A QUICK CHAT WITH ALTERJOY

Dark-pop solo powerhouse ALTERJOY has unveiled the genre-bending debut EP 'Reanimate', out everywhere today!

ALTERJOY's 'Reanimate' EP was created in collaboration with Chris Lalic (Windwaker, The Last Martyr, RinRin) on production, mix and mastering. The release serves as a rallying cry for listeners to reconnect with their true selves, challenge the status quo, and embrace the journey of personal reinvention. Through a gritty, synth-laden sound that fuses rock, metal and electronic elements, 'Reanimate' is a collection of anthems for those questioning purpose and meaning in a chaotic, often synthetic world. 

We caught up with ALTERJOY to find out more about his powerful debut…

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Firstly, congratulations on the release of ‘Reanimate’, your debut EP. How does it feel to be releasing your first full project since launching ALTERJOY last year?

Thank you so much! I’ve released a bunch of singles this year and it feels surreal to finally have the EP out there in its entirety. It’s been a hell of a journey, and I’ve learned so much in the last 2 years. I've had these songs completed since the release of "This Is Real" last year, so I’m already writing and thinking about the next project. Music is fun and my creative process is always evolving.

Could you share with us what ‘Reanimate’ means for you and perhaps how the songs on the EP contribute to the larger message of the project?

Reanimate is a body of work that embodies creative freedom and a passion for music. Each song carries its own message but collectively forms a personal reflection on experience and perspective. The EP explores the chaos and search for authenticity in a distorted world. It’s a narrative of resilience, rebellion, and self-awareness, examining themes like societal control, the loss of individual identity, and the pull of ambition. Each track presents its own struggle, while collectively weaving a story about navigating the pressures of modern life, societal hypocrisy, and the desire to reclaim personal freedom.

I believe this EP captures the raw, edgy tone of ALTERJOY’s sound and aims to resonate with anyone who’s felt the weight of societal expectations or the rush of chasing dreams.

You’ve worked with producer Chris Lalic both in the past and for this release. How did his approach influence the sound of 'Reanimate,' and what was it like building this record together?

The first ALTERJOY studio session was actually meant for a new single for my band, The Daily Chase. A few of the guys couldn’t make it to Melbourne, so I went anyway and brought along a few songs I’d written on the side. Chris had no idea what he was in for, and neither did I! Writing and recording with my band is such a blast because we all crash together in a house for a week, working late into the night, and everyone brings something unique to the songs. ALTERJOY, though, is more like my solo project with Chris’s influence, so I get away with a lot more sh*t than I do with the band haha. Chris is always down to explore new elements, so this EP has everything from rock singing and screaming to pop melodies and even some SoundCloud rap. I’ve learned a lot from Chris over the years and his dynamic approach to writing and recording music is right up my alley. He’s also a great friend of mine so the hangs are real AF.

Each of your singles so far—”Better Make A Move”, "World So Loud," "Ren(ai)ssance," "Radiate," and now "The Fuse” all have their own distinct sound. How do these songs connect with each other or was there an intention behind casting a wide range of sounds?

This EP was all about the process for me. I love making art, whether it’s music, film, or design. I wrote the songs in my home studio before bringing them to Chris, working through about 14 demos in total. Each track had to bring a fresh vibe from the last; this project was a creative outlet, so I never stuck to one genre while writing. With my metalcore band, The Daily Chase, I’d usually start a song with drums. With ALTERJOY, though, the process was always different. Sometimes I’d start with a piano melody, a guitar riff, or an interesting synth patch, always ending up somewhere completely new. Although the EP features some bold genre shifts between tracks, they’re all unified by a dark undertone, making the listening experience feel cohesive from start to finish.

Your music blends many genres, creating something unique to ALTERJOY. Are there any specific musical influences or artists who have shaped your sound on this EP?

Absolutely! Enter Shikari has been a huge influence on me, especially with their unique ability to break genre barriers. I’ve been listening to them since 2008, and they continue to impress with every release. While mixing genres is more common these days, Enter Shikari’s seamless fusion of rock, metal, and electronic music still stands out to me. I was lucky enough to go on tour with them and the Windwaker boys shooting video in 2022. I’ve also drawn inspiration from artists like Bad Omens, Pendulum, Poppy, Bilmuri, Kim Petras, and Ghostemane, who have all shaped the sound of this EP.

What’s the significance of the title ‘Reanimate’ for this EP? Is there a specific theme or message you hope listeners will take from it?

Thetitle Reanimate captures the EP’s core message of reclaiming identity and authenticity amidst modern chaos. It reflects a journey of self-resurrection in a world pushing conformity, with each track exploring battles against inner and societal pressures. Reanimate represents the awakening to one’s own path, and the power of reclaiming personal freedom. The title ultimately calls listeners to reconnect with their true selves, challenge societal norms, and embrace self-reinvention.

Since launching in 2023, you’ve been quickly building your presence online, like with your cover of No Doubt’s Hella Good. What's been the most surprising or challenging part of building ALTERJOY from the ground up?

There’s so much amazing music out right now, and standing out amidst all the noise is a real challenge. The internet is a powerful tool and I’ve used social media heavily from the beginning. I’ve heard a lot of artists express frustration about this, and honestly, creating micro throwaway content can be exhausting. I love filming music videos and truly see their value, people are still watching music videos from the '70s. As a filmmaker by profession, making short content isn’t a problem, but it’s the sheer volume required for each rollout that gets draining. There’s also the balance of scaling back production quality to match TikTok trends and that lo-fi aesthetic. Especially for videos with a shelf life of a week. 

The "Hella Good" cover was a blast to do, and the response has been amazing. Crazy for a song that we threw together for fun during a spare day in the studio. I’m currently working on a few more covers, which I plan to release in 2025.

Looking toward the future, how do you envision ALTERJOY evolving as an artist? Are there any specific sounds or ideas you’re excited to explore now after releasing ‘Reanimate’?

I find heavier music comes more naturally to me, while pop music is more of a challenge, so I’m excited to experiment with more pop genres. On the EP, I managed to blend a hard-style breakdown into a rock song ("RADIATE") and a reggaeton drum beat into a metal chorus ("World So Loud"). I’m definitely excited to try something new and unique to my sound. At the same time, I’m keen to write a nostalgic emo rock ballad, so who knows what’s next. I’m ready for it though!