New age pop and R&B artist, ALITA, recenly released her latest single, “Too Close.” The vibey track is a unique take on the traditional break-up song, creatively told from the other person’s perspective.
The release was coupled with a vintage inspired visualizer, featuring ALITA in a red convertible cruising through cliffside roads.
ECHO chatted with ALITA about the new single, the song’s visualizer, and what fans can look forward to next.
Where did you get the inspiration for “Too Close”?
“Too Close” was written in the heat of a breakup. I thought I had met someone special, and it turned out we wanted different things. It was the classic unrequited love story. I felt great chemistry with this person, so I felt blind-sided when things went south. The song was written when I felt a bit pessimistic about the whole situation, but it ended up capturing more of the butterfly-in-your-stomach, anxious feelings we all get when we catch feelings.
What did the writing process look like for “Too Close”?
As things were falling apart between us, I started playing around with writing exercises in my little home studio one day, and decided to try to write things from his perspective. “Too Close” came from that solo writing session, and has lived many different lives since. When I had a concept I liked, I brought it into the studio and worked out the initial kinks in a demo with producer, Bryan Lash. We then sent it to Jonny Keenan; he’s an incredible songwriter, producer, and friend. He ended up suggesting we simplify the chorus, and added a ton of production ideas. Typically, I find myself writing most of my music about experiences that were six months to even multiple years in my past, because it gives me the time to process what I really want to say. It was unusual for me to write in the heat of it – not typically my style – but we kept coming back to the song because it had this groove and feel-good energy. It’s been a year and a half in the making so it feels great to have it out in the world!
Where did the concept for the visualizer come from?
Every time I’m trying to iron out details for what a music video or any visual will look like, I just lay down and try to put on my “listener” cap. It’s a real challenge to step out of your own music and try to hear it like a listener would for the first time, but that’s typically how I get inspiration for visuals and when I know something needs to be changed in a song itself. With this song, I couldn’t get this image of driving down the coast out of my head. The song has an open feeling to it, and I’m not a big “car person”, per say, but driving that old 1967 red Mustang changed my mind a little on that front. It’s a beautiful car. We wanted to do a little ode to the past while keeping it current and simple to compliment the track.
If you could set fans up in the perfect environment to listen to “Too Close,” what do you imagine it looking like?
I love this question! I honestly think it’s best enjoyed while driving. Preferably on a sunny day, the windows down, and pretty views. That’s at least the feeling it stirs up in me.
How did you first become interested in music?
My mom is a talented singer, and I grew up in a family of vocalists and musicians. She was playing music for me when I was in the womb, through headphones on her stomach, so I feel like it started before I even arrived. By the time I was 6 or 7, I knew I wanted to do music for the rest of my life. It was after that realization that I had to go through a journey of inspiration, hard work, self-doubt, quitting, and then coming back to it. It’s been a process committing to this dream, but it was something I knew before I even knew, if that makes any sense.
Why do you feel it is important to create music that is authentic and that answers important and relatable questions?
I can’t imagine creating music that’s inauthentic or doesn’t grapple with some of life’s bigger questions. That’s the beauty and magic of art, music, even poetry. It transcends language, borders, barriers, fears and it repurposes those isolating, human emotions into stories that build community and camaraderie.
For people who aren’t familiar with your music, how would you describe your sound?
The music I’m putting out right now is feel-good, groovy, alt-pop vibes with some R&B influences for sure. I think my music has a lightness, an openness to it, and it explores everyday questions and decisions we all face. I try to write music that makes it feel like I’m right there in the room with the listener, gabbing and swapping stories. I’m proud of what I’m putting out right now, and I’m also excited for the next evolution of sound to grow and nurture what is into something richer, deeper. I think the next wave of music will still relate to my current singles, but will hopefully sound like a leveled up, more mature version. That’s all we can ever hope for as creatives, I think. To keep evolving, keep growing, and keep having fun along the way.
What can fans look forward to next?
My next single comes out mid-summer, and this is an extra fun one! Something a little different, it pushes my boundaries a bit so I’m excited to release it out into the world. We’re focusing hard on that release, and I’m working on some new music right now as well. We’ll see how the next couple months go, but the goal is to get my back down to LA for some sessions, and hopefully shows and performances soon!
What is one quote that you have heard or that you go by that you want to ECHO out to the world?
A long-time favorite that I try to live by is, “Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” – Anais Nin