Alice MK - Sound In The Signals Interview
Many may know you from Youngblood Hawke, but many are starting to catch on to your solo music. Tell us about deciding to create a solo project and more about your background for those who may not be familiar.
I sort of fell into music. I was writing songs, and Simon and Sam were working on some around the same time. They'd pull me in the room to sing harmonies, and those ended up being our first Youngblood Hawke songs.
You've released "Greed" and "All In Your Head". It's not surprising that you've garnered a lot of attention from fans and critics. Are you happy with the response so far? What's been different about rolling these songs out and the response from when you're with the band?
I’m so happy with the positive response. This project is particularly personal to me, and the fact that other people are enjoying the songs is amazing! Very grateful.
What about the writing and recording process – how did you approach writing these songs? What was an average day like when you were recording?
Typically, it starts with a rough beat or hook idea. I usually think of the chorus when I’m doing something mindless and not trying to force anything. Then, I sit down to work with my co-writer and producer, Simon Katz, and we build the track from there.
"All In Your Head" is a forward-driving, honest journey of self-discovery that's led by your vocals. You've said the song "celebrates shedding these limiting pressures in exchange for lives spent valuing our intrinsic worth and discovering our uniqueness". That's a wonderful message. How can someone follow this advice? Why is it so important?
I try to find ways to create and maintain peace within myself, both mentally and physically. For me, that’s doing things like yoga and actively giving energy to what I’m grateful for in my life. The more I do that, the easier it is for me to stay focused on the good stuff (kindness, humility, integrity, etc.) and the more outside pressures kind of melt away.
I truly believe that when we find our own grooves and cultivate true acceptance and joy in our own lives, the more loving we are to one another.
I saw you recently posted a throw back photo on Instagram writing "Tour life. Itching for some travel adventures. @youngbloodhawke". Tell us about some of those adventures that stick out. Where do you want to go next?
We had so many amazing adventures as a band. So. Many. A highlight was diving with sharks in the Bahamas for our “We Come Running” music video. Hard to beat.
Where do I want to go next? Everywhere!! But if I have to narrow it down… all the Nordic countries, New Zealand, and I’d love to stay in a Japanese ryokan.
You've worked with Juliana Day Huff, a Texas-based artist, on the cover artwork for your songs. How does this work? What's different about this process compared to when you're designing the idea in Youngblood Hawke?
To start, I send Juliana a rough mock-up. Then, she sends me her take on it, and we go back and forth with notes and edits until it feels complete. She's amazing.
I collaged the very first Youngblood Hawke logo from little snippets of magazines. Totally hands-on, which was fun. Then, the LA-based artist Ashkahn created an amazing logo for us. I really loved the collaborations on both projects because they brought fresh ideas and vibes to the table.
We're all wondering; when can we expect more music? What's next for Alice MK and/or Youngblood Hawke? Any teases for fans?
I've got new songs for you very soon and cannot wait to share! As for Youngblood Hawke…news coming soon. :)
Thanks for the interview. Do you have anything else you would like to add?
Thanks again!
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-L.Burden
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