An Interview with Alba (30.05.19)
Blending rock, blues and some R&B, Alba is a unique artist singing about more than her life experiences. She uses her talent to sing about something that affects us all – climate change. Taking a breather, Alba sat down to chat to The Other Side Reviews about her songs, her inspiration and her thoughts on sustainability in music.
OSR: Hi Alba, I hope you’re having a good day. Thanks for chatting with me, I’ll try to keep this short. Shall we begin?
You recently released a track called ‘Heartbeat’ using crowdfunding. What made you opt for this campaign? Weren’t you fearful of possible failure?
A: Hi! Thanks for having me. Of course, I was! Fun (not-so-fun) fact – I was all set to start my pre-order campaign with PledgeMusic, and just about one week before the release I learnt they had gone bust! Like, if planning the campaign wasn’t enough stress already. In the end, I decided to go fully independent and created my own platform to avoid surprises. I am really happy I opted for this. It was a whole lot more work but it was really rewarding. We not only reached the goal but surpassed it, reaching 107%.
OSR: Now, one of your primary focuses is environmental sustainability. How do you, as a musician, feel you can help people change their perception of climate change?
A: I talk about it in my songs and try to create awareness about the issue like I’m doing right now. I’ve always believed in the power of lyrics to share important messages, so we songwriters should make good use of that. Be on the lookout for an upcoming single called ‘Child of the Stars’, which will drop in the following months.
Also, in order to avoid the use of petrochemicals, I try to publish my music digitally. I don’t usually release physical, but if I do, like I did with the ‘Heartbeat’ limited edition CD, I make sure it comes in eco-friendly packaging.
OSR: What are your thoughts on Greta Thunberg’s activism in climate change, as well as the schoolchildren and students striking weekly in different countries?
A: I think it’s a great and much-needed initiative. Young generations are sending a loud and clear message out there that the climate change issue can no longer be ignored and needs to be acted upon now.
It’s refreshing to see so many people supporting the cause now and some countries starting to take the right steps. Although it’s a bit of a shame that we had to wait until the issue was almost irreversible, despite scientists warning us for more than 30 years. But hey, better late than never!
OSR: How do you think a gig-goer can reduce their carbon footprint?
A: Trying to use public transport as much as possible and recycle! Please use the tube to come to our single launch gig on the 14th of June at The Dublin Castle in London.
OSR: Alright, this is a music blog so let’s talk music a bit. Why did you decide to become a musician?
A: I have to thank my parents for sharing their love for music with me. They put a guitar in my hands when I was only seven years old and by ten I was already playing electric guitar. It’s been a love story with music and guitar ever since.
OSR: You have some Eric Clapton edge to your guitar skills. Is he an inspiration, and who are your inspirations?
A: Oh, thanks very much, that’s very kind! He is definitely one of my biggest influences. The second song I learnt on electric guitar was ‘Layla’ (the first one was ‘Europa’ by Santana).
There’s no room here to list all my inspirations, but here’s a few names: Jimi Hendrix, BB King, Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Mark Knopfler, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Led Zeppelin, The Police, Aretha Franklin, Joss Stone, John Mayer, Alicia Keys, Gary Moore, Amy Winehouse, Janis Joplin, Tina Turner, George Benson, and the list goes on and on.
OSR: What was it like to record ‘Heartbeat’, and what is the concept behind the song?
A: I’m lucky enough to have an amazing line-up of musicians on this track (Dan Day on drums, Kay Olajide on keys and Phil Donnelly on bass) who made all the difference. The track was mixed by Lester Salmins and mastered by John Webber at AIR studios. I couldn’t have hoped for a better team and this is why it sounds so awesome.
‘Heartbeat’ was inspired by the feeling of synchronicity of a crowd with the beat of the music during live concerts, when everyone’s heart seems to beat to the rhythm of the kick drum, and also takes inspiration from the sense of synchronicity between the pounding hearts of two lovers. I wanted to be the one setting an energetic and positive beat to which an audience may synch to. The kick drum at the start of ‘Heartbeat’ is actually mixed together with a human heartbeat sample.
OSR: If you could compare yourself to any artist who would it be?
A: I find it hard to compare me to any other artist, but I’d like to think I am kind of a blend of all the inspirations I cited above.
OSR: You chose to donate a large proportion of the proceeds from ‘Heartbeat’ to Stop Ecocide Charity. What can you tell us about that charity?
A: Stop Ecocide is a charity founded by Scottish barrister Polly Higgins, whose cause in life was to make Ecocide (crime against the natural world) an international criminal offence, imposing a legal duty on governments to protect the public from dangerous industrial practices.
OSR: Why did you choose to support Stop Ecocide Charity specifically?
A: I think it’s one of the few charities with clearly defined actions to tackle the issue. To me, that comes with tougher regulation so people are aware that their actions have consequences.
OSR: Was there any particular event that made you become interested in environmental sustainability? I mean, why are you interested in this?
A: I’m a great fan of Carl Sagan’s work. He was one of the earliest voices in science to raise the importance and urgency of the issue in his series Cosmos, and this was in the 80s!
OSR: Are you a ‘neat freak’ or a bit sloppy at home?
A: Neat freak, I’m afraid. Think of me a bit like Monica from Friends.
OSR: Chocolate ice-cream or strawberry mousse?
A: Both!
OSR: Who would you want to play you if your life was a film, and why?
A: Tough one. I’ve always loved Sandra Bullock and some people say we look a bit alike, so I guess I’ll go with her.
OSR: If you could give aspiring artists any piece of advice, what would you say?
A: Be ready to do so many more things than just play. Artists need to be 360º these days. Try not only to master your craft but also to learn about the business and to effectively promote yourself as much as you can.
Thank you to Alba for chatting with us. To engage with her, check out her socials (Facebook and Twitter) or her official website.
