INTERVIEW: Alice D returns with new single 'Drunk Talk'
Image: Freddie Stisted
British singer-songwriter Alice D today releases her new single ‘Drunk Talk’. In a year that has seen the independent artist release some of her best work yet, she caps off 2020 on a high note with this sublime, soul-funk-pop track.
Detailing being in a relationship with someone who remains closed off to their partner, only opening up when alcohol is involved, it explores the frustration of being trapped in a partnership with no emotional connection or communication: ‘Sometimes I cannot believe that I am still with you / Cause you only open up when you see the bottom of your cup” Alice sings.
Following on from her previous single ‘One Day, Maybe’, ‘Drunk Talk’ sees Alice creating music that not only plays with genre - the song has elements of soul, R&B, pop funk and disco - but also with structure, with the song taking unexpected directions (such as the delicious change of tempo in the chorus) throughout. It is coupled with a warm, intimate vocal delivery from Alice, in particular on this track showcasing the depth and richness of her tone.
Alice D is an artist who continually impresses with every new release and should be on everyone’s radar right now. We recently caught up with Alice to find out all about ‘Drunk Talk’ and how she has survived 2020.
Hi Alice! Thanks as always for sparing the time to chat with us. Congratulations on the release of your new single ‘Drunk Talk’, it is a fantastic song. Can you talk us through the inspiration behind the track?
Hi Women in Pop, thank you so much- it’s always a pleasure to talk to you! I wanted to make a super funky / quirky track and had found some really cool instrumentals online as references that I took to the studio. I had written the title ‘Drunk Talk’ down beforehand, with no lyrics but I really liked the two words together.
The song is about being in a relationship with someone who only opens up when they've had one too many drinks (and it's usually on a night out!). The emotional connection & communication that every relationship needs, isn't there.
Your music has always been very diverse, but I feel like this year your output has been super creative and is experimenting with a huge variety of sounds, which is very evident on ‘Drunk Talk’. What has been inspiring you sonically this year?
Thank you! I love experimenting with music as I’ve mentioned before, it’s always good to try new things. I’ve discovered some great new artists this year such as Hope Tala, who’s “sound” is so fresh & her production is amazing.
I’ve been listening to a lot of Neo Soul & Alternative RnB this year which has definitely influenced me but there’s elements of ‘Drunk Talk’ that reminds me of early 2000s production and some backing vocals I took inspo from Justin Timberlake, Nelly Furtado and Brandy.
Tim (producer of ‘One Day, Maybe’ & ‘Drunk Talk’) is so talented, it’s really exciting working with him as he’s always got such creative ideas & is just a brilliant producer.
On that note, of course 2020 hasn’t been the best of years for musicians. There is not only the lack of ability to perform live, but lockdowns have often made it difficult to interact with peers and other creatives, or immerse in culture such as museums & art galleries that can often spark inspiration. Have you found being creative this year has at times been difficult, or needed an extra push?
2020 has definitely been a testing time for all of us, there’s been so much change on so many levels, it sometimes feels completely overwhelming. The initial lack of support and funding for the arts sector was also incredibly difficult and not being able to showcase my music, as an upcoming artist, has at times left me feeling a little deflated.
During the first lockdown I wrote and recorded my single, ‘Closer’ by myself in my bedroom (something I have never done properly before!) and was adamant that I would keep challenging myself musically, but with this second winter lockdown in the UK, I'm not sure I could do that again, not now at least. I feel like everyone is just in survival mode at the moment.
On the plus side, I’ve released the most music I ever have done this year accompanied by music & lyric videos. It's been amazing having the freedom of time to write songs and create visuals. Some days you feel inspired and the next you feel completely unmotivated, but you just have to ride it out.
I’ve definitely missed going to exhibitions and interacting with other creatives so I’ve looked online for some inspiration, for instance my artwork and lyric video for ‘Drunk Talk’ is inspired by the work of artist Joe Webb, who I discovered online.
You did make a return to the stage with an acoustic gig at the end of October. What was it like to be back playing live?
Yes! I managed to sneak a little socially distanced gig in before lockdown 2.0 - that was great fun and also very intimate with everyone sat down due to Covid restrictions. I played with Jimmy (Big Pretty) who I wrote a lot of my Lioness EP with, so it was great to play some of those songs live with him. I had never done an acoustic gig before, as it’s super exposing just you and a guitar, but I’m so glad I pushed myself out of my comfort zone. I got some really nice feedback from the promoters too, so that was a confidence boost.
This year has been a rough year. We have had bushfires, a pandemic, racism, police brutality just to mention a few. In amongst it all, what do you think are the positives that have come out of the mess?
2020 has been the year of momentous change. Some change that was definitely needed. This year has shone light on issues that have always been there and really forced us to think about who we are as people and how we can make a difference.
I think the positives to come out of this year are hopefully compassion and the ability to be more empathetic towards one another. It’s forced everyone to stop and re-evaluate their lives and think about who or what is important, which can only be a good thing.
This year has definitely made me realise that we all have a shared human experience & division between us is not the answer.
Do you have plans for a music or lyric video for ‘Drunk Talk’?
Yes, a lyric video animated by Tobias Lever will accompany the single!
2020 has been one of your most prolific years - what can you tell us about your plans going into next year?
I’ve already started planning my next EP, which I’m excited to start working on in the new year…
Design: Nick Dynan
