Interview by Marie-Pauline Cesari

Female powerhouse AleXa kicks off 2024 with the release of her highly anticipated single, “sick.” This track marks a pivotal moment in AleXa’s career, following her history-making performances at iHeart Radio’s Jingle Ball as the first solo Korean artist in December. Notably, AleXa exclusively performed “sick” during Jingle Ball and on The Kelly Clarkson Show before its official release date, offering a sneak peek into her new era of artistic expression.

AleXa, can you introduce yourself and describe your musical style in a few words?

Currently exploring an English discography, I’d say my music style offers something for everyone.

Where does your passion for music come from, and what is your first memory related to music?

I’ve been a dancer since I was 2 years old, so performance and music have always been near and dear to me.

Who are your role models, heroes, and the people in your life who have inspired you to pursue your passions?

David Bowie, Prince, Britney Spears, more recently HyunA, Taemin, and a handful of others.

You are also a talented dancer. How does your background in dance influence the way you approach and express yourself through your music and performances?

As previously stated, I’ve been dancing since I was 2; it’s the only form of performance I’ve ever trained in professionally. Not all the music I make is meant to have choreography, though. These days, I prefer making music that’s purely vocally driven.

Becoming the first female Korean act to present at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards is a groundbreaking achievement. What impact do you hope to have on your fans and audience?

I hope that, in the future, I have the opportunity to perform at the BBMA and give my fans an unforgettable performance.

You were the first Korean solo artist to perform at iHeartRadio’s Jingle Ball. How did this accomplishment feel?

I’m grateful for the opportunity, and I hope it opens doors for more female K-pop soloists to perform.

Elle wrote that you are “breaking the mold of the typical K-pop star.” What unique elements do you bring to the K-pop scene?

My team and I tried to always seek the unexpected, so we were one of the first to experiment with an AI concept, and that in itself brought a different element to the scene. I’m mixed, I’m multilingual, and I started relatively late in the industry, compared to most other K-pop artists.

Your upcoming acting role in Netflix’s ‘Goedam’ marks a new venture in your career. What makes you enjoy acting, and will we see you in more acting roles in the future?

I would like to act more in the future, both in voice acting and on-screen. Urban Myths was a fun experience, getting to try out acting in my favorite genre: horror.

You just released your new single, ‘Sick.’ What inspired you to write it, and what message do you want to convey through this new song?

‘Sick’ was actually produced by a team of really talented songwriters and producers that I’ve been lucky to work with, and I think the brilliance in the lyrics is in the fact that it can be interpreted by the listener. My personal interpretation of the lyrics is the complete opposite of its initial intent; I see the story of ‘Sick’ as the person you’re with/you love is so self-centered with a god complex, and it makes you sick.

What are your future aspirations? Are there any upcoming projects you’re working on that you can share with us?

I just want to continue making my own music that feels organic to myself and hopefully promote it in Korea again soon.