Aleva is an emerging independent singer, songwriter, and producer making her solo professional recording debut in 2023. The international songstress grew up in Switzerland, and is currently based in Spain. Her new music is an expression of triumph over years of anxiety and artistic self-doubt.
Although Aleva is just now releasing her own music, her musical journey began years earlier. She performed as a child in Switzerland and frequently participated in televised music competitions. The stress and disappointment of rejection took an emotional toll on the young artist and she retreated from the music world, until now.
“Mind Control” is the debut single from Aleva, released worldwide via all major streaming services on July 7, 2023. As the track opens, ethereal vocal harmonies paint the periphery and Aleva steps to the mic. Soon the beat drops on a cool downtempo deep house vibe as the singer tells her tale of torment and triumph. She sings of her transformative journey with a soulful dream-pop vibe as organic and electronic percussive elements paint the periphery.
Check out “Mind Control” below. You can also hear the song on the Deep Dive : Pop & Rock playlist, or listen on your favorite streaming service. We had the chance to chat with Aleva. Read her answers to our 7 questions below. And follow the links at the end of this article to connect with the artist.
7 Questions with Aleva
Where are you from?
Originally I’m Italian but I was born in Switzerland. I have lived in Spain for the past two years
How long have you been making music?
I’ve been making music since my very early childhood. Originally I started writing poems which helped me process some overwhelming emotions I was going through when I was about 8. As I grew older one day I remember that my mom gave me my aunt’s old flamenco guitar as an inheritance, since my aunt has unfortunately passed away when she was very young. So I started playing guitar and quickly found myself writing songs about all sorts of things. Music became my light in a pretty dark period.
Who are the musicians involved in your project?
I wrote and produced the song myself. Originally I wrote it on the piano, and it actually was this one song that got me into producing. I think I already had a pretty clear idea of how I wanted to produce this song so I went and tried it myself. Even though I thought it was just gonna be a test and I will use it as a demo to work with a producer, but then I was so surprised of how it turned out and I decided to finish the song myself.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
I’d say for sure Aurora. I just found out about her about a year ago and as I first heard her live performance of “church yard” on YouTube it immediately got me starstruck. I always felt the type of music I wanted to make since I was a child, but it was almost as if I couldn’t grasp it. When I found out about Aurora and her music I immediately knew – this is what I wanna do!
What is your greatest non-musical influence?
I’d say my anxiety and my depression. Generally the way out of the confusion and darkness into the light.
What inspired you to create this project?
My fear of following my biggest passion. I felt so blocked all throughout my life, almost as if it was impossible for me to pursue music. “Mind Control” to me symbolizes the turning point of me finally being able to face my fears and be the truest version of myself.
What are your plans for the future (musically)?
I just want to release all the music I receive! I want to finally let everything out. So just releasing really. I hope that my music will help people fight their own fears too and honor their truest self. The next single release is planned for August.