INTERVIEW: Alice D releases new disco-funk single 'Closer'

Image design: Nick Dynan
Alice D today returns with her second single of the year ‘Closer’. Following the British singer’s superb EP Lioness, released in April, Alice created the song from home during lockdown, writing the track in her garden and recording in her bedroom. Saying that the song was born out of her desire to stay creative during what was a difficult period for most artists, the song explores what is almost the antithesis of the past few months of social distancing - the desire to be together and close to people.

With a gentle 70s funk-disco vibe and a bright summery feel, ‘Closer’ is another high point in this independent artist’s career, all the more impressive for being created remotely. The accompanying lyric video, will premiere on YouTube today at 5pm UK time, was created by Tobias Lever and is a surreal, bright delight. Click below to set a reminder to view the video as soon as it is released.

Women In Pop recently caught up with Alice to chat all about her latest release.

Hi Alice! You wrote and recorded new single ‘Closer’ alone at home during isolation. What inspired you to do this and once you’d decided to do it, how did you equip and educate yourself on the entire process?
Hi Women in Pop! I worked on ‘Closer’ with Jimmy, aka “Big Pretty” again who I just worked on Lioness with. He sent over the backing track which I loved instantly. I wanted to stay creative and challenge myself during lockdown and saw this time as the perfect opportunity to try and write something. I invested in some new recording equipment, albeit relatively simple, and got to work. Despite being in quarantine I wanted to write about togetherness, a closeness.

The recording process at home was new to me but from past studio sessions, I understood what was needed and knew we always had to have about 5 takes of each section of the song. Luckily I had Jimmy on hand to help guide me if I got stuck!

Overall, how did everything go? Did you ever want to throw your equipment at the wall?!
It’s a much longer process when you’re doing it by yourself but I actually really enjoyed it as it gave me something to focus on. There were moments where I thought, “is this going to sound good enough?” as in the studio you have sound proof walls, expensive mics and state of the art equipment but I trusted Jimmy 100% & he was able to work his magic from home also. I feel quite proud of what we achieved.

There is a beautiful warmth and rawness to your vocals on this track. Vocally how do you, if at all, adjust your singing - and recording it - to get the best results in such an informal space like your bedroom opposed to a studio?
Thank you so much! I didn’t really adjust my singing but it’s definitely a different experience recording alone in your bedroom as opposed to the studio. No one to bounce off or tell you “that’s the best take!” but sometimes it’s nice to be in your own little creative space where you have control. I would warm up my voice prior and try to get into the zone as much as possible.

The song has a great summery, 70s disco-funk groove to it, which is a sound you also experimented with on ‘Brand New’ from your last EP Lioness. What is inspiring you down this sonic path?
Thank you, that’s great to hear. I definitely wanted to create an uplifting summery song! That style is authentic to Jimmy’s sound - he’s amazing on the guitar! And he loves the 70s/80s so that’s his forte. I also have a love for 70s music as I was exposed to it by my parents growing up. I was listening to songs like Diana Ross’ ‘It’s My House’ & Sister Sledge’s ‘Thinking of You’ whilst writing ‘Closer’, as I love that floaty 70s vibe. As I’ve said before, as an artist it’s great to experiment with different sounds and genres as it keeps things exciting.

You have made some really inspirational posts on social media in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protest. What do you hope comes from this justified period of global unrest and activism?
Thank you. I hope it brings about real change. Once the trending stops, black lives STILL matter. All day every day. There are countless cases, where justice still hasn’t been served and it truly sickens me. The solidarity has been powerful and overwhelming, forcing us all to really look at ourselves as people and how we can do better. Education on Black (British) History needs to be taught at schools, uncomfortable conversations
concerning privilege still need to be had, diversity still needs to be in the workplace, educating yourself on the black experience has to continue. There’s so much work still to do but seeing as this was the largest civil rights movement in history, I’m hoping that people are finally waking up and hatred and racism can one day, become a thing of the past.

You have teased another new track ‘Patience’ on Instagram, is more new music coming from you in the next few months?
For the past few months I have been writing at home. If I’m not working, I’ll be writing a song - I’ve written about 4 songs now in lockdown.’Patience’ was one of them and just an idea I had, but it would be wonderful if I could make it a reality. I’m looking forward to being able to collaborate with people and share ideas again soon. I actually want to start writing an acoustic style EP, stripped back guitar style…so watch this space!

‘Closer’ by Alice D is out now. You can download on iTunes and stream on Spotify and Apple Music.

To keep up with all things Alice D you can follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Spotify and Soundcloud.

‘Closer’ features on the Women In Pop New Music playlist, listen on Spotify now.