Pleased To Meet Me: Alex Little
Photo: Megan Magdalena
Alex Little is Vancouver’s purveyor of melodic grit and garage-pop heart, her new EP Spider in the Sink on Light Organ Records the indie-focused imprint of 604 Record. Fans of Wolf Alice, Sharon Van Etten, Blondie, The Preatures, and Amy Winehouse will find plenty to love in Little’s mix of raw emotion, soul, and fearless honesty. Written and performed with guitarist and partner Adam Sabla and produced by James Younger of Yukon Blonde, the five-song collection sharpens her sound into something rawer, leaner, and more self-possessed. It’s a record that drags fear into the light and finds melody in the mess, full of songs that pulse with defiance, reflection, and soul in equal measure.
Introduce yourself… (Where are you from, what band do you play in etc.)
Hi! I'm Alex Little! I'm from Vancouver B.C. It’s where I still live and play in my solo project under my name - "Alex Little."
Why do you play music?
I play music because it's my favourite thing to do, and it's an incredibly therapeutic way to get my emotions out and explain what's on my mind.
Don't know what I'd do without it.
What was a major influence on you as an Artist/Band?
I've been influenced by so many bands and artists, but one that really sticks out is Blondie. I really resonate with Debbie Harry and her strength/voice as a front person. The sound and the aesthetic of the band always really did it for me!
What’s a favourite book or film?
I'll go with my favourite film, it's got to be Ghost World. I was obsessed with the comic book as a teen and the movie was a perfect adaptation. No one has ever captured the loneliness of late adolescence more perfectly than that movie.
Photo:Megan Magdalena
Do you prefer the recording process or performing live?
So hard to say! I actually would have said recording if you had asked me a few months ago, but after performing my solo stuff for the first time recently I'm not so sure. It was such an incredible experience performing my own stuff and I can't wait to do it again.
Do you prefer the recording process or performing live?
So hard to say! I actually would have said recording if you had asked me a few months ago, but after performing my solo stuff for the first time recently I'm not so sure. It was such an incredible experience performing my own stuff and I can't wait to do it again.
What would be a dream collaboration?
I would love to work with Debbie Harry, Joan Jett, or Chrissy Hynde. Would be an honor to do something with one of those women from that era for sure.
Describe a favourite album.
One of my favourite albums is definitely The B-52's self titled album featuring "Rock Lobster." There's something about the raw and simplistic nature of this that I really resonate with. The vocals are incredible and there isn't a dud on the whole thing. A masterpiece in my opinion.
What's your favourite local haunt?
There's so many places I could say but I'm going to go with Granville Island as I grew up in False Creek, and attended university at Emily Carr on the island when I was out of high school. It's the most consistent place for me my whole life here - I now take my daughter and it always give me an extreme rush of happiness and nostalgia.
What's your strangest experience while performing live?
The strangest experience preforming live would probably be watching the lead singer of my band (at the time I was drumming) preform in a bar filled with people in nothing but a hospital gown and underwear. It was a last minute costume change on of us knew about.
Photo: Megan Magdalena
If I were pursuing anything other than music it would be…
If I wasn't pursuing music I'd be doing something with drawing or painting, I have a BFA in illustration! If not that then something with kids. Preschool age kids - maybe an art teacher for kids or something like that.
What are some of your favourite aspects of being a musician in Vancouver?
The scene in Vancouver is small but mighty! I like that aspect of it. Feels like there's not enough of us but we're passionate and proactive in keeping what little venues we have open and thriving.
If you weren’t playing music in Vancouver where would you be ?
If I wasn't in Vancouver I feel like Toronto would be a great place to be. The music scene there seems bustling and vibrant for sure!
Any sage advice for young musicians?
Advice for young musicians - stay true to what you do best. Never try to change to adapt to what's popular in the moment, because it will always show through that it's not authentic. Even if what you do isn't "the thing" right now, if you do it right and your own way - and commit, it will eventually get attention. Never stop because you're worried what others will think. The worst thing you could do is nothing at all. Just put out your best music commit to your vision!
Alex Little’s Spider In The Sink EP drops November 19 via Light Organ Records!