Diandra Interviews Alaena: Feeling “Unguilty” And Fearless
Clarity is one of the biggest struggles for any human being because how self-aware can you, actually, be? Life is a balance and, by all means, you canna know everything about yourself because you need to grow and fun comes in surprises. Speaking with Alaena, we discussed her newest EP, Unguilty Pleasures, and how she has grown by loving fun rather than feeling “guilty” over it.
Diandra: What inspired “Unguilty Pleasures” and what are some of yours?
Alaena: Everybody has their “guilty” pleasure, but, for me, you should not feel guilty about what you love. My songs in this EP make you feel angsty and empowered. Some people may not want to feel that, but, for me, I feel it is an “unguilty pleasure.” For me, don’t feel bad listening to them because it is not your “style” or you not “supposed to like it.”
ALAENA – Californihate (Official Music Video)
Diandra: The songs are about relationships. What is the connection between relationships and unguilty pleasures?
Alaena: The songs that are about relationships are not about “I did wrong,” but are about “You are f**king up this best thing that has happened to you.” Unless, I did something really wrong then I would write about it, but I know my worth and who I am. So, if someone does not see it, “GOODBYE!” So, it is more about trying to see why they don’t see it.
Diandra: Do you feel music has helped love yourself enough to choose better in love?
Alaena: OH MY GOD, YES! I had such a hard time understanding who I was before I started writing pop music. I was in a punk band, and it was really hard for me to access their emotions. Yet, once I did, I started seeing who I was, what I was worth, and cutting people out of my life or stopped giving access to people that could not see it or provide me with what I need.
Diandra: So who are you now?
Alaena: Before, I was an insecure person, but I still put on a pretty face. Now, I am an emotional rollercoaster, but now I know how to handle myself. I was much unhealthier then and now I am healthy.
ALAENA – I Get My Way (Official Music Video)
Diandra: So was there a specific thing you realized you need in relationships?
Alaena: The next person that comes into my life needs to put me on the same level as them. I always ended up with drug addicts or alcoholics. They always had something that they would put above me in the relationship. I always thought they would change and they did not. I can’t keep up with that and I have been alone for awhile now, and I realized I need someone to take care of themselves and be healthy.
Diandra: Would you say you have created an alter ego through Alaena?
Alaena: I think I had more of an alter ego when I was a band. I feel very one with myself now and I am exactly who I need to be. That other person was pretending and just trying to get through days. I am so confident now and I have something in me that I love and value. I am 100% me, and, in music right now, you have to be 100% raw and honest. Now, people want honesty. With social media, our lives are, literally, on display.
Diandra: Well, that leads me to ask, “How do you feel your image is important to your music’s style?”
Alaena: When it comes to style, I want people to not want to be afraid to be who they are. So in my videos and images and fashion I try to show people that if I can be free with who I am so can they. I want people to feel brave enough to be who they are, and I think that is what I was not before. I think I was too afraid, and I don’t want people to go through that. I felt very self-conscious and wanted to hide.
Diandra: You have been called eerie glam. What do you think about you garners that definition?
Alaena: Sometimes, it is a little frustrating because I agree with that, but it gets annoying because they think, “Oh she’s not grunge!” Grunge is about not giving a s**t. I don’t have to play grunge music to be considered “grunge.” I wish people were more open-minded with the meaning of these terms.
What have you loved most about your music journey?
Alaena: Connecting with people. It is not just about making my fans feel less alone but the fact that they know when I need to feel less alone. We help each other, and it is great to see how they connect to my songs.
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