INTERVIEW:
AlphaCub
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CANADIAN songwriter AlphaCub…
is currently working on his full-length record with acclaimed talent such as Ken Lewis (Katy Perry, Lorde). Right now; the track, Don’t Waste My Love (produced by Alex Meade) is out there and gaining a lot of respect. I ask AlphaCub about the song and the background; he tells me the reasons he's donating proceeds to Cystic Fibrosis Canada; how 1980s Canadian music resonated at an early age – and why this week has been a stressful one.
I learn more about an artist determined to spread his music to the people. AlphaCub talks about plans regarding U.K. performance and how his parents’ music collection inspired him – and why Canada is producing so many great artists.
PHOTOS: Michael Mangov
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Hi, AlphaCub. How are you? How has your week been?
Honestly, this week has been sh*t. Relationship stuff; family stuff - life stuff, ya know? That's how it goes. Overall in life; I'm happy.
I'm happy to be talking to you!
For those new to your work, can you introduce yourself, please?
My name is AlphaCub. Some people like it; some don't.
What can you tell us about the new track, Don’t Waste My Love?
I wrote that song with my producer, Alex Meade. It's inspired by Canadian 1980s Light-Rock. The synthy stuff: Alfie Zappacosta, Gino Vinelli; The Box and Gowan.
I just met Gowan - nicest guy.
It has quite an energised and club-ready pump! Did you want to create a track that would get people dancing?
F*ck yeah, I did!
The chorus has a great hum and addictiveness. Was that the lynchpin and muse that got that led to the song’s creation?
The chorus came first and the melody just popped into my head. I originally envisioned it with more horns but, as you move forward with an idea, it evolves.
Will there be an official video for the track – one with a concept and actors – in the pipeline?
No plans for a video but...who knows - I love putting my face on camera and showing it to people.
You are working with Ken Lewis on your upcoming album. What has it been like working with him and what did he bring to the music? Did you learn a lot from him?
Well. I've never met him in my life but his reputation speaks for itself. His mixes take my songs to the next level.
So; I like him and I can only hope he'd like me.
The proceeds from your new track go to Cystic Fibrosis Canada. What is your experience with the illness and have you had friends/family members affected?
My first agent, Paul Gourlie, passed away from C.F. almost five years ago. My niece was born with it. It's a nasty affliction and I want to help people with it in any way I can. I make music: it's the thing I have to offer a cause - and C.F. is the cause close to my heart.
Can you reveal when the album is out and what kind of themes you tackle on it?
All I can say is it'll be released in 2018.
The album is about how everyone is something else: everyone is something that you don't see.
I am getting a lot of requests from Canadian artists. You are in Toronto. What is the music scene like there and what is about Canada that produces so many interesting musicians?!
I love it here and the music scene is really exciting. As far as ‘the thing that makes us interesting’; I don't think it's any one thing - we're just a bad-ass group of people; each with our own unique history to draw from.
Do you remember the first artists that got you hooked on music? What was your record collection like when you were younger?
It was my parents’ tape collection and it had a bit of everything - from The Beatles to Air Supply; from Jann Arden to Seal.
(My dad really loved Seal.)
When I was four-years-old; my mom woke me up in the middle of the night to come watch a Bengals video. I think that was the moment it happened - or maybe it was the first time I heard Shout by Tears for Fears.
If you had to select the three albums that mean the most to you; which would they be and why?
Peter Gabriel - So
Radiohead - OK Computer
Jeff Buckley - Grace
These albums taught me how to be a songwriter and how to find my voice.
What tour dates do you have coming up? Where can we see you play?
December 1st at The Horseshoe in Toronto.
Are you coming to the U.K. soon?
I love the U.K. and I hope to get there in 2018.
What advice would you give to artists coming through right now?
Don't ever stop. You're right. People need to listen and it's your job to make them listen. Don't ever stop. Do what you love.
Nothing else matters.
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can each name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).
My fav. band right now is GUNSHIP and their song, The Mountain, is my jam!
Play it!
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