Photo Credit: Frank Linn
Fresh, powerful, and lyrically beautiful, Alex Porat is evolving pop music into a genre of her own. Her impeccable vocals have taken her from uploading covers on Youtube to creating original songs and accompanying music videos. Achieving over 60 million Spotify streams, 150 million Youtube views, and worldwide media recognition, Alex is a leading light in the music industry.
Her songs are dreamy, relatable, and mesmerising – from break-ups, whirlwind crushes and daydreaming about ‘what ifs’, you can find yourself in Porat’s lyrics about love. Born in Malaysia to a Chinese mother and a Polish father, the Canadian singer-songwriter offers a beautiful blend of influences across her music and visuals. From her covers of top-charting music, a childhood of watching Studio Ghibli movies, and growing up in a musical household, Porat’s music is an amalgamation of sounds from her childhood to today. Porat’s confidence and honesty in her music produces intimate relationships with her fans, who can recognise themselves in her lyrics and heritage.
Her dream-like, pop sound is present from her ep, Bad At Breakups, to her recent single ‘bubblegum’, and upcoming release, ‘taxi’. Coming out August 25th, taxi explores thoughts of romantic ‘what ifs’ through her lyrics, with a music video to match the hypothetical couple – Porat’s upcoming release is something you certainly do not want to miss! Voir sat down with Alex to talk about her inspiration, musical process, and of course, her upcoming single.
You have a single coming out very soon, called ‘Taxi’. Can you tell us about the track and what we can expect from it?
“Taxi” is my version of a daydream. I wanted it to feel like a story from beginning to end and reflect what it feels like to have a crush.
You began your singing career with Youtube covers, was there any fear surrounding the jump to creating your own original songs?
It was a combination of fear and excitement but the biggest barrier was really myself. I feel like many artists suffer from holding back art until it feels “ready”. I realized that art will never feel “ready” to me and that I just had to put it out there.
Photo Credit: Frank Linn
How did you first discover your passion for creating music, is there a specific memory in which you realised?
I have felt passionate about creating music for as long as I can remember. I was singing constantly and always wanting to perform. When I was four years old I got up on a stage on a street in Beijing and sang two songs acapella. The feeling that I got on that stage stuck with me throughout the following years.
You are able to convey a lot with the honesty and relatability of your lyrics. Was songwriting something that has always interested you?
Thank you! Yes, I’ve always loved songwriting and sharing my feelings through music. It all feels so surreal when someone tells me they really relate to the song or feel understood.
How has your music evolved from your first EP and early singles?
The first EP feels like a bridge for my next project. Everything lives in my world but the cut gets deeper with every release. I also feel like the music is sonically evolving to a more emotional space.
You have worked with Iris Kim (@kimsauce) previously for music videos. What is the process like and how do you find visuals and aesthetics to match with your songs?
Yes, I love Iris so much. She first hears the song and then we talk about where her mind goes to first. We have worked together so much now that she really understands where I’m coming from artistically and emotionally. It always translates beautifully into the videos.
Photo Credit: Frank Linn
How would you describe your current music style?
Indie Alt Pop I think!
Do you have any go to sources of inspiration and how do you deal with creative blocks?
I’m thankful to say I haven’t really felt creatively blocked with music yet because I’m constantly consuming life and media. I like experiencing new things in real life but also seeing life through different lenses like movies and art. If I ever feel uninspired, I just go outside or cuddle my dog or get my heart broken, whatever’s easiest.
You recently were selected as one of ELLE’s 10 Asian artists to add to your summer playlist, have you noticed a difference in the representation of the music industry now, compared to when you were growing up?
There is a difference. There was zero and now there are some. I feel like the music industry is super reactive so new artists fit the casting call that previous artists have set the precedent for. And since North America has struggled with Asian representation in music it’s up to Asian artists to lead the way and artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Conan Gray are here doing just that. It’s such a harsh reality that I’ve had to come to terms with, but I’m hopeful for even more progress in the future.
You are going on the Gradience Tour with Ralph soon, are you excited to be performing live after such a strange year due to Covid?
So excited and it still doesn’t feel real. It’ll be my first tour and I’m happy it’s with Ralph because she’s an amazing performer and will help ease me into my first time on the road.
What can we expect from you in the future? Are collaborations or more touring on the radar?
I would love to go to Asia! Also…a project coming soon called “Miss Sick World.” Stay tuned!!
Listen to Alex’s songs here:
Words By Caitlin Sahin
