Alessia Cara has always been an artist who wears her heart on her sleeve.
Born and raised in Brampton, Ontario, Cara first gained recognition through YouTube covers before breaking into the mainstream with her debut single “Here” in 2015. Since then, she has won a Grammy for Best New Artist, released multiple critically acclaimed albums, and become known for her introspective songwriting and soulful voice. Her music, often blending pop, R&B, and alternative influences, has resonated with fans worldwide, making her one of the most authentic voices in contemporary music.
Cara ventures into uncharted sonic and emotional landscapes with the Valentine’s Day release of her latest studio album, “Love & Hyperbole.” She masterfully intertwines rich, warm textures with cool undertones, crafting a deeply personal and universally relatable sound. While Cara has lived in many places over the years for her career, Canada has been a steadfast source of inspiration for her songwriting.
“I’m very fortunate to have grown up in a city that celebrates so many different cultures and religions and ethnicities. People always say that Canada, especially Toronto, is a cultural mosaic. It really celebrates diversity, and I feel fortunate that it informed my songwriting, expanding my horizons creatively and emotionally,”Cara reflected to 1824 and ECHO.
This multicultural upbringing, coupled with her synesthesia—a condition in which she associates sounds with colors—played a major role in shaping the album’s aesthetic. “I have this thing where I see colors when I hear sounds. That’s always helped shape the different worlds of my albums. For “Love & Hyperbole,” the wine-colored red on the cover felt sophisticated and rich. It has warmth with some cool undertones, which reflects the album’s theme of contrast. Life is about balance, and this album captures that tension between light and dark, warmth and coolness.”
One of the standout tracks from the album, “Fire,” marks a pivotal moment in Cara’s songwriting journey. “It’s the first time I’ve written a love song without fear attached to it,” she reveals. “Usually, I put a negative spin on love because that’s how my brain works—I always brace for the worst. But this song is just a love letter, pure and free. It’s scary to write about love without any walls up, but it feels like a big step forward for me.”
Despite her evolution, Cara acknowledges that the thread of self-reflection remains in her work. Tracks like “Run” showcase her characteristic mix of humor and vulnerability. “It’s about me fearing that I’ll sabotage something beautiful. I use a lot of hyperbole, telling someone to literally run away from me. It’s dramatic, but so is love, right? As a Cancer, I feel everything so deeply, and sometimes love feels larger than life. The exaggeration in my lyrics isn’t just for effect—it’s how I truly felt in the moment.”
Her perspective on hit-making has also matured. “There’s no formula for a hit,” she muses. “Every hit song sounds different, but the common thread is that they strike a chord with people. Simplicity and universal emotions are key. Whether it’s a deep, introspective song or a fun, lighthearted track, it just has to hit in a real way.”
To bring “Love & Hyperbole” to life, Cara took a hands-on approach, creating visuals for each track—something artists don’t always get to do. From concept to execution, she meticulously crafted a visual world that mirrors the album’s emotional depth, ensuring each song’s story extended beyond the music into a fully immersive experience.
“Usually, only a few songs get music videos, but this time, I got to create little visuals for every track. It was so cool to add Easter eggs and hidden metaphors for fans to discover. I’m really grateful to Lenovo for giving me the creative freedom to make that happen.”
Cara embraced an intimate approach to showcasing her new music. In the lead-up to the album release, she held pop-up performances and photo ops, opting for a stripped-down style that echoed the raw authenticity of her early career.
“It was an impromptu idea,” she explains. “Since we pushed the album release, I wanted to do something special for fans. Playing acoustic sets in small venues took me back to my roots, performing in bars and school talent shows. Except now, the audience is actually excited to see me,” she laughs. “It’s special to be in a room full of people who are there because they love your music.”
Reflecting on her decade-long career, Cara sees change and continuity in herself. From the raw vulnerability of “Know-It-All” to the introspective depth of “The Pains of Growing” and the infectious melodies of “In the Meantime,” each album has marked a different chapter in her evolution. While her sound and perspective have matured, the core of her songwriting—honest, personal, and deeply felt—remains unchanged.
“I feel like the DNA of my first album is still in me, but I’ve also grown so much.” She said, “My earlier albums had a lot of angst and stubbornness—I was closed off in a way. Now, I feel softer, and more expanded. I still have that melancholy side, but I’ve learned how to use it in a way that serves me.”
While “Love & Hyperbole” is filled with deeply personal themes, Cara hopes listeners will find their own meaning in it. “For longtime fans, I hope they can hear my growth—both as a musician and as a person. For new fans, I just hope they enjoy the music and maybe even go back to the old stuff to see the journey. The best thing about music is that it evolves with you.”
“Love & Hyperbole” is out now. Grab your tickets for Cara’s world tour here, and stay updated by following her on Instagram @alessiasmusic.