Alae
Alae did heat up the Aussie Summer with a slice of pop perfection via their new single Summer Thing. This is the second release is from their forthcoming five-track EP coming out in June. Bottling sunshine into three minutes of top-down, head-nodding, sun-kissed euphoria, Summer Thing continues the Band’s journey into Chart territory, which began with the radio smash, Hit Me Where it Hurts.
Summer Thing plays with the idea of a love match so perfect, it feels as good as Summer. Taking that thought and running in a different direction is award-winning directing-duo ‘Vision Thing’ who again partner with Alae to create the single’s accompanying video. The band gives a greater insight answering a few questions for Hi Fi Way.
How has the build-up been leading up to the release of the single Summer Thing?
I think Hit Me Where It Hurts, our last 2019 release, set us up nicely for the release of Summer Thing. We gained traction in a few, new places. Radio has been really supportive of the song, which is awesome!
Was the process of making the single as challenging as you thought?
Making the single was an entirely new process for me. Justin Gray and I co-wrote the song. Co-writing was still pretty new for me, but I’d had a few cool experiences and got the bug. Previously I’d have been really closed off to the idea, my song-writing has always been really personal. This music is so much more carefree.
How is the band making the most of the lock down right now?
Everyone’s been on FaceTime during practice hours haha. I think you should stay tuned, we’re gonna get more engaged in our social media. We’re also looking into designing some new merch.
Sonically, how would describe your music?
At the moment, Alae is poppier than it’s ever been. We’ve always used classic pop song structures as a backbone, and still are now. It’s Contemporary Pop.
Who would you consider to be the biggest influence on your music and why?
There are so many! The bands We kind of love are Wilco, Feist, Carol King, Ryan Adams, Toro Y Moi, Tom Misch, Kiefer, Mac DeMarco, The National, Bon Iver and so many more. A guy called Josh Rouse has always been a personal favourite. He just writes good music. It’s not catering too hard, it’s always sincere.
Best piece of advice you have been given?
“A man is measured by the manner in which he lives” ⁃ Neville.
How did the band get together?
Allister and I have known each other since college, we’ve been mates for about 8-9 years. Marika and Jayden were just really easy going and are pretty chopsy. Met Jayden through a buddy who plays Sax – thanks Matt. We Met Marika when we went on Tour with Hollie Smith. I think they’ve always enjoyed playing the music as much as we have and they can relate.
Are you looking to tour more broadly once the madness settles down?
Yeah, a U.S tour has always been a plan. We really, really, really want to get over there. Australia is another plan – we’ve had an awesome time there in the past. Touring is pretty much, mostly always awesome, so it’s always gonna be on the list. For now, stay safe out there, wherever you are.
What’s next for Alae?
We have an E.P that we still have to release, so that’ll still be going ahead as per the plan from what I know. Definitely some writing. There’s lots of time to think at the moment, and more than enough food for thought.
What’s something interesting that most people wouldn’t know about Alae?
Allister represented NZ under 21’s as a mountain runner when he was 17.
Interview By Rob Lyon
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