Alexandra May has just released her debut EP, One. She answers a few questions about her road up to this point, balancing different avenues in the music industry, and life.
Hello there, Alexandra. How are things?
Hi there! I'm fantastic thanks!
Congrats on the release of your debut EP, One. The EP follows the release earlier in 2016 of your first single, "Amazing". How did you find the experience of releasing that first single? Was it advantageous to do the single before the EP, in terms of what to expect of the recording process, pressures of releasing new material and so on? Or how would you describe this first part of the journey so far?
Thank you so much! I am so proud of it!
Recording/creating "Amazing" was something new for me. I’m pretty new to creating my own music and being involved in the process of bringing it to life. Releasing "Amazing" brought excitement and nerves at the same time. I had a listening party for the release of the song with family and friends at the DGR Studio, and that was so much fun for everyone! The first month was tough as "pick-up" was not immediate. However, it was worth the wait … it was picked up by 5FM! We all celebrated!
The songs on One contain a distinctive yet accessible pop sound – "Amazing", "Breathe" and "Highlights" feel like sure-fire hits already. Was the presence of "radio-friendly" tracks a big consideration for you and your team in planning and conceptualising the album, or how did that planning go in terms of the songs you wanted on the EP and how they tie into each other?
Wow, thank you very much!
When I choose which songs to record I first look at which songs represent me and align with my brand. Then the next question is, will others like it too? Is this something fans can relate to and sing along to? Then we record it! Sometimes, even after that, I decide that they don’t resonate. It’s trial and error sometimes. Choosing the songs for the EP was fairly simple because the tracks are all songs I love. I suppose at the end of the day the songs chose the EP!
Furthermore, there are two really strong covers on the EP – Ed Sheeran's "Photograph" and Cold War Kids' "First". What's great about these covers is that it bears little resemblance to the originals, meaning you really applied your own interpretations to them. Why did you choose these two songs for cover versions? What is your philosophy in terms of doing other people's music, especially in terms of the balance that needs to be struck between respecting the original work and really making it your own?
Thanks. I love these two songs to bits! I started putting covers up on YouTube to start showing people who I am and what sort of music I like to sing, so I chose "Photograph" because I fell in love with the song and needed to do it! In fact, a friend of mine saw the video on YouTube and asked if I could play it for him at his wedding as a surprise for his wife. They loved it and she sang along to every word!
I chose "First", firstly because my sister loves the song, and secondly I love the message and battle of the song. I wanted to try something different (not my normal vibe) and see if I could make a rock song into an Ally song!
I think if you take a brilliant song and smash it together with a new twist, you can pull it off and make it original. Doesn't matter if it’s your own song or somebody else's. A great song is a great song. I love melodies – they make my heart sing!
Any genre or division of mainstream music is hard to break into, but pop is one of the hardest, as it's arguably the most fiercely competed of all. There are many "recipes" for successful pop songs, but of course, they don't always work out. How does the songwriting process work when you and your team sit down? What's the dynamic like? How do you view the balance between music and lyrics in terms of importance to the core of the song, and how do you go about really owning that piece of music?
I think that there are some rules to stick to when writing songs and creating pop music, but I usually just stick to trying to write a strong song with a good melody. That's the core of it – a strong song. Once I've written a song, I pass it by my team at "home" and then send it through to the label to see what they say. Writing is a skill that you have to learn and work at, and I try to practise as much as possible. My songwriting skills are evolving. I can look back at something I wrote three months ago and see today how I would change it! Once we’re all happy, I'll then sit with my producer, and the work continues as lyrics and melody could change in studio! It's lots of fun seeing a song come to life.
This may be your debut EP, but you have a rich history in music performance already. Coming from such a strong theatre background, what made you decide to venture into the realm of popular music? Do you view it as a transition of sorts in your career, or simply another avenue to explore? What do you enjoy about recording and performing in pop that you don't find in theatre work, and vice versa?
Yeah, when I was young and still gaining basic skill I entered competitions and later I was privileged to do theatre productions. Jill Girard and Keith Smith at People's Theatre believed in me and gave me wonderful opportunities performing wonderful roles. For me, going into the pop world was what I wanted to do! When I was 15 I knew I wanted to make music my career, so I set out on the journey of finding my music! I was very fortunate to be mentored by a wonderful lady, Alice “Shy” Gilham. She helped me define, or should I say find me, my voice and what I wanted to do! It sounds simple, but it took about three years of preparation and development to really know if I wanted to and could do this difficult music industry thing.
I love creating music and speaking about what is important to me, and I love being able to dance and jive with an audience to my music!
According to a press release you've been active as singer and dancer in high-profile theatre productions since you were 11 years old. Many artists who gain success at such a young age become disillusioned with the limelight or simply lose their passion for the arts. Have you ever felt like giving it up and taking a "safe" office job somewhere? What has allowed – and inspired – you to keep at it over the years? What would your advice be to others who reach fame at an early age and want to make a career of the arts?
I never wanted to do anything else but sing and perform! It's my passion. Having a "safe" desk job has never been an option. I think just my love for performing has kept me going. There are always doubts as to if I am good enough or if my music is good enough, but when I’m performing I know it's where I'm supposed to be! I have been very fortunate to get wonderful opportunities! I could never take any of these for granted!
I would say follow your heart and dream! That's what I did!
As mentioned above, you have a rich history in music performance. Considering this – and your relatively young career as a pop artist, what stands out as highlights when you look back? Any happenings you'd rather forget? Any crazy behind-the-scenes stories you'll never forget?
There are so many moments that make me love my job – touring with Connell Cruise last year, releasing my first single, performing to thousands of kids at Inspired Youth events. Many, many memories! I’ve been lucky enough to sing with the Johannesburg Symphony and the Rand Symphony Orchestras. I was taught classical singing and I sang arias with no amplification. It was such a thrill and I remember the feeling so well.
One funny story is when I was competing at a competition, I was doing a rock (Status Quo) number and was really getting into it. I was using a mic stand, and stood behind it. The move I planned to do was to throw the stand while holding the mic making this big intro. Unfortunately, I forgot to hold the top of the mic stand holding the mic ... And as I threw the stand the mic went flying across the stage ... It was the funniest, most embarrassing thing! As a young competitor trying to impress I thought it was over!!
What does the near and far future hold for Alexandra May, as far as you can control it?
I want to play and perform my music. Even though I’ve hoped for and worked for my life to be as it is, I am always filled with awe that I actually do what I do! I believe that desire and preparation are the foundation and that when opportunity comes along I can jump into the river and go for it.
My team is busy looking at what to do next – getting One out is a milestone. If you keep a look-out on social media, I will always keep that up to date. I am already working on an album for 2017.
What is the meaning of life?
The meaning of life and how best to live it is contained in the Bible, and I believe that to be my book of instruction.
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