Artist Interviews
Interview with Alvah on Art Pop EP ‘YOUNG GIRL DISAPPEARED VOL. 1’ & More
MuzicNotez: First off, it’s an honor to be doing this interview with you, thanks for taking the time to sit down with us. What motivated you to start creating music? What age did you begin?
Alvah: I knew from the moment I burnt my lip on a light bulb I was singing into as a kid. I got embarrassed, a blister and an unforgettable experience. That’s when I knew, I love a good show.
After that I started singing my heart out in pretend English drumming a small djembe drum. Growing up writing was always a therapeutic thing for me, especially while dealing with pain. I went through a very hard time when I was 12 and my dad gave me a guitar. That’s when I wrote my first song. My motivation is still coming from pain or exhilaration, which to be honest, are my two main emotions.
Who were your musical influences, idols, or bands growing up that have helped mold you into the musician you are today? Or helped mold the music that you create?
Alvah: Amy Winehouse, Lana del Rey, Kate Bush and Leonard Cohen.
What’s the ultimate goal you want your music to achieve, or for you to achieve in your career as a musician? Any particular message you wish to send?
Alvah: My ultimate goal is to be heard.
And to create a live show where there’s room for everybody’s freak and everybody’s love. That’s all for now.
What’s the greatest concert you’ve ever been to or performed?
Alvah: : I saw Bon Iver in New York at Forest Hills Stadium a few years ago. ‘Heavenly Father’ in particular is a special song to me, and when it was the second song he played, my tears started streaming. It was a beautiful day and his setlist dressed the sunset until we wound up in the night with our iPhone lights in the sky along with the first music he ever released. I remember everyone around us being so happy and the vibe was a warm embrace of love. I will cherish it always.
Your latest release is the EP ‘YOUNG GIRL DISAPPEARED VOL. 1’. Which looks to be doing very well already! What inspired this release? What does it mean to you?
Alvah: : Thank you! I started writing it when I was more lost, heartbroken and bored than ever. And I felt so confused about what I was supposed to be doing in my life, which I now realize might be the core of the 20’s really. I remember having a conversation with my godfather where he, in the nicest way reminded me that I was too young to turn gray and disappear. I decided a part of me did disappear, and as it comes back it will never be quite the same and it’s ok. Change is inevitable. Let life form you and you will form life, kind of?
Being volume 1, what is the plan for volume 2? What will that be like?
Alvah: : In the process of making this project, my life changed severely for better and worse, and it effected my creation. I feel like there’s a before and an after. So I wanted to make it into two parts and I’m letting that crack me open and guide me to something new.
Parts of it is already done, and for the rest I’m sucking in everything around me and pouring it all into volume 2 as I go. That makes it feel very alive to me. I’m trying not to define it too much so I don’t limit myself. And I’m working with some people I’m in complete awe of so that is colouring it beautifully.
You have found a lot of success as an independent artist, what advice would you give to other artists to succeed as an artist in today’s music industry?
Alvah: : Thank you! Well the music industry is a tough nut to crack and I don’t think there is a “how to”. At least I don’t know it. But there are some things I find very helpful in my own process and that I’d like to share.
Treasure small moments as victories. We place too much value on outcomes.
Try to approach creation and failure with curiosity rather than pressure.
Stick to your vision and gut, but allow for experiences to shape it as you go.
If it becomes too much, take the lid off and shift your focus. Absorb whatever you can that lights a spark, find what fuels you and use it in your work.
Don’t fear rejection, a ‘no’ isn’t dangerous – just go “OK, fine. Next’
AND whatever you wanna do, do it LOUD and with conviction!
What else are you working on? What can we expect to see and hear from you in the future?
Alvah: : In addition to finishing Volume 2, I’ve been featuring on a couple tracks that I can’t wait to be released. I’ve got one with Fig Tape, whom I’m also working closely with for the tracks on Volume 2 and I can’t wait for it to be released. And you can expect some more live visuals and concerts! Both of the above in costumes and the whole charade.
Anything else you wish to say about yourself or your music? Any message for your fans?
Alvah: : It’s important for me to state that the people telling me that my work has meant something to them, is a major part of what keeps me going. They inspire me a lot and because of that, I make sure to let people know when they make me feel something good, as often as I can.
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