they’re there in Korea. You know what I mean? I know there are Asian American artists, musicians doing their thing, but where are the Rihannas? Where are the Taylor Swifts? You don’t see Asian musicians yet. I feel like there’s room for that.

I’m trying to do more pop music, which is honestly my biggest passion. Music is my thing—writing and producing. I have another single coming out at the end of May. A couple of the Zoey cast members are going to be in the music video.

PC: Oh cool.

Alice: It’s called “Body”. It should be a fun summer jam. John [Clarence Stewart] is going to be in it. Kapil [Talwalkar] is going to be in it. That’ll be fun.

PC: Something else that I love about you is that you’ve used your platform to champion causes that you’re passionate about. How did you discover your voice as an advocate?
Alice: Honestly, I really think it was last summer with the pandemic and Black Lives Matter. There are so many things that I’ve known and felt in my heart for so long, but I never knew how to vocalize it. I was suppressing a lot of feelings, not really acknowledging what was happening. Last summer, it sounds cliché, but it really opened my eyes.

I feel like as Asian Americans, you don’t know when you’re supposed to say something. It really happened this past year where I really felt…I’m so sorry, I’m getting emotional—just that what we feel is valid. Knowing that once again, we’re not alone. Knowing that there’s a community of us where it’s so communal. Now, I’m not so afraid to say what I feel because I know that’s my truth. I’m just barely in the public eye, but I have to say something. You just don’t know for whom or where you’ll make a difference, and who needs to hear what you have to say. Even that is scary for me sometimes.

Sometimes posting on social media is nerve-wracking. I’m like, “What do I say?” Sometimes it’s hard for me to say stuff, but I know what I feel, and I have to present it because that matters. I do think social media matters in that way where you have to see it. Show me what you believe in. I know it’s hard because some people are like, “Just because I don’t post it on social media, it doesn’t mean that I don’t believe in it,” but to me, if you’re in the “public eye” and you know people are looking, why wouldn’t you say something? It’s been a journey for me discovering my voice and feeling confident in my voice. It’s been a journey, but I’m so much happier on this side.

PC: Well, I appreciate all you’re doing with your platform and voice. Speaking of making a difference, have you had time to reflect on the impact that you’ve had on communities of people who want to see themselves represented on screen? What has that meant to you?
Alice: It’s interesting because I’m always like, “Who am I?” I’m just Alice. I don’t know. It is cool and it’s humbling because I do recognize that I’m in these spaces where it will make a difference for someone to see an Asian American woman on the screen, especially in a show like Zoey, where it’s not even like, “She’s Asian.” It’s more like, “She’s there and she’s Asian.” Even a musical like Heathers where you get to see an Asian girl playing a mean girl, and not a character that’s nerdy is special.

I don’t even think of it as paving a path; it’s almost like I can’t think about it too much because then it’s a lot of pressure. You’re trying to be the best example. People of color who are in positions where they have to represent their whole community, you feel like you have to represent. We have to be good. We have to be the best, or whatever that is. There’s that pressure when it’s like, “But there are so many of us. We’re all so different. No one person can represent a whole community.” But it’s still so significant to see that. Visibility is very important. I was going to talk about the Golden Globes, but I shouldn’t go into that. [laughs]

It’s humbling. I don’t think about it much. I’m trying to do the best I can and do what my heart is telling me. I’m following my heart and what my passions are. If I do that, everything else will fall in place.

I feel like I have to keep on trucking, and do my thing, and trust myself. As I start to make my own stuff, like music videos, I want to be conscious of what I’m putting out there, who I’m working with, and what messages I’m sending out. As an actor, I’m getting hired; I don’t have the power in choosing who to work with or choosing the environment. But I think what’s so cool about having more people of color in leadership positions is that you get to make those decisions. You decide. That’s slowly where change is made.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Alice: Chopped. Is that even a guilty pleasure? Food Network is my jam.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Alice: I loved Hot Tub Time Machine. I don’t know why that just popped into my head.

PC: Favorite book?
Alice: Pachinko by Min Jin Lee. It’s really long, but it’s about four generational women in Korea from the 1920s to 1950s. It’s a period piece. I love the book. It’s amazing. It let me tap into my history as well.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Alice: That one’s hard. Part of me feels like I should say Spring Awakening because I love it. I was obsessed with it, but I was in it, and I’m removed from it. I’m like, “I can’t listen to that cast recording ever again.” That was my favorite. I also really love Rock of Ages. Every time I watch that I have a blast.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Alice: That they would be surprised to learn? Let me go into my playlist. I love me some Anderson .Paak, but I don’t think anyone would be surprised. I do sometimes love Jonas Brother songs. They’re great writers. I don’t know if they’re writing all their songs, but they have great writers who are giving them catchy sh-t.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Alice: Sara Bareilles’ Little Voice. I feel like that’s the last album that I distinctly remember where I was in love with it. It inspired me to write more songs, to be more singer-songwritery. Now, I’m a lot more pop. I think she’s amazing.

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Alice: I’m going to play me. But also, that’s another thing. I feel like for Asian artists, there aren’t enough of us to be like, “Who would play me?” But there are a lot more now. I’m sure there’s some little girl out there who could do it, though, but I don’t know who she is yet.

To keep up with Alice, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Pick up or stream her new single “Stories” today. Watch new episodes of Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist every Sunday at 9/8c on NBC.