Interview: AleXa’s American Debut Single ‘sick,’ Authentic Exploration of Her Music, and Reflection on Career
Photo Courtesy of Gramophone Media
AleXa, the first singer to win NBC’s American Song Contest in the United States with her song “Wonderland” and the first solo Korean artist to perform at iHeartRadio's Jingle Ball in December, is now making another mark in the music scene with her highly anticipated single “sick.”
After performing the song during Jingle Ball and a month ago on the Kelly Clarkson Show, it was officially released on February 23. The pop-punk track delves into themes such as the complexities of toxic relationships, self-discovery, low self-worth, and the search for healthy love.
“sick” marks the official English/American debut of the Korean-American singer’s career. Although AleXa’s previous heartbreaking indie alternative release, “Juliet,” was a song she wrote in English, she said that, “‘Juliet’ was simply a random English release, whereas ‘sick’ is the official track that was chosen for my “official” English/American debut.”
Photo Courtesy of Gramophone Media
The single was accompanied by an intense music video depicting a toxic and combative relationship, as shown below.
“I think the music video as well serves as a powerful, visual metaphor for “killing” an idolized image of someone in your head/heart to regain your power, confidence, and self-love,” AleXa said while describing her song.
After watching the music video, one can see that AleXa captured the themes of her single with incredible strength and finesse, taking hits but also giving them right back as she was fighting to regain her power. Listening to her Instagram live after the release of the song, it's impressive to learn that she performed 95% of the stunts without breaking a single nail. “I had many ideas floating in my head, but I was unaware of which concept we would be filming. When I was told a few days before filming began, I was happy to undergo stunt and combat training once again.”
This song stands out from the K-Pop/pop/EDM anthems that AleXa has released. With this track, she drew inspiration from an iconic pop-punk singer-songwriter, Avril Lavigne. She shared, "This era of my career feels like the most authentic version of myself. 'sick' is a departure from my previous releases, and I'm excited to share a side of me that is deeply connected to my pop-punk influences."
Diving deeper into why this is going to be the most authentic version of herself, it’s because “I want to be honest with my fans and audience about life and its hardships.”
As AleXa described the metaphorical meaning of her music video, sometimes when in a relationship and/or feeling worthless at times, you’re clouded in doubt and insecurity. But, as seen, AleXa was able to regain her power, empowering herself and inspiring others while showing how important self-discovery, finding healthy love, and self-love is.
Covering these concepts, of which are universal struggles, allows fans to connect to her experiences and hear what she wants to tell. AleXa saw a significant response from fans expressing their sentiments of having been in toxic relationships after the release of the single. Now, really focusing on her craft, when asked what she really hopes to explore and release more of soon, she emphasizes, “Releasing songs that I, myself, have written.”
Photo Courtesy of Gramophone Media
In addition to AleXa’s strong and expressive acting in her music videos, she also engages in various creative outlets that contribute to her artistic expression. On TikTok, AleXa interacts with fans and showcases her talent in cosplaying. “I just enjoy sharing what I love doing, since I know many of my fans have shared interests and hobbies.”
Continuing her acting endeavors, she is also set to star in her first Hollywood voice-acting project soon. Reflecting on her journey from dreaming of becoming a singer in Tulsa, Oklahoma to all the milestones leading up to present day, AleXa expressed: “It’s honestly wild and overwhelming to think of all that I have achieved since debut, but it’s all part of my history, what makes me “me.” I think a valuable lesson that I‘ve learned over the course of my career, both as a person and artist, is that mental health is important and should never be cast aside as an inconvenience. Your mind affects your body which affects your work.”
Since her debut in 2019, AleXa has achieved numerous historic performances and wins, marking a remarkable journey in the world of music. AleXa is the first female Korean act to present at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards. She received a win at the celebrated Korean award show, the 2021 Asia Artist Awards. AleXa is also the first K-Pop artist to host a fan-meeting event in the metaverse of a game titled Scavenger. With more music to come and looking ahead, the personal goals she aims for next, both in her personal journey and music career are, “Being happy. Focusing on the positive. Doing what I can to get myself in a better place to become the artist that I know I am set to become.”
Photo Courtesy of Gramophone Media
After selling out three fan-meeting stops during her first U.S. visit, she’s coming back for her [Sick of You] tour in six cities. Giving fans a glimpse of what they can expect on AleXa’s upcoming tour, she said there will be “multiple nostalgic covers and unreleased tracks.”
“I hope that no matter what steps I may take on this long and winding path that you will continue to support me.”
– AleXa
We look forward to the start of AleXa’s tour and her authentic musical exploration that gives us an honest and raw look into her stories and songwriting.
What is your favorite part of AleXa’s “sick” single release? Are you excited and going to any stops on the [Sick of You] tour? Let us know by commenting below or by reaching out to us on Instagram and X (Twitter).
TO STAY UPDATED ON ALEXA:
INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE
Artist Facts
Name/Stage Name: AleXa
Birthday: December 9, 1996
Nationality: American
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
MBTI: ENFP
Fave Foods: Anything spicy & sushi
Fave Drinks: Water, aloe vera, peach tea
Fave Movies: Labyrinth, Howl’s Moving Castle, Bambi
Day or Night: Night
Song you're most proud of: “i’m okay” [yet to be released]
Edited by Alliya Garcia
