INTERVIEW: Alice Jemima.
After a highly successful 2019 touring the UK with Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Alice Jemima is set to release her new album Everything Changes on February 28 which she co-wrote with producer Simon Byrt (Babeheaven) with additional production and mixing by Sean Oakley (Kanye West, Lady Gaga)
Her new album Everything Changes’ also features 3 singles; ‘Dancing In Love, ‘Icarus’ & ‘Devil On my Shoulder’, co-written with Sophie Ellis Bextor.
Everything Changes steps up a gear production wise from her debut self-titled album, resulting in a collection of joyous upbeat pop songs, which still manage to showcase her unique quirky production style and sultry, sugar- sweet vocals.
We had a chat with Alice all about Everything Changes, working with Sophie Ellis-Bextor, challenges she has faced in the music industry and more. Read the interview below.
You’re gearing up to release your sophomore album Everything Changes at the end of this week. What is the record about and what does it mean to you?
“Throughout the record I’ve wanted to portray themes of stepping into the unknown, letting go and the obstacles we face in life. But I also wanted this record to be fun! I wrote my first album over many years, whereas this one captures my more recent thoughts, feelings and experiences.”
How is Everything Changes different (or similar) to your self-titled debut album? Were there any musical influences or sounds that you were able to incorporate on this record that you hadn’t previously?
“I think it’s still very similar in ways, but then I also wanted the production to build on some tracks, to incorporate more beats and dance-vibes.”
Everything Changes features three tracks co-written by Sophie Ellis-Bextor who you’ve also been on tour with. How did that collaboration come about?
“It all came about via a mutual friend of ours, Simon Byrt, who I’ve been working with for many years, and is good friends with Sophie’s husband, Richard. I believe it started as a discussion down the pub!
"I loved writing with Sophie and the tour was an incredible experience. The tracks we wrote together on the album are ‘Dancing In Love’, ‘Icarus’ and another called ‘Devil On My Shoulder’.”
You also worked with Simon Byrt and Sean Oakley on the new album. What things have you learned from them?
“I feel like I’ve learnt a lot from Simon over the years. I started recording & writing with him when I was 17 / 18, so he’s been a big part of my music direction. Sean Oakley was also great to work with on this album, he added additional production throughout the album that just brought it completely to life.”
What do you hope fans will take away from Everything Changes?
“All the people that I played this album to along the way, each had their own ‘favourite track’ – I don’t think anyone had the same! I really liked that. I hope it’s an album that people can listen to and relate to in their own way.”
Do you have plans to tour the record and if so, which of the new songs are you most excited to debut live?
“I’m definitely planning some shows for it. I plan to play them all, but songs that I’ve particularly enjoyed playing live so far are Serious, Dancing In Love, Somebody & Our Love.”
What do you love most about performing live and being on stage?
“I love the connection with an audience, but I also love how it makes me feel – I’m just completely at home. I still get nervous before going out on stage, but then once I’m up there I love it. Performing live is a roller coaster of emotions!”
What challenges, if any, have you faced as an artist in the music industry? And how did you overcome them?
“I’ve definitely faced a lot of challenges. One of the biggest challenges for me has been a huge lack of stability. There’s a lot of highs and lows, and the industry’s constantly chopping and changing - people want different things at different times. Emotionally it can be really challenging. I just keep writing music!”
If there was one thing you could change about the music world today, what would it be?
“I’d love it if everyone went back to buying records and CD’s again.”
Finally, what is one non-musical goal of yours for 2020?
“To be healthier and happier!”
Everything Changes is out February 28 via Sunday Best Recordings.