Nashville based Canadian country artist, Alee, talks summer drinks, “Springtime” and 90’s inspired style.
New single “The Springtime” avail now. Stream it below!
Q+A
Talk about the new single “The Springtime”, co-written with Curb artist, Filmore, and Zach Abend
"The Springtime" is so new that I haven't even played it live yet. It's the first song I'm ever releasing that fans aren't familiar with yet, and that's making it even more fun for me. We wrote this one mid-quarantine, when we were all getting tired of zoom writes - so we headed to Tyler's back porch. He threw out the title, Zach played that bass line while the birds sang, I got some melodies rolling, and the rest was brought to you by a couple summer beverages, and hands down the most fun write of quarantine. And now it's coming to you on the last day of spring...when I think we're all a little over the past couple months, and SO READY to move onto a good summer. The timing just felt right. I really hope the fans dig it.
You’ve written with hit songwriters like Thomas Archer, Phil Barton and Dave Thomson. Who are some of your favorite collaborators in town?
The best part of moving to town without a deal is that the pressure was on to find some really incredible people - and to be patient, and trust the process. Lalo & Thomas Archer are the perfect pairing. It was so cool bringing "No One Like You" to life with them and then seeing what it's done since releasing. Some other really talented people I've had a blast working with on this record are Alex Marshall, Robyn Dell'Unto, and Dakota Jay & Will King (one of my favorite pairings since I started making trips to town in 2014) and Josh Gleave. I love energy. I love trying weird things. I love that they all do it best.
As a CCMA NOM’D Canadian artist, you split your time between Nashville and Canada. Talk about balancing both worlds.
It's really hard to be away from home and there's a whole process to be able to be in Nashville as a Canadian. It has been worth the struggle, though. I love creating in a place that's ahead of everywhere else - where you're striving to find the next thing, not just recreating. It's a beautiful town filled with beautiful souls who are all showing you up on how hard you're working. It drives you, inspires you, and if it doesn't humble you, you're doing something wrong.
Speaking of Canada - any Canadian writers or artists you want to shout out?
We've got some good ones for sure!! A couple artists you may not be as familiar with.... Genevieve Fisher (one of my favorite voices ever), Jade Eagleson (all around an amazing guy!), and Ralph (a really cool dance artist). In terms of writers… Geoff Warburton, Emma-Lee, and Karen Kosowski are killing the game.
You’ve got a SICK style! What influences your style and what does fashion and identity mean to you?
Ahhh!! Thank you. And don't get me started ahah. When I moved to town I built a huge collage wall of all of my favorite photos ripped out of W magazines. It probably looks so mismatched, but I think growing up in the 90's originally started to shape my style. And then wearing cowboy boots with everything for like five years. And then adding in some new fashion. I love statement pieces, and I just trust my gut on things...never be worried to be a little out there!
You’re also classically trained in piano - what has learning an instrument at a young age taught you about the discipline and hard work it takes to succeed in the industry?
I had a really tough piano teacher who had high expectations of me and had me reading music hands together right from the start. That push allowed me to play anything put in front of me by the time I was 7. I learned that it's all about nailing the basics. Once you know the fundamentals, you can take those skills to greater heights and expand in other areas. Having that understanding has really helped me, whether it's writing songs, having a voice in production, or sorting out live shows. It's kind of the same reason I went to school for business, then marketing, learned graphics...it's so helpful as an artist to know your brand, who you are and what you love, and then bring it to life. It's so fun having that kind of control! And while it's a lot of work, it pays off to know something you've created resonates with people.
What’s your go-to drink during quarantine?
Long story short, Jeff's frosè. My friend Jeff makes the best frosè around. I am thankful for him all of the time (but he definitely made quarantine a whole lot better!).
What’s next for Alee?
Next week marks two years in Nashville. That's two years of making a record...writing songs...overthinking songs...learning to trust my vision...so now all that's left is to share it (before starting all over again)! Really excited to get back to live shows. I’m in the works of building the vision for the next go-round. I’ll be ready when the time comes...
