Interview: AleXa Decodes Latest Single ‘distraction’ and Insights From U.S. Tour
Fresh off of her U.S. tour, K-Pop singer-songwriter AleXa dished out some real advice on situationships with her latest track “distraction,” released on June 28. Exploring more avenues within her discography, the fast-tempo pop-punk track stands as a reminder of one's self-worth when it comes to dealing with someone who may not at all be reciprocating the effort and your feelings. The fans had a first glimpse of it on her sick of you U.S. Tour, which spanned across six cities from March to April.
Her latest release “distraction” follows her recent English track “i'm okay,” which was released in line with Mental Health Awareness Month in May. Diving into her personal experiences dealing with bipolar disorder, the track was written in collaboration with Swedish producer and songwriter Alex Karlsson, whom she has previously worked with since her debut on songs such as “Bomb,” “KITTY RUN,” and “TATTOO.”
Hailing from Tulsa, Oklahoma, AleXa made her debut under ZB Label in October 2019 with her single “Bomb,” after a series of dance competitions and survival shows (Rising Legends and PRODUCE 48). Thus far, AleXa has made a name for herself by pushing boundaries with her music and dance performances. In 2022, the songstress was crowned the winner of NBC’s American Song Contest with her groundbreaking hit “Wonderland.” Following this, her 2022 EP Girls Gone Vogue featured a collaboration with MOONBYUL from MAMAMOO.
HALSUG had the wonderful opportunity to catch up with AleXa on her recent music and tour experience.
Q: First of all, congratulations on the release of “distraction!” The song is about gaining a new perspective on your self-worth after the end of a relationship, and the fans had a glimpse of it on your recent tour. Could you tell us a little more about the track? What emotions does the song encapsulate?
The song definitely shares a message of knowing your worth and not giving too much of yourself away to somebody who doesn’t deserve it; rebounding is dangerous, kids!!
Q: Lyrically, the song's chorus feels like a heart-to-heart with someone who might be going through the same situation and emotions. What's that one piece of advice you would like to give to someone who might be able to relate to “distraction?”
Don’t base your worth and your value off of how much you’re loved by others; practice loving yourself first.
Q: If you could pick out one lyric from “distraction” that you would like the song to be known for, what would it be?
I think towards the end of the chorus, “You should put the phone down,“ is a sentence that many of us should listen to. Don’t entertain the thought of texting an ex or texting somebody who could be a “distraction.”
Q: What was the whole process like from the song's inception to its release? Were there any challenges you faced during the production of “distraction?”
I only wrote a couple of lyrics for “distraction,” changing them from what was originally written by the actual songwriter. We were sitting on the song for a while, and I was wondering when it was going to get released. Thankfully, I was able to perform it on tour before its release, and it seemed to have an overall good reception from fans.
Q: Prior to the release of “distraction,” your song “i’m okay” was released in line with Mental Health Awareness Month and draws deeply from your personal experiences with bipolar disorder. What impact do you hope the song will have on fans and any new listeners out there?
I just need people, who are in a similar boat to me, to realize it’s okay to reach out, you aren’t a burden. You don’t have to give someone an obligatory, surface-level short response when approached with the question, “How are you doing?”
Photo Courtesy of ZB Label
Q: Music can be a form of healing for many, and I'm sure “i’m okay!” is one such song that will serve as a reminder that they are never alone. Do you have any specific songs that have helped you through tough times?
“You Are More” by Tenth Avenue North has been my go-to healing song since I was a young teenager.
Q: Speaking of some of your favorite music, Slipknot seems to be one of your top bands. Could you share three of your most streamed Slipknot songs, and what would you recommend?
Oh goodness, I don’t know my top three streamed songs, but allow me to recommend “Duality,” “The Devil in I,” and “Vermillion.”
Q: Beyond your latest releases, you recently wrapped up part one of your sick of you Tour across the U.S. this year. Are there any memorable moments or encounters from the tour that particularly stood out to you?
It was nice to perform in my hometown among friends, former co-workers, teachers, and familiar faces.
Q: During the tour, you finally got to perform in your hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma. How was the whole experience? What was it like being on the same stage that you grew up seeing other artists perform on?
It was absolutely surreal. A dream come true. I would give anything for the opportunity to perform there once again. I’m grateful that six years into my career, I was finally able to perform in my hometown.
Q: Every day is a learning opportunity in one way or another. What's one thing you got to learn about during this tour?
It wasn’t so much something I learned, but a cliché that I was fortunate enough to experience in real life; dreams can come true.
Q: What's next for AleXa in terms of music and future projects?
We’re working on a full English album, so hopefully, it gets released soon.
Q: Do you have any message for the A.I. Troopers and our HALSUG readers?
Thank you for the unwavering support across the years, and even into this new avenue that has unfolded in my career. I hope to see you all very soon!
With the string of her recent releases, AleXa is set to take the stage at KCON LA on July 26, and we cannot wait to see what she has in store for the world!
What is your favorite AleXa song at the moment? Let us know in the comments below, or message us on Instagram or X (Twitter).
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Artist Facts
Name/Stage Name: AleXa
Birthday: Dec 9, 1996
Nationality: American
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
MBTI: ENFP
Fave Foods: Anything spicy & fruits/veggies
Fave Drinks: Pumpkin & red bean tea, green tea
Fave Movies: Hellraiser series
Day or Night?: Night
Song you’re most proud of: “Bomb”
Edited by Zoe Selesi