Alena Shannon can best be described as a committed and focused musician in this diverse music industry today. Her progression into music started at a young age and at four years, she was in a position to start learning music.
At age of eight, she was able to play the famed ukulele and by the age of thirteen, she was able to compose her own songs. As a result of this mix of styles, her work derives influence from anything from the ‘80s, ‘90s, early 2000s era, and modern music. Her most recent work on soundcloud is what can be described as a pop/electronic number entitled Deep.
This single is Alena’s message to dreamers and everyone out there who sometimes gets lost and feels that nothing’s within reach. The song was one that was conceived in a few hours, yet the lyrics suggest that much planning went into creating it.
During my interview with Alena, she shares details regarding the process of making “Deep”, the challenges that she faced, and the concept she wants her viewers to embrace. She also speaks about personal development as an artist and personal artistic plans. Come on a journey with us as we follow a lady musician who aims to create only good music in the world.
Listen to Deep below
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What inspired you to write “Deep”?
– “So I often have a huge tendency to spark creativity at any moment. I’m also currently working on an album. So one night I was working on some music, and then I was working on a song, and then all of the sudden I’m working on beat and I’m like, you know what I really like this! I then finished creating deep by 2:00 am.”
Can you walk us through your creative process while making this song?
– “Alright I’m about to break down all of the instrumental parts of the song. So the first couple of seconds into the song you hear a violin. It starts off at the perfect tempo, it’s very ear catching. I actually used to play the violin when I was 8, so that’s why I felt that having the violin was necessary.
I actually never continued it. However, it is such a beautiful instrument! So then the second part of the song that you hear is a beat, and it’s more of a hiphop/trap styled beat. Which I had made in the beginning of this process because it’s a lot of fun to see which beats sound really good together.
Lastly, you hear all of the different melodies combined, which that was inspired by just pop music in general. The sounds that you hear in this song, are very dream like. Which is what I was going for, I wanted this song to kind of sound dreamy. Growing up and still today I’ve always loved and enjoyed listening to pop music.
I’ve also personally always enjoyed dance/electronic songs. Such as Calvin Harris’s “Summer” For example. I will say though Deep was actually inspired by Sam Smith’s song “Latch”, it’s definitely one of my favorite songs by Sam.”
How does “Deep” differ from your previous work?
– “Deep differs from my previous work, because I feel that I finally have a more solid foundation, for what it is that I’m looking for, when it comes to making my music.”
What is the main message or theme behind “Deep”?
– “The main theme for deep. So in the song you hear the lyrics “ I’ve been running, running, running” So that means, I’ve been really working hard for this, and now I finally did this! I earned that, and now it’s finally paid off, so I feel good!
Honestly, the main message for Deep is that , no matter where you are in life right now, try to stay in a positive mindset, because if something doesn’t work out, that just means that something better is going to come along. You can accomplish anything you put your mind to, if you work at it, you will eventually succeed and get to where you want to be.”
Are there any personal experiences that influenced the lyrics of this song?
– “There aren’t really any personal experiences that influenced the lyrics to this song. Although I do actually enjoy running, it’s such a great feeling. When you’re going for a run outside.”
How do you hope listeners will connect with the song’s message?
– ” I hope that the people who listen to my music, know that life is truly beautiful. You don’t have to stay in the same place forever.”
What was the most challenging part of the production process for this song?
– “The most challenging aspect, when it came to creating this song was trying to figure where, and how I wanted to include the violin instrument. Looking back it probably would’ve sounded completely different, because at some point I did consider doing a full orchestra of strings. Ultimately I’m glad my song turned out the way that it did.”
Can you share any interesting anecdotes from the studio while recording “Deep”?
– “The day that I was working on this song, I worked on it for hours, all day, and finished the song at 2am. I was really in the zone.”
Were there any specific artists or genres that influenced the sound of this song?
– “This song was very much inspired by pop, electronic, and dance music. Artists whom inspired me for this song were artists such as Sam Smith, Calvin Harris, Major Lazer, Martin Garrix , Ellie Goulding, Selena Gomez, DJ Snake, Katy Perry and Rihanna.”
How do you see your sound evolving with this release?
– “At this time I’m working on an album, at this time I’m excited for my new sound, I’ll admit though I’m still trying to solidify what that sound is going to be. As much as I love electronic music, I feel my sound will actually instead be more directed towards pop or R&B. However there’s always a possibility that, that could change. That’s all I’m going to say for now though, about my album.”
What are your goals for the future, both in terms of your music and your career as an artist?
– “My goals for the future, are to hopefully inspire people. My main goal is to spread positivity and light. Everyone should be able to shine bright. I would love to maybe one day go on tour though, that would be wonderful. I really love creating music, and I’ve always loved performing since a very early age. Music has always been with me, I’m sure it’s going to continue to be with me. It’s always been about the music. Nonetheless, once my album is completed I can’t wait for people to hear it! <3”
