Golden Mixtape

On the go. That seems to be a running theme when it comes to Alexa Dark. A vagrant of sorts, the rock troubadour is currently in New York City but could very well be in London tomorrow. Her home is wherever the music takes her. Be it Germany or Spain or even Paris – her travels have inspired her latest EP, Empty Drinks/Empty Hearts. She opened up about the sobering thoughts on the record, being chill, and what’s up next.

Kendra: Scrolling through your Instagram, you give off this low-key, effortless but cool vibe when it comes to style. Does that same laid-back way translate over to how you approach your music?

Alexa Dark: When approaching my music, I find that when I let my ideas and feelings flow, I create my best work. Thinking too much can often stifle my initial creativity, so a laid-back approach usually lets me get ideas rolling that I can later go back and tweak.

Kendra: We can hear for ourselves now because of your new EP, Empty Drinks/Empty Hearts is out. Inspired by your transient life, how different do you feel the album would’ve sounded had you lived more stagnantly?

Alexa Dark: The inspiration for this album came primarily from the people I’ve met and the experiences I’ve had, which wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for my transient lifestyle. The places I’ve lived and visited have exposed me to cultures and people that play a significant role in my writing and in the formation of the songs on this EP.

Kendra: You’ve also noted that a lot of the songs were written: “when the party’s over.” How would you describe that mindset in relation to creativity; the one just sobering up?

Alexa Dark: In the moments when I’m “sobering up” – perhaps literally but also metaphorically, as I come to realize the reality of relationships or situations and begin to “sober up” from them – I become very open and in touch with how I feel. I think this unlocks my creativity that I can’t really find when I’m in the middle of it all and everything is foggy.

https://soundcloud.com/alexadark/nothingmore

Kendra: With the EP out now, what’re your plans going forward into the new year?

Alexa Dark: I’m planning on going back into the studio to record some new tracks and play live shows, starting in the New York area.

Kendra: Living many places you hear a lot of styles. You meet a lot of people. You experience life in new ways with every move. If you had to make a mixtape that represents a handful of places you’ve called home, which five songs would have to be on it?

Alexa Dark:

• “From the Ritz to the Rubble” Arctic Monkeys – During my time in London, Arctic Monkeys were huge, and they’ll always define my time there. This song and the album Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not was definitely of my favorites.
• “Soleil” Francoise Hardy – When I was in London, I would often travel to Paris by train and Francoise Hardy always reminds me of these little adventures. Her album Francoise Hardy was also the first album I bought, for only £3 at this record store in Shoreditch, London.
• “I’ll Try Anything Once” Julian Casablancas – In general, The Strokes is necessary listening material for anyone from New York City and has always reminded me of NYC when I’m away. Their album Is This It was one of the first records I bought and I listened to it on repeat. But I think this song, sung only by Julian Casablancas, is a very chilling tune that I always listen to when I travel.
• “Desaparecido” Manu Chao – Manu Chao is a great Spanish/French musician. His music reminds me of summers in Spain, where I am partly from and one of the places I call home.
• “Always Like This” Bombay Bicycle Club – Bombay Bicycle Club was a great English band that I really admire. I listened to a lot during my time in London and got to see their last show in London. They brought out David Gilmour, which was super special.