aleksiah On Tour…

Having written songs for several years, singer-songwriter alexsiah briefly dipped her toe into the music industry as a teenager. However, those early prospects of a full-time music career were temporarily abandoned. Fast forward to 2022, and with a newfound maturity, she launched her career with the single Fern.

Fern received a First Play on triple j’s Good Nights show overnight, catapulting her into the spotlight. It was a rare accomplishment for any artist. In the two years that have followed, she has released more music, toured with heavyweight artists, played festivals, and shared her music with the world.

On the eve of her debut EP launch and a national headline tour, alexsiah offers her thoughts to Hi Fi Way about her musical journey, career highlights, and strawberry milk.

In 2022 you released your first single Fern. What was your musical journey up until that point?
Before I released Fern, I wrote songs on my bedroom floor and that was about it. I was extremely scared to show anyone my work and it stayed that way until I pulled the finger out and released Fern. I was very scared of rejection and that no one would like my songs and that held me back for so many years but I’m so glad I’m past that now.

Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?
I look up to a lot of songwriters specifically, Cathy Dennis, Max Martin, Taylor Swift, Joni Mitchell, Sarah Aarons and I think that’s where my passion really lies. I think they’re all so amazing at what they do and how they portray emotion through their songs.

The current single 24 has undergone an evolution since it was conceived. How has it changed since you first wrote it and why?
When I first wrote 24, it was before I had released any music so I was still in that headspace of negativity and fear of rejection. I was feeling really cynical about music as a whole, but throughout the time of its conception to when I released it, I changed a lot as a person. I didn’t want to be so negative anymore, so we changed it to be a bit more tongue in cheek and a dig at myself.

2023 was a big year with Groovin The Moo and BIGSOUND plus recognition from Vogue Australia and so much more. What was your highlight?
I think my headline tour in 2023 was my highlight. It was my first ever headline tour so I was so nervous because I didn’t know what to expect but I had such an amazing time meeting everyone and I can’t wait to do it again next month!

You have an EP due for release soon. What can you share about it?
It’s a very vulnerable and honest body of work I think. That’s what I was aiming for when I was writing it. It focuses on the journey of growing up and the highs and lows of girlhood.

In June you embark on a national headline tour. What can audiences expect at an aleksiah headline gig?
A lot of talking, too much sometimes! I tend to be a bit of a yapper especially when I’m nervous, but I promise lots of singing and fun will be included as well as the standup comedy.

What else is in store for 2024 and beyond?
As well as my EP being released and my headline tour, I’m also heading out on the road with Teenage Dads for their tour in August and September! I can’t wait for that one, going to be lots of fun!

What do you hope listeners take away from your music?
I hope they feel like they aren’t alone and that a lot of the feelings and situations they’re going through, I’m going through the exact same thing. I hope they find comfort and support through my music.

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
To just start, don’t try and plan everything, just jump. I know it’s way scarier, but you’ll thank yourself in the future that you didn’t dwell on your fears, because that is what’s holding you back. Be kind to yourself and if you can’t get something right, don’t beat yourself up about it. Take a break and try again.

You’re a self-confessed strawberry milk fan. What is so good about it?!
It’s just so tasty! Strawberry isn’t even my favourite fruit but when it’s combined with milk it’s just otherworldly.

Interview By Anita Kertes

Catch aleksiah on the following dates, tickets on sale HERE…