Artist Interview: Alessio

 After years of crafting hits behind the scenes for other artists, songwriter-turned-solo-star Alessio is finally stepping into the spotlight. Following the 2025 release of his debut album, INSOMNIAC, the Belgian artist has been making waves with his "unique sonic landscape" that blends dark pop with deeply personal, melancholic storytelling. From opening Pride Antwerp at the iconic OLT Rivierenhof to reaching fans as far as Rio de Janeiro, Alessio is proving that authenticity and vulnerability are powerful tools for connection. In this interview, we dive into the creative process behind INSOMNIAC, the importance of LGBTQIA+ representation, and what it really takes to transition from a songwriter to a main-stage performer.

Tori: You spent years songwriting for others before stepping into the spotlight yourself. What was the specific moment or catalyst that made you realize you were finally ready to make your own mark as a solo artist?

Alessio: The turning point came when I was close to landing a major role and realized that I simply didn't feel the sting of 'rejection' anymore. I truly believe that every rejection is a redirection. I reached a point where I refused to let my creative worth or my dreams depend on the validation of industry gatekeepers or audition panels. Instead, I began attending songwriting workshops, where I met incredible artists and built a strong network in a very short time. That journey led me to my producer, and together we started crafting the tracks that eventually became my debut album, INSOMNIAC.

Tori: Your debut album, INSOMNIAC, was released in 2025. How does the title reflect the themes or the creative process behind this body of work?

Alessio: The title mainly reflects the theme and the state of mind I was in while making the album. For the last couple of years, I felt a bit lost, always searching for my direction in life. I didn't have a job for a while, I didn't like what I was doing, and on top of that, I was in a long-distance relationship that was hard to manage - it came with a lot of pushing, pulling, and anxiety. This led to countless nights lying awake and staring at the ceiling, creating this universe in my mind that sounds exactly like the dark, melancholic world of INSOMNIAC.

Tori: Critics have compared your "unique sonic landscape" to artists like Imagine Dragons and Oscar and The Wolf. How would you describe the specific "Alessio" touch that sets you apart from your influences?

Alessio: It’s funny because people always reach for comparisons to things they already know - I do it too, just to help someone capture an image of my vision. It’s a way to pique interest. But the truth is, those artists weren't really my influences; we just happen to inhabit the same soundscape. What sets my music apart is that extra layer of darkness. I always try to tie every song back to a core feeling of sadness or anxiety. Each track tells a personal story that hasn't been told this way before, but at the same time, it feels familiar, like a secret you’ve always known but never heard out loud.

Tori: Your music is described as a blend of "dark pop and melancholic tones." What draws you to the darker side of pop music to convey your messages?

Alessio: What can I say? I think I’m just a guy who deals with a lot of dark thoughts sometimes, but I don’t always show that on the outside. I need a way to let go of them, and music is that outlet for me. Dark pop allows me to take those heavy feelings and turn them into something tangible. It’s my way of processing what’s going on in my head without having to say it in a normal conversation.

Tori: You’ve been praised for the "poetry and depth" in your lyrics. Can you walk us through your songwriting process—does the poetry come first, or the melody?

Alessio: To be honest, every song has its own process, which is exciting but also hard to put into words! There are days where I’ll write some cool lyrics first and bring them to my producer along with a melody, and we just build from there. Other times, we’ll start a jam session and the words come naturally along the way -in those cases, the lyrics are really inspired by the music itself. I always aim for that dark, poetic edge because that’s what I admire most in other artists. Of course, some lyrics are a bit more straightforward than others; I’m experimenting with that mix. I personally get touched by deeper lyrics more easily, and I hope to do the same for the people listening to my music.

Tori: With tracks like "WHO I AM" and "WHAT'S WORTH FIGHTING FOR," you tackled very personal themes. Was there a particular song on the album that was especially difficult or cathartic to write?

Alessio: I really love the lyrics for 'WHO I AM' because they are an exact mirror of what I was feeling at that time. I felt like a bit of a shapeshifter, not really sure who I was... The way each sentence fits with that recurring 'WHO I AM' felt so satisfying to write, and it feels just as powerful to perform now. As for 'WHAT'S WORTH FIGHTING FOR,' that’s probably my most personal song. I love singing it, but listening back still gets me very emotional. I wrote it after the saddest breakup I’ve ever had. It was about a person I still think of today - we had agreed to stay friends after the split, but that just never happened. Writing that one was definitely a cathartic way to process that loss.

Tori: As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, you speak candidly about the complexity of sexuality in your music. How important has it been for you to provide that representation for your listeners?

Alessio: It’s amazing to see so much representation nowadays. There are so many LGBTQIA+ artists spreading messages that I couldn't even find or didn't realize I needed back in the day, and I really want to create that same safe space for others. Inspiring people to be themselves and embrace every part of who they are - including the darker parts - is so important to me. If my music can help someone feel seen or give them the courage to be honest about their own complexity, then I’ve done my job.

Tori: You opened Pride Antwerp at the iconic OLT Rivierenhof in 2025. What did that specific performance mean to you personally and professionally?

Alessio: Personally, it was a massive milestone to share my music and performance with the community and be part of a day that is all about spreading love and unity. Professionally, I felt incredibly proud because OLT Rivierenhof is truly one of the most iconic and beautiful venues in Belgium. I don’t think I fully realized the weight of it in the moment, but looking back at it now, it was such a cool and powerful experience to have on my resume.

Tori: How has your own lived experience shaped the "honest and candid" way you approach your lyricism?

Alessio: I try to live my life in an honest way—sometimes a bit more than other times, of course! But I truly think honesty is the key to letting the right energy flow. My music is infused with poetry and depth because I draw directly from my own experiences. By being candid about things like the complexity of sexuality or the anxiety of a long-distance relationship, I’m able to articulate my message in a way that feels real. If I wasn't being honest with myself, I don't think I could create that unique sonic landscape that people resonate with.

Tori: A bartender at Cabron mentioned you "set a new standard" by packing the room more than any other emerging artist. What is your secret to creating that kind of electric connection with a live audience?

Alessio: To be honest, I’m still trying to figure that out myself! Sometimes I get too caught up in my own head—being way too aware of how I look or how I’m moving on stage. But in the end, the audience follows that energy, and it feels amazing when they do. I think authenticity is the real secret; when you’re being real, it’s much easier for the crowd to feel exactly what you’re expressing. Seeing a venue packed on a Sunday night with people even gathering outside just to hear the music was incredible, and it proves that being yourself actually pays off.

Tori: You delivered dynamic 45-minute shows with your current catalog. What could fans expect from the visual or theatrical side of an ALESSIO performance?

Alessio: My team and I are actually working on a major update for the show right now! I want the visuals to match the intensity of the INSOMNIAC universe, so we're leaning into that dark, cinematic atmosphere. It's still a bit of a 'to be continued' situation, but I can promise it will be more than just a concert—it’s going to be a full experience. You'll have to come and see for yourself!

Tori: You’ve played a variety of venues, from Het Depot to a guest spot on the Jason Robert World Tour. Is there a "dream venue" or festival stage you are manifesting for the near future?

Alessio: If I’m allowed to dream, why not dream big and go for Madison Square Garden! It must feel so powerful to share your message and music with such a massive audience and have a stage that big to create a real visual spectacle. I have so many ideas I want to execute—theatrical things that need space to breathe. But honestly, any stage where I can connect with people is a win, even though I'm definitely manifesting those 'big league' moments!

Tori: You’ve built a combined audience of around 10,000 followers across Instagram and TikTok. How do you balance being an authentic artist with the demands of being a "content creator" in the digital age?

Alessio: To be honest, I’m still figuring out that balance—it’s definitely a work in progress! For now, my main focus is on the music itself. I work with my team to create content in batches every month, and then I post it gradually so I can stay authentic and show my followers what life is really like on the other side of the stage. What helps me most is my love for networking. I’m quite good at connecting with people both off- and online, and I love watching those connections grow. For me, the foundation of everything is kindness and helping each other out. That's how I prefer to build my community—one real connection at a time.

Tori: Your press coverage spans from local Belgian outlets like Het Laatste Nieuws to international ones like Expansion Radial in Mexico. How does it feel to see your music resonating with audiences so far from home?

Alessio: It’s honestly amazing! I definitely didn’t expect that kind of reach with my first project. I’m so honored to have people from all over the world messaging me to say they feel inspired by my music. Last January, I had a girl from Rio de Janeiro text me saying I was her number one artist on Spotify—that felt incredible. Knowing that something I created in my own world is reaching someone that far away and actually means something to them is the best feeling.

Tori: Following the release of INSOMNIAC and a busy 2025 schedule, what is the "next chapter" you are most excited to write in your musical journey?

Alessio: I’m beyond excited because I now have a booker on my team and someone dedicated to upgrading the live experience, which means I can really focus on the creative side and making more music. Next up is a new single that I’m super excited about, along with some really cool videos! We’re currently finishing the track in the studio, and I couldn't be more thrilled to share this next piece of the puzzle.

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