[INTERVIEW] AleXa Discusses “Juliet” & Being A Diverse Artist

K-POP star, AleXa recently made a comeback with the new single “Juliet”! The star had time to discuss the comeback and more with us. The 2022 American Song Contest winner talks about being a diverse artist who is always wanting to tackle any genre of music. AleXa, a Korean-American artist, has been showcasing her music with various genres, especially upbeat tracks but she has also released some ballads in her discography.

AleXa also mentions the groups that got her into K-POP and which group she stanned!

But Who Is AleXa?

AleXa is a solo K-POP artist who debuted in 2019 with her track “Bomb” under ZB Label. She has released several songs throughout her career including “Xtra”, “Back In Vogue”, “Tattoo” and most recently “Juliet”. In 2022, the singer-songwriter represented not only her home state of Oklahoma but K-POP as a whole through the show “2022 American Song Contest”.

With her recent single, AleXa releases not one, but seven versions of “Juliet”! The song is very different than what many are used to hearing from her but it’s a single that expresses her talents and vocals in a different sound. She also states that this track is self-written and self-composed.

Be sure to check out the music video for “Juliet” (at the end of this post) and read all about AleXa and her music through the interview below.

HYPNOTICASIA: Please introduce yourself to the HypnoticAsia readers.

AleXa: Hello, my name is AleXa! I am a soloist under ZB Label who debuted in 2019 with my song, “Bomb,” and now I’m promoting my latest release “Juliet”!

HYPNOTICASIA: You recently released your latest single, “Juliet”. Tell us more about this new beautiful track!

AleXa: “Juliet” is a self-written & self-composed track about the universal struggle of a one-sided heartbreak. Inspired by Shakespeare’s classic stage play, ‘Romeo and Juliet’, I wanted to flip the script and provide an alternative storyline; what if Romeo never truly loved Juliet?

HYPNOTICASIA: Where did the inspiration for the new single come from?

AleXa: The aforementioned Shakespeare play is a tremendous source of inspiration, but also personal life experiences. I want to be an artist, who is honest with their work, so I hope that my fans can find some comfort through my music, knowing that I’ve had just as many human experiences as they have.

HYPNOTICASIA: “Juliet” is different from your past releases. Would you say you are experimenting with your music? Is there a genre you’d like to one day pursue?

AleXa: I want to always remain an artist who is diverse, and can tackle any genre. When I received the instrumental for “Juliet” I immediately saw it as a challenge I needed to tackle. 99% of my discography is fast and upbeat, with a few slow ballads thrown in. However, I did not yet have a song like “Juliet” on my roster. Personally, I would love to continue trying different genres, especially R&B.

HYPNOTICASIA: “Juliet” actually has six 6 other versions plus an instrumental. Which version is your favorite and why? Also, how challenging was it to record the single in Spanish?

AleXa: Funny you mention the Spanish version, because that is my favorite remix! One of my dear friends from American Song Contest, Alé, helped to write a translation of the lyrics. While I am not a native speaker, I do have staff from Latin America, who helped coach me through the pronunciation.

HYPNOTICASIA: How would you describe your music to new listeners?

AleXa: I’d say my discography is a buffet. You’re bound to find something you like, and go back for seconds. You might skip over a few things, and that’s okay, but at the end of the day there’s so much to choose from.

HYPNOTICASIA: You’ve competed in multiple music competitions and most recently, 2022’s American Song Contest. How was that? Any fun stories or memories you’d like to share?

AleXa: I made so many new friends through the American Song Contest. I mentioned Alé before, but I also had the chance to meet and talk to so many other well-established artists, like Michael Bolton. It was such an honor to compete on the same stage as so many talented musicians and artists.

HYPNOTICASIA: Congratulations on emerging the winner of the 2022 American Song Contest. How did you feel the moment you were announced as the winner?

AleXa: Winning American Song Contest was a tremendous feat to have accomplished. I’m so grateful and so honored to have had the amazing opportunity to perform on American national TV alongside many great artists. “Wonderland” will forever remain a special spot in my heart.

HYPNOTICASIA: Fact Check – Is it true that SHINee is the first K-POP group that you stanned? Is there a specific song or artist that pulled your interest to K-POP 

AleXa: Yes, it’s true – SHINee is the first group that I truly stanned when I first got into KPOP. My best friend initially showed me Super Junior, but through them, I discovered SHINee.

HYPNOTICASIA: What would you like to say to your fans who have been supporting you since debut?

AleXa: Thank you so much for sticking with me on this long journey. It’s been quite the rollercoaster, but I’m grateful for your constant love and support. I could not ask for a better support system. 

Watch her “Juliet” music video below.