Soul-fuelled, warm and vulnerable are just a few words to describe the unique sound of Armenian-American vocalist and creative Alex Rzyan. Her latest release, “Smoke and Mirrors”, can only be described as breathtaking – the track is made up of gentle chords, spacious production, and has a free-flowing music video to match. We recently caught up with the muso to chat about her creative process, her deep love for art and fashion, and more.
What ignited your passion for music?
Growing up, I was surrounded by music. My grandma is a classically trained pianist who introduced me to the piano when I was four years old. We would listen to concertos on the way to practice and I became fascinated with the feelings they evoked; some happy, some sad. At the time, I didn’t understand how or why music affected my emotional state of being, but I learnt more as I grew older. If I wasn’t making music, I was going to shows or listening to it – I was obsessed. After seeing some of my idols on stage and feeling their energy from the crowd, I knew I wanted to pursue music.
Tell us a bit about the ideas behind “Smoke and Mirrors”
It really started with one line – “I wanna dance and I don’t wanna dance with you” – and that guided the song all the way to completion.
It’s about finding your own joy and not looking to others to find it. This could simply be taking yourself out for a drink, dancing on a crowded dance floor or enjoying your own company. There’s something special about being alone sometimes. Don’t get me wrong, I am so lucky to be surrounded by incredible and inspiring humans, but it is important to be at peace with yourself, too.
What inspires you to create music, and what does your creative process involve?
So many things inspire me. How I’m feeling, old memories, future dreams and aspirations, the environment I’m in, the people I’m surrounded by, colours, textures – the list is endless. My process is a little different each time, but normally I’ll have a sound or lyric I’ll hear and rush to record a voice memo before I forget. After that, I’ll usually try different chord progressions on the piano until I find something interesting to hold onto, or I’ll change my mind and leave it alone. Sometimes it’s a lyric or concept and I’ll sit and flesh out a message I want to explore.
What do you want people to take away from your work?
Whatever they want! No two people are completely alike and everyone takes away different things. As for “Smoke and Mirrors”, I hope it makes you dance.
Who is your musical hero?
Keith Richards is a massive inspiration. He’s so effortless and cool; there’s no one like him. The man is 78 and still has so much passion for what he does. Dave Gahan is another hero. He gets up on stage in leather pants and sings about such grandiose and peculiar things. I also find myself constantly analysing Depeche Mode songs because they’re so unapologetically strange and otherworldly.
If you weren’t a musician, what would you be?
Probably a painter or fashion designer. I dream of making art in any and all forms. I love clothing, fabric and silhouettes and am very particular about the way I dress and present myself. I would love to explore making my own pieces. Who knows, I will probably do all of the above. Fuck it. Life is short, do it all.
What can we expect next from you?
More music! I’m writing loads now and experimenting with sound more; testing my limits and pushing ideas as far as I can. I learn more about myself every day and I think it’s really apparent from the music I am making. Who knows, maybe I’ll pick up a new instrument one of these days.