aleksiah On New Single ‘Ant Song’

Emerging from the western suburbs of Adelaide with her debut single FERN in late 2022, newcomer aleksiah has been acquiring the love and support of fans and the industry alike at an astonishingly rapid pace. Now it is time for more admiration to pour in with the release of her follow up single Ant Song. Taking cues from modern-day, female-identifying indie rock heroines, including Phoebe Bridgers, Julia Jacklin, Clairo, Lucy Dacus and quinnie, Ant Song arrives with a level of maturity and confidence that sounds like she’s already on equal pegging with those heavyweight names. aleksiah talks to Hi Fi Way about the single.

How exciting was the build-up to the release of Ant Song?
It was exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time! It had been six months since the release of my debut single Fern, and there was this little voice inside my head telling me “No one cares, no one remembers you, no one’s gonna like the song” – I think every musician and person has those moments of self doubt and fear that you’re going to be forgotten. I’m glad it’s finally out, and I’m extremely
grateful for all the love it’s received!

What is the story behind the new single?
It’s kind of like a follow-up to Fern, it’s about love and passion but in a different way – Fern was about the silly crush I had on my friend in high-school, very “puppy-love” and goofy, whereas Ant Song is about my current long term partner, who has seen me through everything. Our love is not bedazzled and shiny anymore, but it is grounded, rooted in realism and just as passionate and filled with adoration! I wrote it one night reminiscing on how we met, and our vices (rum and drys for Anthony and menthol smokes for me), and it just poured out of me. It’s a more mature and adult love song compared to Fern.

What did you enjoy most about the writing and recording process?
I wrote this song in my bedroom like all of my songs. I love writing in places that are cosy and comforting. There is nothing more cosy and comforting than your own bedroom! I loved picking little pieces of my relationship with my partner and our life together and embedding them in the song like little clues. There is also an Easter egg to a song called Flicker that I had written previously about the old friend that I mention in the song. I love having lore in my music, I can be really petty like that, unfortunately haha!

I worked with my good friends Rhys Williams and Pat Byrne on this one, and it’s always a hoot working with them! Half the song was produced in Rhys’ bedroom, so it was a very comfortable and easy-going process. I flew to Sydney to have Pat do some extra production and vocals, and the whole process was
super enjoyable – like making music should be! We do this because we find it fun and a good way to express ourselves at the end of the day.

Sonically, how would you describe aleksiah?
I always like to joke around and say that I want my music to sound like a Wes Anderson film – a little silly and goofy, but with a lot of heart and a good story hidden inside. I love warm and lush sounds and try to make my music sound cinematic. Everyday can be a movie if you make it.

How long have you been writing music?
I’ve been singing since I was six and I grew up singing in the church choir. My nonna forced me into singing lessons as soon as I started singing along to the car radio jingles all the time. I found my love of songwriting at the age of twelve from learning about poetry at school and discovered that I could mesh my two loves of singing and writing together!

Who are some of the musical influences behind your music?
Growing up, I listened to a lot of my parents’ music. My Mum loved all of the 80-00s pop star divas like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Christina Aguilera. My Dad listened to bands like ABBA, Fleetwood Mac and Creedence Clearwater Revival. I love both styles for different reasons. Mum’s because of the vocals – they were strong and powerful and I loved the vocal acrobatics of it all, and my Dad’s music for the strong sense of story-telling, and how the music lets the words shine. As I got older I listened to a lot of Phoebe Bridgers, Clairo and Regina Spektor, so I think all of those artists have influenced the way that I write and sing. I try to blend the world of R&B vocals with the softness and sincerity of indie and folk songwriting.

What excites you most about touring?
There is so much that excites me about touring! Going to new places, meeting new people at gigs and experiencing new things with my mates who just happen to also be my band, are a few! I always have to try a sandwich in every place I go on tour – they’re always a highlight!

What is your favourite song to perform on stage?
My favourite song to perform on stage is an unreleased one actually, called 24. It seems to be a crowd favourite. Whenever someone comes up to me after a show and mentions a song they loved, it’s always
24. It’s a very boppy and dancey kind of song with a splash of Dad rock. What’s hilarious is that the music completely contrasts the message of the song, I wrote it about not feeling good enough for the music industry and feeling like my youth was getting away from me, so it always makes me laugh when people like that song!

In between music, what do you like to do in your own time?
I’ve always had a passion for skincare! My Mum indoctrinated me when I was young and I think I’ve had a full skincare routine since the age of 10. I love researching what products are good for what things and adding new creams and serums to my collection, it’s too large for my own good haha! I love going out to dinner and spending time with my friends and family. I also love baking biscuits, and gardening in the backyard! Playing music and writing songs is always my most enjoyed thing to do though.

What’s next for aleksiah?
Right now, I’m gearing up to go on my first headline tour which is very exciting! I’m playing shows in Melbourne, Sydney and my home-town Adelaide this August/September! I played my first-ever show this year in March when I supported Lime Cordiale tour which is crazy – time has definitely flown! I still get quite nervous about playing gigs – I’m always wanting everyone to enjoy themselves, feel safe and have fun, but I know that everyone that comes along will do exactly that!

As for music, I’m gearing up to release another single very soon. It’s a bit of a different direction from Ant Song and Fern, and is about something very important to me. I think everyone will like it! It still has that classic aleksiah silly quality about it – a little tongue in cheek!

Interview By Rob Lyon

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