Every Monday we will be bringing you interviews with unsigned UK or Ireland artists for Independent Music Monday. Recently we caught up with unsigned London based singer ALBA to find out more…
Where are you from and how did you first get into music?
Whilst growing up in Spain and France, I was classically trained in piano and guitar. When I was ten, my parents bought me my first electric guitar and I started taking modern harmony and singing lessons. I played with a few bands during my teenage years, notably Sons of Rock, the band I founded when I was 16 and with whom I recorded my first studio album.
I am currently based in London, where I kicked off my solo project a few years ago with musicians from the local scene.
Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
I’ve always felt like an ‘old spirit’, even as a little girl, and I guess you can somewhat hear that in my music. I grew up listening to American and British music from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. I loved everything from old-school blues to rock & roll, including jazz, soul, funk and everything in between. A few artists that are always on my speakers are Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder, John Mayer, Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, Fleetwood Mac, Bob Marley, Tom Misch, Joss Stone…
How would you describe your sound?
My music has been described by tastemakers as “timeless yet fresh pop-rock sound with undertones of neo-soul, funk and R&B”.
What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
My newest track “I Need a Holiday” is an ode to escapism, figuratively and literally speaking. Quarantine forced me to get acquainted with my deeper feelings and emotions. I’m sure many can relate to this feeling of being trapped, constantly ruminating past experiences, regrets and worries, which can really damage one’s mental health. I wrote this song in the midst of this (unsolicited) journey of self-discovery in the hope of better days. I was very excited to collaborate with edbl, whom I deeply admire as a musician and producer, and who helped me take the tune to a whole new level.
What’s your local music scene like?
I’m not sure there’s much to say about the London scene that hasn’t been said already. From my own experience, I love the city’s multiculturalism and the diversity of its music scene. I think this is what makes London so special and different from other cities in the world. One can find an amazing live band with musicians at the top of their trade at any random pub.
What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
I had to postpone some gigs to 2022, but I’m hoping that I can start performing again as soon as it is safe to do so. I’m always working on new music, so the best way to keep up to date is to subscribe to my mailing list at www.musicbyalba.com and follow me on my socials.
Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
I’d love to collaborate with artists such as John Mayer, Tom Misch, Jacob Collier or Alicia Keys. They are a great source of inspiration for me. I had the pleasure of collaborating with up-and-coming producer edbl on my newest track and it was a great experience. I think working with others makes you grow as an artist so I try to do it as often as possible.
Any funny stories surrounding your live performances?
Too many to recount! Broken strings in the middle of a guitar solo, running around to (barely) make it in time for a gig, having to change clothes in the weirdest and sometimes most dreadful places, meeting wonderfully quirky people, after-show parties… Can’t wait for live gigs to come back!
What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
I am passionate about the environment, social justice and guitars. As someone who has a “public” voice, I feel it’s important to raise awareness about important matters such as climate change and gender equality. I try to use my music and public appearances to talk about how these issues have had an impact on my own experience as an independent female singer and guitarist and how we can learn from them. Such is the power of music!
You can find out more about ALBA on her website or via Bandcamp, Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, Spotify, Twitter or YouTube.
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