Artist Interview: Alex Luco

Photo Credit: Aaron Bobeck

What first got you into music?

I dabbled in violin as a kid, and I enjoyed it - to the point I briefly became a little music snob who would only listen to orchestral movie soundtracks - but I'm not sure I can say that's what definitively got me into music. I remember first feeling that "spark" when I discovered rock bands like Evanescence, Three Days Grace, and Halestorm. Seeing all three of those bands at one show was like a musical awakening for me. Lzzy Hale's vibrant live show energy really inspired me to start singing, and I can credit her with planting the "Maybe I can do that too?" seed in my head. My tastes veered more into pop and metal later on, but I still deeply appreciate the bridge those rock bands built for me.

How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard it before?

As far as what I've currently released, I'd describe it all as alternative pop with an integral storytelling element. Everything fits under that umbrella, but the songs are all different enough from each other that I'm confident in saying there's a little something for everyone. A lot of people seem to gravitate to Kill My Mood for more of a rock anthem, Truth or Dare if they want a summer beach vibe, or Petals for a relaxed synthwave experience. Of course, there are still those that will always be contrarians and say they prefer my debut single Stan Culture.

Was there a defining moment when you realized music was your calling?

The pandemic was a major reckoning for me. I suddenly found myself stuck in a situation that was meant to be temporary and felt trapped, worried I'd never be able to leave. I realized it was time to approach vocals more seriously, which meant taking lessons and not just singing along to my favorite bands in the car. I worked with a couple of different vocal coaches to expand my skillset throughout 2020 and 2021. Taking lessons with Vicky Psarakis (Sicksense, ex-The Agonist) in particular helped me delve deep into my vocal abilities and improve my skillset. She even taught me how to false cord scream in a matter of a few lessons, which is something I'd given up on years before!

Where do you find inspiration for your lyrics or melodies?

I'm a storyteller first and a musician second. Most of my lyrics come from a mix of personal experiences and a bit of hyperbole for the sake of drama and humor. I tend to be really wordy, so it helps to work with amazing co-writers who can reel me in when I get carried away! When it comes to melodies, it's hard to explain why I make the choices I do, but I know when something sounds right or not. My influences permeate everything I do. I can't escape them. One of my friends picked up on the flow of the chorus in my song Unhinged sounding like how SZA might write over that beat. That wasn't intentional at all, but I could definitely hear it, and I was super flattered.

How do you balance personal expression and creating something your audience will love?

Chase what excites you. If it's coming from a real place, people will hear that and connect with it. Your most dedicated listeners will know when something is bullshit.

Are there any specific milestones you’re working toward in your career?

The goal now is growth. That's hard to quantify, but if I had to pick one thing, it would be getting to collab with one of my favorite artists. Let me sing a verse on one of your songs, or vice-versa!

Can you tell us about your latest project or release?

I recently released my debut EP, Passenger Prince, which is a collection of five songs that each serve as a mini-story and weave together the greater theme of claiming agency in my life and not just letting things happen to me. I wrote all the songs in collaboration with my producer Rio Wiley, who's great at pulling these experiences out of me and helping me make them into something cohesive. The title of the EP comes from the song of the same name, which I knew would be the title track as soon as we finished writing it. There's something so charming and funny about "Passenger Prince", which is a play on the term passenger princess. I felt like it captured not just the theme of that one song, but of all five. At the deepest level, it encapsulates learning to relinquish control and not be such an anxious freak about everything all the time. At the most basic, it can be exactly what it sounds like. Listen to the song. There's some innuendo there for comedic effect. It all depends on what the listener wants to get out of it. My sales pitch is this: It's less than 15 minutes long, and you'll find something you like. If you want something shorter that will still give you a sense of what I do, try Petals, which is a two-song story exploring the sadness (Petals) and anger (Kill My Mood) aspects of loss. Think of it as me tackling two incarnations of the same monster.

What message or emotion do you hope people take away from your music?

No experience is truly unique. I want listeners to hear a piece of themselves in these songs. I don't mind if you're just here for the music, either - not everybody cares about lyrics and storytelling like I do, and that's okay. I do have a small core group of listeners who proudly tell me they listen to my songs at the gym or while they're driving.

Who are you listening to right now?

I've been really getting into some bands on the proggier side of metal. Lowen, The Ocean, Invent Animate, and especially VOLA - I've had that "Friend of a Phantom" album on repeat! I love how massive the soundscape feels, with all the synths and subtler elements making the listener feel immersed in the music. SZA and Julia Wolf (the queen of yearning) have been in my rotation a lot recently, too! Aside from that, I always listen to lots of my usuals like Spiritbox, Stray Kids, and PVRIS. If anyone wants to check out a really sick underrated band, don't miss out on Gutter King.

How do you see your music evolving in the next few years?

I want to collaborate with as many musicians and other creatives as I can, whether that's just features or something else, and the metalhead in me wants to do a lot more screaming. I'm keeping my mind open. I don't want to limit myself to one genre.

What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects, tours, or surprises?

I'm finishing up the draft of my debut novel with plans to release it early next year. I can't say too much yet, but if you like epic fantasy with a touch of horror and romance, this might be the read for you. I'm working on new music, too, which will serve as a tie-in for my book.

Check out Alex's music here- Music | Alex Luco