We interviewed Canadian singer-songwriter Alex Porat to ask her more about her new song, music, working with Iris Kim, and her favourite Studio Ghibli film.
The young music artist recently unveiled her latest single โnever say ily againโ.
The new single, released on August 5, is accompanied by a music video directed by Iris Kim. The songโs bouncy and playful production juxtaposes lyrics that express regrets about a past relationship.
Says Porat,
โIt felt like the right thing to pair this sad feeling with a fun upbeat song. I usually use humour to cope with pain and sadness so it felt very real the way the track is the opposite of what Iโm trying to say. Iโm a dramatic person at times especially when it feels like the end of the world so this song is a great reminder that any negative feelings that Iโve felt in the past are temporary and they do go away. Whatโs life without a couple ups and downs, you know?โ
The fish-eyed pop-ish tube is accompanied by a similar music video, directed by Iris Kim, who also worked with Porat on โhappy for youโ. This is the third music video that the two have worked on together.
In 2018, Porat was able to reach a wider audience after fellow Canadian pop star Shawn Mendes enthusiastically reacted to her cover of his track โMy Bloodโ.
To date, the video has gained over 1.6 million views on YouTube and Porat, who has gained more traction with her new songs, is just shy of a million subscribers on her YouTube channel.
AL365: Hi Alex Porat, thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. Congrats on the new song โnever say ily againโ. We really love the dream pop-like nature of the song juxtaposed against its personal lyrics. As with your previous latest singles โhappy for youโ and only โhanging out cause iโm lonelyโ, thereโs a very alluring relatable pain to your lyrics, which melds nicely against the electro-pop vibes. The cadence and colours are beautiful. If you could pick a song thatโs most personal to you, which one would it be and why?
Alex Porat: It would be so hard to pick since all three of those songs were born out of real experiences from my life. Iโd say that โnever say ily againโ filled a hole for me that I couldnโt find in other peopleโs songs. I think itโs the fact that itโs coming from such a dramatic standpoint which is something I extremely relate to.
AL365: What was it like working with Iris Kim on โhappy for youโ and โnever say ily againโ and seeing her bring the songs to life? โnever say ily againโ looks like a fun video to be in.
Alex: Itโs always so fun. We have a great time on set together. Iris really gets me and the music and itโs such a joy being a part of bringing each othersโ visions to life. The last video was so much fun to film and the kitchen scene where Iris was directing me over facetime is a memory Iโll never forget.
AL365: You started off releasing covers on YouTube and now youโre releasing your own music. Looking back on all the covers that youโve done, which one would you say is your favourite and why?
Alex: I would say โA Million Dreamsโ was my favourite. It was such a pivotal point for me because the song itself is about having big dreams and it made me emotional every time I listened to it. At that time it was exactly what I needed to feel to know that I wanted to go all in with music.
AL365: Speaking of covers, who would you say is your favourite music artist to listen to?
Alex: Itโs super hard to narrow down but Iโve been listening to a lot of Lauv, Joji, and Lennon Stella recently.
AL365: We read somewhere that you love being creative, especially when you were young. What did you most enjoy doing besides singing?
Alex: I loved dancing. I remember dancing a lot when I was younger. I have taken so many different classes over the years and even now once in a while Iโll do a drop in class with friends.
AL365: We saw that you love Studio Ghibli films and Korean drama. Whatโs your favourite one or which one have you watched recently that you would recommend to watch?
Alex: Yes! I loved watching Korean dramas and Studio Ghibli films growing up. There are many Studio Ghibli films that taught me some life lessons at a very young age so Iโm super grateful for them. I recently rewatched โKikiโs Delivery Serviceโ and โMy Neighbor Totoroโ โ two of my favourites. They both taught me valuable life lessons like to always be kind to strangers, cherish your time with your family and those you care about, and to trust the process and always be true to yourself. I think growing up with media like this was so important and played such a huge role in becoming the person I am today.
AL365: Which part of Malaysia were you born in, and do you still go back to visit the country? Any favourite dish?
Alex: I was born in Johor Bahru! I havenโt been back in a while but Iโve gone a few times! I would love to go back soon and have my absolute favourite dish in the world which is roti pratha with curry. I wish it was easier to find here in Canada but Iโll just have to travel and indulge when I visit.
AL365: COVID-19 has unfortunately caused much racism, or even xenophobia in some countries. Being of mixed heritage and living in Canada, what are your thoughts on this?
Alex: People are awful! Just a few weeks ago someone spat on an Asian person at a grocery store here and Iโm so appalled and terrified that this stuff happens. Itโs so concerning to me that there could be children growing up with these types of values.ย
AL365: Beside music, what have you been up to? Are you coping alright in these strange times of โlockdownsโ and โquarantinesโ and a very quiet music/entertainment industry? ๐
Alex: Iโve been trying to get into more of a routine but it happens to also involve watching a lot of movies. I just finished watching โSelling Sunsetโ on Netflix and I never realized how much I liked the combination of beautiful homes and drama.
AL365: Anything you like to add for your fans and our readers out there?
Alex: I hope you all are staying well and healthy. Canโt wait to start the live shows and see you all in person!
AL365: Thanks again Alex and we look forward to being enthralled (emotionally) by more of your songs!
Alex: Aw thatโs so sweet! Thank you!!
Cover photo by: Mariah Hamilton
