Growing up on her parents’ 70s records, Alex Stern knew early on that she had a relationship with music that would take her far. Since moving to Music City at the age of 19, this Southwestern belle has released her debut EP Midnight Bandits (2016) and two singles in 2018: “Dreamin'” and most recently “Think About You.”
We caught up with Stern to talk about the journey that got her to Nashville, songwriting and new music that’s on the way.
CN: For our readers who may not be familiar with you, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
AS: I’m based in Nashville but I’m originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico! All my songs are written about by my life, from heartbreak to falling in love, my favorite thing in the world is to write a song that a stranger can connect/relate to, even if they’ve never met me. I love performing live because it always fills me with such inspiration and purpose. I’m very nostalgic and love collecting old things like vintage tees and wearing my grandmother’s turquoise rings. My biggest goal as an artist is to show up for my listeners and be seen for every part of who I am (good + bad) in hopes of inspiring someone else out there to be brave and do the same in their life.
CN: Which musicians, country or not, have influenced you both personally and as an artist?
AS: Definitely Dolly Parton, Shania Twain and Stevie Nicks, they were such brave women who redefined standards for female artists and they inspire me always be brave enough to pave my own road, write a song, build a career and live a life that might look different from what’s been done before
CN: You discovered music at the young age of nine and after high school you were selected to attend both GRAMMY Camp L.A and Nashville. As a songwriter, please take us through your songwriting process. Do you pull mostly from personal experiences, experiences of those around you, or elsewhere?
AS: Every song I’ve put out is written from a really personal place inspired by my real life. Almost always the biggest thing that brings a song idea to me is tuning into whatever strong emotion I feel and then, letting my mind wander to whatever phrases or melody’s capture that feeling. Sometimes, the first thing I come up with is just a song title, sometimes it’s a two line phrase I randomly saved in my memo on my phone. I try to always keep an open mind and let the song come to me organically, because I’ve learned that anything authentic can’t be forced.
CN: Your new single “Think About You” recently came out. It’s been said to be based on the romance in your life, as you are also one of the co-writers. Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind the song?
AS: When I wrote this song, it was the perfect outlet for me to express the emotions I was feeling towards the guy I started having feelings for. I was feeling caught between this emotional limbo of deciding if I should tell him or not and wondering if he was feeling the same. With all the confusion of what I should do, I had so many questions to ask him about how he felt, so the song lyrics reflect a lot of those personal questions I wanted to ask him.
CN: With the release of your single “Dreamin’” in January and now “Think About You,” is there a possibility of a new album on the way?
AS: There is NEW music on the way! For now, I’m mostly focusing on trying to write and create the best music possible and if I end up with a body of songs I really believe in, I would love to possibly put out an EP in the coming months!
CN: At this point early on in your career, have you had a “WOW” moment that you can’t believe has happened? And in looking ahead, is there a moment or possibly an award, that you are setting your sights on achieving?
AS: Performing with my band at AT&T Stadium in Dallas was definitely a special moment for me as an artist, the amount of people and energy were incredible. That performance is definitely one I will never forget.
CN: Given the reputation that CMT’s NASHVILLE has not only among its fans but with featuring so many amazing songwriters, how was it to be a part of #NashChat as a musical guest?
AS: It was an amazing experience and I felt so honored to have been asked to be a guest. I am a huge fan of the show so it was so exciting for me to be invited.
CN: Do you have a dream collaboration in mind?
AS: I’d LOVE to get to share the stage with Keith Urban. He’s been a huge inspiration to me as an artist and that is definitely one of my biggest dream collaborations.
CN: If you could describe yourself with one word, what would it be and why?
AS: Grateful. It’s taken me a few years in Nashville to really feel settled in my skin, in my career, and in my dreams. Looking back at my journey, I feel so much gratitude for every part of it. I’ve witnessed myself evolve and grow, through all of it, having gratitude for whatever comes my way helps me to always keep things in perspective, to NEVER to take anything for granted. Everything in my life has played a part in shaping me into who I am. I feel grateful to have my health, my dreams, my family, and it’s a true gift to have the opportunity to make music everyday.
CN: What’s ahead for you in 2018?
AS: Right now, I’m writing all the time. The biggest goal is to get a collection of songs that I feel truly define my artistry and to release them to my listeners as soon as I can. I am SO excited to have a ton of shows scheduled for the end of the year too. LOTS of exciting things ahead for the end of this year, and my biggest focus is meeting as many listeners as I can, that is the best part!
For more information on Alex Stern, visit her website at: www.alexsternofficial.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.