Inspired #71 - Alexandria Maillot
Genre bending artist Alexandria Maillot has just released her sophomore album ‘Benevolence’, which sees her mixing menacing synthesizers with hopeless romanticism. She took a moment to talk to us about fresh single from the album ‘Someone To Keep You Warm’ and all things that inspire her.
Who are you top three musical inspirations?
Nina Simone, Etta James, and Dolly Parton to name a few. They’re all incredible women with powerful, authentic vocal timbres. They were not afraid to be political, and their music was a delicate mixture of intellect, wit and romance. You can be a feminist and still believe in romance. Blossom Dearie is another great example... I guess that makes four.
Is there a certain film that inspires you?
Pieces with dramatic, cinematic soundtracks always excite me. I absolutely love the 2005 film version of Pride and Prejudice; often I will fall asleep to the film playing in the background, it is very soothing.
What city do you find the most inspiring?
Any city with a history is always inspiring. Learning about cultures and integrating in a local capacity that steers clear of tourist-dense areas is what I get the most excited about when travelling. The only times I travel tend to be music-related, and often we will stay in smaller towns with local billets who would graciously take us on small tours around their area. Generally speaking, I fall in love very easily with places that are full of art and creative spaces.
Who is the most inspiring person to you?
Is it weird to say my dog? The amount of unconditional love he has given me has truly improved the overall quality of my life. He shows me that my own capacity for love can grow every day. I appreciate the years he has taken to learn how to communicate with me, as I have with him. It is a symbiotic relationship, and I am grateful for his loyalty and for the patience he has given me to grow and be a better person. He is the best.
What are the key inspirations behind the track?
Someone to Keep You Warm is a bit of a fly-on-the-wall, observing one's life and how they might do whatever they want with little consequence, but at the end of the day, despite how big the city you live in is, you end up going to bed lonely; no matter how much of a front one puts on, it's hard to disguise loneliness.
How would you like to inspire people?
I guess if there is any takeaway in my music, it is just to be honest with who you are and, if you make music or art in whatever capacity, make it in a way that serves you over anything else. It seems that as you continue deeper into an artistic career, there are often are sacrifices that are made to the integrity of the art in search of commercial viability. I think first and foremost, the most important thing that you can do as an artist is make art that is authentic to yourself, and let it cure and season overtime with lots of hard work, practice and preparation before you even start to consider the other parts. it is important to understand what your intentions are within the creative outlet you seek to find a career in before the actual pursuit of a career begins. If your creativity acts as a positive outlet for your mental health, your intentions are genuine and you have dedicated the time and energy necessary to practicing and learning your craft to the best of your ability, then you have a solid foundation to start building something from. I do not make music to try and inspire anyone, but because it is such a release for me and is so much a part of who I am, I do hope that those on a similar path feel like there is space for their music / art in whatever natural, undiluted form that it takes.