by kristen case
photo courtesy of alex porat
Alex Porat is a magnetic force to be watched. After a decade of posting covers on YouTube, Alex is paving her own way with a unique sound all her own. Alex Porat is back at Unclear Magazine to talk with us about her anticipated new EP crushed coming out June 27th. Alex discusses with us writing a love song, the inspiration from real life experiences, and what's next on the horizon.
While anticipating the release of your EP crushed, tell me how this whole project got started, and did you have any unexpected challenges along the way?
Alex: “The project came together pretty slowly. Some of these songs started a few years ago and were finished up last year. I usually get inspiration for songs from my real life, so sometimes the challenge I face is needing time to pass so I can experience life. I’ve been all over the place the last few years, mentally and physically, and so I ended up having a lot to say.”
How did you approach crushed from your previous singles? What was the creative process like?
Alex: “This is the first time I’ve written, like, what I guess you would call a love song. It feels weird to even say that because it’s such a fresh theme for me. Historically I’ve written a lot of music for the heartbroken, and there were times when I felt genuinely so nervous to show these demos to people because the song felt like such a confessional. I feel that way particularly strongly about ‘Blueprint,’ because I’m saying way too much in that one, and so I was the most nervous to show that one to anyone.”
If you had to pick your favorite track, what would it be and why?
Alex: “I don’t know if I can… this project really feels so special to me because it feels like a celebration. It’s like I got released from situationship jail, and now I’m throwing a party and these songs are blasting in the back. If I absolutely had to pick it would be ‘Kissing You,’ it was such a fun one to write and perform. When the songs are fun to sing I just end up loving them so much. It also reminds me of the worst parts of myself which is how I act when I have a crush — insufferable.”
How did the sound come together for the production process? How does it reflect where you are in your music right now?
Alex: “I’m loving guitars so much right now. I started playing guitar live at shows, so it’s been really fun having it be a through line in a lot of this EP. Vocally I’ve pushed myself a lot harder on this project than I have before. I think it’s a direct impact from doing so many shows where I’ve really gotten to know my voice in a different way. Live shows have also helped me grow so much and work muscles that I didn’t know existed before. I’ve teased some of these songs live recently and realized how hard they are to sing, so I’m excited to see where I stand with them in a few months.”
As your personal style and music career have grown over time, how do you balance the evolution of your artistry while staying true to yourself?
Alex: “All I know is what I like. I always remind myself that trying to please other people and the internet at this current time is an impossible task. My taste is constantly changing, and so I think if I just keep doing what I like then that’s how I’ll evolve. I’m a huge overthinker, so I always have to shut down intrusive thoughts whenever I start questioning if other people will like something. I feel like if I’m excited and proud of something, that’s the biggest win of all, and if other people like it then that’s amazing.”
What role does personal experience play in your songwriting?
Alex: “It’s everything for me right now. I’m way more connected to music that I can personally relate to. I sometimes try to dial back specific lyrics, but then this voice in my head tells me to say my truth.”
What do you want fans to take away from the EP and your music as a whole ?
Alex: “I think I just want people to have fun when they listen. Whether they relate or not, I feel like this is a bit of a departure for the sad stuff a lot of my earlier music focuses on, and so I’m excited for people to hear this other side of me that only my close friends have witnessed. I’m such a lover girl at heart.”
What can fans expect from you next? New music, tour, collaborations?
Alex: “All of the above!! I’m so excited for this project to roll out and give it the life that it deserves. I can’t wait to get back out on tour again. Being an artist can feel so isolating at times, so I love seeing people in real life and building this community together makes everything feel so much more real.”