This artist hopes to connect with fans who also suffer from mental health troubles like her. “I was sitting in my car crying after an episode of Intrusive Images wishing I had someone else’s brain”, explains ALAENA. “Instead of letting my anxiety eat me alive, I took that moment and made it a positive, which led to this song, now I can let my story be known. I told myself that in 2019 I was going to be as honest as I could with my fans and my music, and ‘Paranoid’ does just that.”
Interview Meikee Magnetic
Where were you born and where are you now?
I was born and raised in Pittsburgh PA, I now live in Los Angeles with my little sister.
What have you been up to since we last left off?
I think the last time we talked was when I put out Its Not Me Its You! A lot has changed since then. I have started producing my own music, shout out to all the female producers out there! I have been really excited about everything that I have been releasing lately because it feels 110% authentic. I never felt more confident in what I am giving to the world. I recruited a badass female guitarist (LeeLee) and a killer drummer (Josh) for my band and we have been perfecting my live show (omg I can’t wait till ya’ll get to see this!!!) as well as writing together. I signed with a licensing company for tv and film syncs and recently joined the AWAL family! 2019 isn’t even ready for what’s in store!!
Mental health affects so many people and can be a destructive force. You tackle this head on by reaching out to fans with your new track ‘Paranoid’. What led you in this direction emotionally and musically?
I had some kind of weird epiphany where I had to admit to myself that I wasn’t being fully honest in my music. I was someone who hid my true feelings my whole life without even realizing it. Over the past few years I discovered what it means to actually channel your emotions and it brought out a storm from inside me, but if I couldn’t convey that truthfully in my music then what is the point? I had to be real with myself and my fans and that’s what I plan to do with all of my songs. I’m not a romantic person, I’m not a social party kind of person- I hold this tension of darkness and angst in my body that it just is a part of who I am. I feel like the blend of that side of me with the nostalgic sunny girl that lives in my heart, makes something beautiful and unique. Paranoid was written right during that turning point, I had been sugar coating my feelings and what really has been going on inside my head but really no one had a clue and it was time to let them know. CHECK OUT HER NEW TRACK PARANOID (CLICK PIC BELOW)
How do you suggest battling anxiety?
I find most of my anxious attacks come when I am not happy with myself. Working on doing things that make you feel happy and accomplished really push me in the right direction to self confidence. I am really lucky I have my two best friends to talk to when I am feeling anxious. Somehow they know exactly what to say to get me out of my head. Find that person who can help you talk yourself out of your own head.
Where are you now as an artist and where do you wish to go?
Right now I really want to accomplish some major growth this year. I set myself some goals to reach this year, I may as well share them with you. Land spots on some Spotify Editorial Playlists. Reach over 50,000 monthly listeners on Spotify by the end of the year. Have my fan base #ateam double in size (hopefully more!) Collaborate with a rising artist and play Coachella Parties for 2020.
What makes ALAENA happy?
Music. Music. Music. Anything that pertains to my music makes me feel higher than life. I love to hear from my fans that love my music, I love to talk to my fans and help them through any tough times they may be having, I love to create visuals for my songs and give everyone a full package to enjoy. Aside from my music, I love hearing new artists who get recognition for pushing boundaries and aren’t afraid to break the norm. Its a hard uphill battle and I have the upmost respect for those who keep pushing like I do.
What pisses you off?
Fake people, and people who take the easy routes.
Future plans:
I plan to release music every 5 weeks until I reach my goals!
What does Dark Beauty mean to you?
Dark beauty will always speak to me because I feel like the most beautiful people are the ones who survived hell, the ones who survived the darkest times. Those dark moments are a more than a part of your beauty, they shape your beauty.
MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/sheisalaena
www.sheisalana.com
