OUT THERE ALEX
Indie pop faves, Alae are back with Frozen In LA. The Kiwi band’s handsome gay singer, Alex Farrell-Davey spoke to DNA about music, mental health and why Dua Lipa’s New Rules is his mantra when it comes to men! Interview by Marc Andrews.
Indie pop faves, Alae (and sexy gay singer, Alex Farrell-Davey) are back!
DNA: Welcome back. How has life been for you since DNA last spoke to you in February 2019? Alex Farrell-Davey: Thank you for having me back! It’s been 2020 I guess… [chuckles] … what a time to be alive! I’ve been busy with the band, trying to figure out what’s next. I’ve been co-writing for other artists, which is awesome. It’s always good to get into a different creative environment. On top of that, I’ve started swimming again. It’s been so beneficial for my mental health and I’m looking slimmer, too, so that’s a bonus. All up, life’s been good, even in the current climate.
You spoke to DNA about your sexuality last time around. Do you feel the world is becoming more accepting, and less defining, about gay pop stars?
The world has come so far in the last 20 years. However, it doesn’t mean we’re out of the woods. Sexuality as a spectrum is constantly expanding, or at least we’re becoming more aware of its diverse nature. There are still an ignorant few who think it’s funny to laugh at those who are different, sadly, even within LGBTQI+ communities. Part of me thinks that’s conditioning or it may just be in our nature. Pop stars and anyone in the limelight have always had it harder because they put themselves out there. Until the world chooses to change, this will always come with judgment. When I find myself feeling stubborn and rigid, there’s one quote that always helps me from Socrates: “I know that I know nothing.”
You also told us last time there was no one in your love life. Any update?
I’m as single as that odd sock at the bottom of the washing machine and you know what…? It’s awesome. I’m focusing on my mental health at the moment and, even though some intimate company would be nice, I’m loving figuring out what I want and what I need. At the moment that’s just good friends, a positive outlook, and drive. I’m so lucky I have the best mates anyone could ever ask for because the rest can be hard some days!
What do you look for in a romantic partner? It’s ever changing. I think every relationship’s end comes with a new perspective. “New rules,” if Dua Lipa doesn’t mind me quoting her [laughs] – ways to improve and things to look for in future partners. It’s all about development and finding someone you want to fight for and vice versa.
Frozen In LA is a superlative pop song – sexy, melancholy and radio-friendly.
I suppose the message is in the juxtaposition. While I was in LA writing and recording the song, I’d had a moment where I wasn’t sure why I was there and what I really wanted out of my music. The lyrics are supposed to be a mantra addressing that feeling. I hope it translates well It took me a few years to understand that the feeling I’m talking about was depression and anxiety. It’s hard coming to terms with those feelings. I just had to remember and believe that I was, and I am, worth it.
“No one’s gonna save you, you’ve got to want to save you” is a pretty heavy lyric.
That was a lyric born of realisation, a kind of epiphany. I’d struggled to put this into words before this song. I’ve always been a dreamer, to my own detriment –assuming things will work out because that’s what I want, but never pushing myself as hard as I need to in order to get to the places I want to be. Realising this was
I’m single and it’s awesome… even though some intimate company would be nice.
very confronting and hard to swallow. This lyric is one of my favourites from this song, so I’m a chuffed that it stood out for you.
There’s also a fab house remix of Frozen In LA. Is this Alae stepping out of the box?
It’s always great to experiment and welcome another artist’s interpretation of our music. We often get other artists to remix our music and this is one of my favourites. It’s got this almost Daft Punk sounding guitar throughout the prechorus, then the chorus hits so damn hard. It’s a club banger for sure.
When can we expect your next album?
We’re working on it. It’ll probably be more of an EP but, nonetheless, the content is there. Albums are a whole different beast to tackle. Our first album, Henry Street was a very introspective, coming-of-age body of work. It’ll take me a while to figure out what I want from an album and how that will translate to the listeners. At the end of the day, it’s all about you guys.
How was lockdown for you?
Lockdown came with its challenges. Gigs were cancelled and practicing came to a standstill. The only thing that could continue was writing. I came up with a lot of material, whether or not that’s for Alae or another project, time will tell. It was definitely a time for self-reflection, which in itself was a little bit scary. Being trapped at home for four weeks with four flatmates who I didn’t know particularly well was quite confronting. I just tried my best to stay active and keep my head out of bad places. Easier said than done!
How do you maintain hope when there’s a lot of hopelessness in the world?
Your mind is as heavy as you allow it to be. I used to operate under the guise that happiness was just a kind of pleasant ignorance. There’s always something horrible happening somewhere at any moment, that’s scary to think about, but you can’t let it rule you. I believe that all emotions have an osmotic effect on those around us and vice versa. In order to ensure we have peace of mind we have to project our best intentions onto the world and keep fighting the good fight.
Do you see Alae playing arenas at some point in the future?
Of course! I’m a dreamer! Arenas are always making cosmic cameos in my dreams. That and interviews with Graham Norton! There’s nothing quite like singing to a crowd that wants to be there, for you, listening and resonating with your thoughts and feelings. Imagine an audience 20,000-plus singing your lyrics back at you. I try not to do that often because when I do, I start to well up.
Do you have other ambitions?
Music is the focus but I dabble in lots of things. I’ve worked a lot of different jobs, in a lot of different industries, in a lot of different places. I started with teaching guitar in Bahrain (UAE). Then moved to Melbourne and started hospitality. Then in Auckland I taught swimming. I used to compete, so thought it was an awesome idea. In the end it wasn’t for me. I didn’t have the right temperament for teaching but eventually figured out it requires a lot more patience than I was willing to provide [laughs]. Writing for others is one thing I’d like to do more of – there’s a lot more freedom in that. What do you do in your spare time?
I swim. I’m currently doing 1km a day as a minimum. Also, there’s a few Saturdays that seem to end on Tuesday. I love thinking too much. I don’t know if I love it but I’m certainly good at it [laughs]. I listen to a lot of music as well; that comes with the territory though. Keeping in contact with family is becoming more important for me, which is cool, so I’m always talking to mum about life and seeing what she’s up to.
What are the causes closest to your heart? That’s a really good question – I’m not actually sure! This is making me want to figure that out. Any sort of oppression is a thing that grinds my gears and there’s a lot of that around. Looking after the world is a big one, too. This place is beyond beautiful, let’s not fuck that up!
2020 was harsh. What are your 2021 hopes? To release more music and to start a couple more projects, including a solo project, Alex Jones. I’m currently writing my face off for that. I’d love to see the world open up its borders again. We had plans to tour around Australia and head to The States, but that’s been put on hold due to COVID. Damn you, COVID!
What music have you been listening to?
Arlo Parks – such a cool artist. I’ve been listening to a lot of Skinshape who is an awesome Australian artist and Tame Impala. There’s a huge place in my heart for Leon Bridges, Khruangbin, Tom Misch and Wilco. Groove Armada, Gnarls Barkley and Gorillaz have been finding their way back into my playlists, too.
What advice would you give to any young gay musicians out there?
Honestly, just be. Your sexuality doesn’t have to matter. In fact, unless you want it to be an obvious part of your music it doesn’t even have to weigh in. I find that lyrical ambiguity is the key to being relatable. Even if you’re a gay man writing about breaking up with your boyfriend you can use gender neutral pronouns to describe him – them, they, theirs. I don’t think that’s any less sincere than saying him, his, etc. Just be honest with yourself and the rest will fall into place.
What’s the one thing that might surprise people about you?
I really like food on toast. Like, anything on toast. Toast is great! Also, I used to do gymnastics and I can still do a round-off backflip. Just saying. I may have sprained my ankle last time. I may have been drunk at my manager’s wedding. Classic.
MORE: Frozen In LA is released through Xelon Entertainment. For more go to alae.band or find them on Facebook and Instagram.