Following the release of a two EPs, Melbourne's Alanna Eileen is about to release her debut full length album. Tomatrax caught up with Alanna to ask a few questions.
It's been 2 years since the last interview on Tomatrax, what has happened since then?Since then, I've released a second EP, 'In Your Hands', and recorded a full-length album in New Zealand. I also spent some time in the UK last year.
You'll be releasing a new album this year, how will it compare with your previous work?It feels like the first time my music has been accurately presented, which is largely down to the production and how it was recorded. It sounds closer to the heart of who I am or the way I hear things.
What will the album be titled?Knowledge.
After releasing a few EPs what made you decide to release a full length album this time?Releasing a full-length album has been the plan for as long as I've been writing songs. I even recorded 'In Your Hands', my second EP, as a ten track album, but released it in an abridged format because it didn't feel like a complete body of work possessive of light and shade.
The full-length album we recorded in New Zealand last year is the first effort that I've felt can legitimately be called an album and, even then, it took ample encouragement for me to reach that conclusion. I'm prone to self-doubt and second-guessing in my work; that's the main reason it's taken this long for me to be ready to release a debut full-length.
You went to New Zealand to record this record, what inspired you to record the album overseas?I went to New Zealand to work with producer Ben Edwards as his studio is based there. He has a quality as a producer and a person that no-one else has and it's truly special and unique.
Is there anywhere else you've wanted to travel to to record music?I once looked into going to Iceland to record. After working in New Zealand, though, I can't imagine wanting to record anywhere else.
You've talked previously about being quiet and introverted, is it hard to go on stage and perform?Yes, it's very hard for me to go on stage, but it's also a transcendental experience because I learn how to overcome my fear. It's the only real way I can connect with people on a fundamental level. If I didn't have music, I don't know what I'd do; it's the main thing that keeps me afloat.
What made you decide to perform solo rather than in a band?Performing solo happened naturally simply because it's how I started writing, using what I had at my disposal. I might play with a band or with other people in the future, it's definitely something I want to do.
When writing what comes first, the words or the music?It seems to change, depending on the song. These days, it tends to be music first, lyrics later, and the lyrics are subject to change. I'll often work out patterns on the guitar or piano, couple them with a vocal melody and then write words to accompany that. Other times, the words and music will arise simultaneously, but that's becoming less and less the case.
What do you have planned once the album is out?I want to keep playing shows, release music videos and continue writing and singing.
Check out Alanna Eileen's Facebook page to find out more!