INTERVIEW: Track-by-track with Alice D and her new EP 'Lioness'
Image: Joceline Allen
British singer-songwriter Alice D today releases her second EP Lioness, a beguiling mix of R&B and pop with sprinklings of funk and disco. Ever since she first released music independently, recording music in her producer’s bedroom, Alice has proven to be one of the most creative and talented young artists on the UK music scene, consistently producing innovative, addictive and, perhaps most importantly, meaningful pop music that should be on everyone’s playlist.
Lioness is no exception. First single, the synth-tinged ‘Forever Mine’, was released in February, and the four other tracks on the EP cover real love, self-acceptance, online trolling and broken relationships. Lushly produced and full of multiple layers and textures, the music is complemented by whipsmart lyrics delivered perfectly by Alice’s supple, emotive and warm vocals.
Women In Pop recently checked in with Alice who chatted about Lioness track-by-track and the creation of the EP.
Hi Alice! Congratulations on the release of your second EP Lioness, it is incredible! What inspired the name of the EP?
Hey Women in Pop! Thank you so much, that really means a lot. I’ve always liked one word titles as they’re really impactful. I looked up what a lioness symbolises and the words that stood out were: sisterhood, strength, passion, fierceness yet also a tenderness. I felt the title encapsulated the sentiments of the EP but also how I feel within myself.
Your collaborators on this EP are a mix of old and new - Oscar Scheller, who has been part of your music from day one, plus a new collaborator Big Pretty. How did working with Big Pretty come about?
It was a stroke of luck actually! I work part time and the girl I sit next to mentioned her boyfriend is a producer. I had the song ‘Karma’ already written and was looking for a producer and she kindly put Jimmy (Big Pretty) and I in touch with each other. I loved what he came up with for ‘Karma’ and asked if he would be interested in working on an EP together. Thankfully he said yes and the rest is history!
This is your second EP after 2018’s Narcissus. How, if at all, was the creative process different this time around?
I think this time I felt a lot more confident in my writing ability and understanding how a body of work comes together. Narcissus was my first project & it was still all relatively new to me back then. Being an independent artist with no management, I’ve taught myself how everything works and it is definitely easier the second time knowing what needs to be done from distributing music to sorting artwork and so on.
In terms of the creative process, I wrote ‘Forever Mine’ with Oscar and then wrote the lyrics for the rest of the EP by myself. Trusting myself fully was an achievement in itself. Jimmy (Big Pretty) and I worked on the music together from scratch and he played the keys and guitar parts live, which was great and added a more authentic feel. Working with someone new is always a little bit daunting but like Oscar, I felt totally at ease with Jimmy. He’s such a skilled musician, very honest and good at pushing me to do my best.
Was there an overall theme, vibe or message you wanted to portray with Lioness?
I think the overall theme is one of strength. The songs cover an array of issues but I wanted the person to come away feeling somewhat empowered. Whatever life throws at you, you can get through it and come out the other side.
What advice do you have for everyone in this strange, and sometimes scary, new world of self-isolation and quarantine?
Just take each day as it comes. I think there’s a lot of pressure on people at the moment to workout, get super creative and learn a new skill but it’s also okay to just sit on the sofa and watch Netflix sometimes haha! It’s a difficult and new world we’re all adjusting to and no one really knows what they’re doing. Remember this is not permanent, do what’s best for you and don’t compare yourself to others!
What other plans do you have for the rest of 2020?
I initially wanted to do a small launch show for this EP but that will have to be put on hold for now. I may do some live recordings of Lioness once it’s out. But for now, as there’s so much uncertainty, I’m just trying to keep myself busy with music/creative projects - I would love to get some virtual music/writing sessions going, so if anyone is up for it let me know…
Lioness track-by-track
‘Forever Mine’
”A love letter to yourself”
I wrote this song about self-love/acceptance so people could understand that their happiness is paramount - I am forever mine and you are forever yours.
‘Karma’
”A warning”
I’m a strong believer that the energy you put out into the world, will come back around (so make sure it’s positive!). Online trolling is such a vile thing that has emerged from modern society and this song was written in retaliation to it, after a personal experience. I wanted to take back control of the situation and feel empowered.
‘All For You’
”Love at last”
I’m definitely not the first person to have had a string of bad experiences with past relationships, but this song is my first love song I’d say. I wrote it about Nick (my boyfriend) and how he’s the first person to show me what real love is.
‘You Were Never Really Here’
”Life isn’t simple”
This song is about heartbreak and someone being unavailable on all levels - emotional, mental - but the twist is that there is no bitterness. There is a sadness but it’s more of an understanding that life is difficult, we all have our own issues and demons to deal with and sometimes we aren’t ready to fully commit because of them.
‘Brand New’
”I don’t want ordinary”
I wanted this song to be a dancey/upbeat number to round off the EP. Taking influence from 70s disco/funk, it tells the tale of a stagnant relationship. Realising you are worth more and upgrading your life!
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Lioness by Alice D is out now. You can download on iTunes, and stream on Apple Music and Spotify.
To keep up with all things Alice D you can follow her on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Image: Sylvia Suli
Artwork: Nick Dynan
