A QUICK CHAT WITH ALEX ELBERY

Can you tell us a bit about your inspiration for your single ‘Rip Cord’?

Ripcord is a song I wrote when I was simultaneously falling in love and really struggling with my mental health/addiction. I liked the idea of falling in love being like literally falling from the sky, your destination is the same, but you can either crash and burn, or pull on the ripcord, slow things down, and stick the landing.

What are your influences and how do they affect your songwriting? 

I try to be inspired by anything I can. From movies, to books, to the people around me. A lot of what I write starts with an interaction with somebody or a shared experience. Some songs I’ve written start with lines lifted straight out of conversation. Musically, I’m just influenced by authenticity. Anything that feels real and true, even if it’s fanciful. 

What’s the creative process like for you?

It’s equal parts mysterious and mundane, to be completely honest. I try to treat it like a vocation, I have to show up and do it, regardless of if I feel like it or not. In doing so, it leaves the door open, and constantly creates opportunities for magic to happen.

If you could change something about the Australian music industry what would it be? 

I think just the amount of support there is for artists who are genuinely trying to make a go of it. From the government level, down to the individual level. I don’t think people realize how much a little goes a long way for us. Be it more grant opportunities or just buying a ticket or a piece of merch from your favorite local band, we see it, we feel it and it makes a huge difference to us.

What do you think life would be like for you if you didn’t have music as an outlet? 

I think I’d be pretty grumpy haha. Honestly though, I’d find a way to express myself and communicate emotion, maybe dance or something? I think human expression is resilient and adaptive.

Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with?  Why?

Oh man, there’s SO many people I’d like to collaborate with… Springsteen, Haim, Bright Eyes… they all spring to mind. People who seem to have a way of tapping to universal experiences and have a unique point of view.

What’s your advice to young people who want to make a career for themselves in the industry?

Don’t give up! Please! Someone out there needs your music and ONLY you can make it.  

Who’s the most interesting person you’ve worked with/met? 

I’d have to say my friends and producer Jon Grace. He was able to become so emotionally invested in my music and just brought so many cool ideas that I really think enhanced my music.

Any plans for a tour on the cards?

There’s nothing set in stone but I’d absolutely love to. I have an EP to put out next year and I would love to tour that.