Artist Interview: Alex Kolo
Alex Kolo is a rising indie-pop artist with a gift for emotionally resonant songwriting and a knack for blending vulnerable lyricism with catchy, cinematic soundscapes. Influenced by artists like Gracie Abrams and early Taylor Swift, Alex has crafted a sound that’s both intimate and expansive—music that feels like it was pulled from the pages of a diary. With her latest release “Fall So Fast” and a growing catalogue of heartfelt tracks, she’s proving herself as a voice to watch in the singer-songwriter scene. We sat down with Alex to talk about her musical roots, her creative process, and what’s coming next.
Tori: How would you describe your sound to someone who’s never heard your music before?
Alex: If you’ve never heard my music before, I’d describe my sound as honest, emotional pop with a singer-songwriter core. My songs blend catchy melodies with vulnerable lyrics, like pages pulled from a diary. I’m inspired by everything from cinematic soundscapes to acoustic intimacy—so whether it’s a stripped-down ballad or a full pop production, the heart of each track is storytelling. If you like artists like Gracie Abrams, Lizzy McAlpine, or early Taylor Swift, you might find something that resonates in my music too.
Tori: Who were your earliest musical influences growing up?
Alex: My earliest musical influences growing up were Miley Cyrus, Natasha Bedingfield, Sara Bareilles, and Colbie Caillat.
Tori: What’s the story behind your latest release "Fall So Fast"?
Alex: “Fall So Fast” was born from a moment of heartbreak that hit before I even had the chance to fully know the person. It’s about the kind of love that comes out of nowhere and disappears just as quickly—but still leaves a lasting mark. I wrote the chorus while processing that emotional whiplash, trying to make sense of how someone can affect you so deeply in such a short time. Collaborating with Jeremy Lister really brought the song to life—his storytelling instincts and harmonies helped turn that raw feeling into something beautiful and honest. It’s a song for anyone who’s ever asked, “What could we have been if we had just a little more time?”
Tori: How would you say you've grown as an artist since your first release "One of These Days"?
Alex: Since releasing “One of These Days,” I’ve grown so much—not just in my sound, but in how I approach songwriting and trust my voice as an artist. That first release was really about finding the courage to put my emotions out into the world. Since then, I’ve learned to lean even more into vulnerability and detail in my lyrics, to not shy away from the uncomfortable or messy parts of love, identity, or healing. I’ve also grown more confident in the studio and more intentional with my collaborations, like working with Jeremy Lister on “Fall So Fast,” which really pushed me creatively. Every song now feels like a clearer reflection of who I am and what I want to say—and I think listeners can feel that evolution.
Tori: You blend genres in a really unique way — is that intentional, or something that happens naturally in your writing process?
Alex: Blending genres definitely happens naturally for me during the writing process. At my core, I lean toward indie pop—I love emotionally driven lyrics, airy melodies, and intimate storytelling—but being based in Nashville, I’m constantly surrounded by co-writers who come from a more country or Americana background. That influence naturally weaves its way into the songs, whether it’s through the structure, the lyric style, or subtle instrumentation choices. I never go into a session thinking, “Let’s blend genres today”—it just happens organically as we follow the emotion of the song. I think that fusion makes the music more dynamic and reflective of who I am as both a writer and a listener.
Tori: What inspires you more: personal experiences or imagined stories?
Alex: Personal experiences!
Tori: Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process?
Alex: My songwriting process usually starts pretty spontaneously—I’ll get an idea for a melody or a lyric at the most random times. A lot of times it’s the chorus or the start of a verse that pops into my head, like with “Fall So Fast,” where the chorus melody actually came to me while I was riding the subway. As soon as that spark hits, I record a voice memo so I don’t lose it. Then I’ll sit down with my keyboard or ukulele and start building around that idea, letting the emotion guide the structure and lyrics. Once I have the foundation, I love bringing in a co-writer to help me polish the loose ends and push the song to a new level. It’s always a mix of instinct and collaboration, and that balance helps me shape something that feels both personal and refined.
Tori: Is there a particular lyric you’ve written that you’re most proud of?
Alex: “The moment that you kiss her lips will be the death of me.”
Tori: When did you realize music was more than just a hobby for you?
Alex: I realized music was more than just a hobby when I was about thirteen. I remember sitting with my thoughts, trying to figure out what I genuinely wanted to do with my life—and it hit me so deeply that I actually started crying. In that moment, I knew without a doubt that music was my true calling. It wasn’t just something I loved doing—it was something I needed to do. From then on, every choice I made started pointing in that direction, and I’ve been chasing that feeling ever since.
Tori: How do you handle creative blocks or burnout?
Alex: When I hit a creative block or start feeling burnt out, I’ve learned it’s best to take a step back and just focus on living. Since most of my songwriting comes from personal experience, I try to give myself space to recharge, reflect, and reconnect with the world around me—whether that’s through conversations, traveling, or just being present in everyday moments. I’ve found that inspiration usually returns once I’ve had time to experience something real again. Writing always feels more natural when it comes from a place of honesty, so I never force it—I just wait until something moves me enough to turn it into a song.
Tori: What’s something you’ve learned about yourself through making music?
Alex: Through making music, I’ve learned that my sensitivity—something I used to see as a weakness—is actually one of my greatest strengths as a songwriter. Feeling things deeply can be overwhelming at times, but it’s also what allows me to connect with emotions in an honest, nuanced way. That vulnerability has helped me write songs that truly resonate with people. Music has taught me to embrace that part of myself rather than hide it, and I think that’s where some of my most meaningful work comes from.
Tori: If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Alex: If I could collaborate with any artist, it would be Alice Merton. I have so much respect for the way she carved her own path in the industry—building her own record label and immediately making a global impact with her debut single, “No Roots.” Beyond her business savvy, I deeply admire her songwriting style. Listening to her music feels like reading a diary entry—raw, honest, and emotionally charged. That kind of authenticity really resonates with me, and I strive for that same level of truth in my own writing. Collaborating with her would be a dream, both creatively and as someone who’s inspired by her journey.
Tori: What’s been your most surreal or memorable moment on stage so far?
Alex: One of my most memorable moments on stage was performing at True Talent's 2022 Youth National Singing Competition. Since it was a competition, there was definitely pressure to hit every note perfectly and deliver a technically strong performance—but more than that, I remember the rush of adrenaline and the thrill of being on stage, doing what I love. It was a defining moment that pushed me to rise to the occasion, and it made me realize how much I thrive under that kind of pressure. That experience deepened my commitment to music and reminded me just how much I love performing.
Tori: What can fans expect next from you — any upcoming releases, videos, or projects?
Alex: I am currently working on a few new singles!
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