Known for being one half of musical duo Alex and Sierra; singer-songwriter Alex Kinsey is now embarking on the next chapter of his music career, as we see him on this new journey as a solo artist. Beginning his solo career last year; he launched this new chapter with the release of his debut single, Simple, which was shortly followed up by a second single, Don’t Let Go, and the release of his debut EP, Party of One, mid last year. With a mix of pop, hip-hop and indie vibes; Alex gives of a unique sound that is truly addictive, and will have you reaching for that loop button, wanting more! We caught up with Alex to chat about his music, solo career and plans for this 2020. So make sure to head here, to listen to Alex’s incredible EP; and read the full interview with Alex down below!
TSU: For those who aren’t as familiar with your music; which song of yours would you tell people to listen to first, to get the best sense of you as an artist?
AK: I would say “Don’t Let Go” on my last EP is the most similar to the direction I’m trying to go for the next project!
TSU: Previously you’ve made music and performed as one half of Alex and Sierra, and later as one part of BoTalks. Was there a particular moment that made you feel like it was the right time, or that you needed to, begin making music as a solo artist?
AK: There has never been like an Ah-Ha moment. I’ve always played music on my own. Even if the project I was focused on was a collaboration, the idea of doing my own thing has always been an eventual goal.
TSU: Now releasing music as a solo artist, how has this changed the way you go about your writing and recording process?
AK: Being solo has changed my live shows a lot more than my writing and recording process. Writing and recording and creating is a very collaborative effort for me, regardless of whether I am writing for me or for any other project, and honestly the same could be said about playing shows… until I’m up there on my own. Which is why this a big change. Being on stage alone is a lot more intimidating but no less fun!
TSU: You released your debut solo single, Simple last February. What was it about that track that made you choose it as the debut single?
AK: Simple just said a lot of the things I felt like I wanted to say, without having to, like… say it ya know? I think Simple is a great representation of where my mind was when I released it, and as soon as it was done it just made sense to be the first single.
“We’re just a hot mess
You keep burning me”
Alex Kinsey – Hot Mess
TSU: You then released your debut EP, Party of One, a few months later; a truly great EP which I thoroughly enjoyed listening to. Tell me a bit about the EP and what the whole creative process was like.
AK: Thanks!! That EP was an interesting process… I had never released anything as artist, and in complete honesty, had very little idea of what direction I wanted to go in. So, I decided I would go in whatever directions felt right in the moment. Each of the songs on that EP were decided on after they had been written and recorded and had then aged on a hard drive for a little bit. I would listen through things I had been working on and when something spoke to me it would make the EP. Those six songs spoke to me.
TSU: Listening to the EP, it definitely seems to have a cohesive feel to it, and really establishes your unique sound as an artist. The main track that stands out to me is the last one, Don’t Be a Dick, Ted, which has a slightly different vibe from the rest of the EP. Tell me a bit more about that track, and the story behind it.
AK: Don’t Be a Dick, Ted was so much fun to write. It was one of those songs that after it was done, something about it spoke to me. I don’t know if it was the positivity, or the oddity of it, but it just made me feel good and I wanted it to make other people feel good.
TSU: What are some of the main things you want listeners to take away from this EP?
AK: I want people to feel good about themselves. I like music that makes me happy, I try to make music that makes me happy, I hope my music makes other people happy too.
TSU: Musically, and as an artist; where do you see yourself heading over the next few years, as you begin to release more music, and establish your solo vibe?
AK: I honestly am figuring that out currently. I want to make music that inspires me. I want to listen to my album and feel the same way I felt about Room For Squares, or Abbey Road, or Mr. A-Z the first time I heard those albums…. I know that’s quite a big ask haha… but I just want that excitement for music to resonate through what I create.
TSU: Your EP is titled Party of One; which is very appt while we’re all quarantining at the moment. Who have you been listening to lately and would make it onto your “Party of One” playlist?
AK:Hey! it sure is! haha. I’ve had EARTHGANG on REPEAT for like 2 months now… its honestly becoming a whole thing at my house.
TSU: How much (if at all) would you say the musical world around you, and the current music scene, influences the kind of music or content you create and release?
AK:I think its super important to be aware of the trends going on around you. I also think it’s important to create for the sake of creating. So I try to find a nice balance between writing for others and writing for myself.
TSU: What’s next for you, and what can we expect for the rest of 2020?
AK: Ya know? a month or two ago this answer would probably be a little different… for now I want to help people get through what’s going on in the world. Playing live streams, trying to entertain my friends, continuing to prove to my mother that I’m the most talented person on the planet… but let’s say everything is back to some sort of normalcy? I want to tour, I want to play shows, I LOVE being on stage. That’s all I want to do.
Make sure to keep up to date with Alex on social media @alexkinsey
Feature image photo cred @ Nick Gilligan
