AlexZone’s Pop (T)art
AlexZone, the stage name of Alex Bailey, is a talented artist based in Chicago who has been making waves in the music industry with his unique style of hyperpop since 2016. Using simple elements and lyrics, he is able to create sophisticated and catchy tracks that have a universal appeal. While many artists rely on complex production and over-the-top lyrics to stand out, AlexZone proves that sometimes the simplest approach can be the most effective. His music is a fresh and exciting addition to the scene, and fans of all genres will find something to love in his work.
"AlexZone" is the name you adopt to publicly represent yourself as an artist. How did you come up with it? Why the moniker “AlexZone”?
I used to be a part of a music video ripping forum when I was like 12 called Zone Music Group. This was in the time before YouTube where we would basically rip music videos off of TV and then put them on file-sharing services. I went by AlexZone on there and sometimes we would share mp3s of us singing and doing cover songs! I’m all about consistency!
Describe your music in three words.
Mama Let’s Research
When did you start getting serious about music that you decided to make a career out of it?
I started getting serious in 2019, honestly, it was one of those moments of “if I don’t pursue this now, then when?” Also, that was the year that I started developing really close relationships in the music scene and it was a lot less scary to make the leap knowing I had friends doing the same thing. Also “Where You At” started getting traction, there were a couple of factors involved!
What is the first song you’ve ever written? And the first one you’ve ever released?
The first song I ever wrote was called “I Know That I Know This” when I was in kindergarten. It was to the tune of Bitch by Meredith Brooks. I used to actually sell cassette tapes to the kids in my class, I would record these acapella originals on my tape deck and then sell them for a few bucks. A kid from class Ricky recently reached out and told me he still has his, he sells houses now! The first song I ever released on streaming services was a self-produced NIGHTMARE called “Naked Party”.
Is there a piece of work you’re exceptionally proud of? And would you like to tell us why?
“5 AM” will always be my favorite, I also was super proud of an earlier track called “Pant In Private”. I may take that one out of the vault and start incorporating it in live shows. Also “Made a Bad Friend” is a moment as well.
Back in April 2020, Paper Magazine defined your music as “fun pop that isn’t smart and doesn’t need to be.” Have you ever felt like you needed a change of direction, and dive into some darker themes that are less pop-oriented?
I’ve dabbled in some darker themes and sounds, but nothing I’ve released yet! This upcoming project was initially gonna be very dark, the problem is now that I’ve been out there performing more, it’s affected the type of stuff I make. I’m more comfortable on stage doing the high-energy fun tracks than the darker stuff. Last Time was a track I wrote about my dad’s passing and I still haven’t been able to perform that one yet. Not that I’m afraid of the emotions it invokes, more so that I don’t know how to properly perform that one without making it weird. My safety net is being goofy!
You and I are both makers of hyperpop—strangely enough, we were even born on the same day! (laughter) Hyperpop has been often labeled as an enigmatic genre that any day now might morph, die out, or go supernova. Charli XCX has even declared it to be dead! (laughter) Have you ever considered exploring new galaxies genre-wise? Maybe something considered more traditional and/or mainstream…
Birthday twins!!!!!
I know this sounds so silly but I guess it makes sense to those closest to me, but I desperately want to do a country project! Like I don’t know if I could pull it off but I love country music and really would love to see what that looks like, obviously with some beep boop bops in there as well!
Speaking of tradition, there’s one song in particular that jumped out at me—I am talking about “5 AM,” where you are clearly not afraid to break the rules. This one has quite an unconventional structure for a pop song, as it has an intro, three verses, and an outro. A song without a chorus! Why is that?
“5 AM”!!!!! My fave!!!!! We love an unconventional song structure!!! It’s giving “Biology” by Girls Aloud!! I’m telling you, Oren and I had so much fun putting that one together! It was more of a personal challenge, when he sent me the beat he was like “I’m not sure how you would even go about this…” and then we just kinda went crazy!
Breakfast?
Pop Tart isn’t just for b’fast, it’s a nutrition-filled serving of aural pleasure that you can enjoy any time of the day
Speaking of your current music catalog, most of your work is influenced by UK pop acts like Rachel Stevens, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and Girls Aloud—and this is easily recognizable from your first full-length project “Pop Tart.” You have also collaborated with several artists from the UK. Where does this love for the United Kingdom come from?
I was super into Girls Aloud, Sugababes, and all of that early noughties pop growing up and I used to fly over there once a year to see Girls Aloud on tour. It was through these trips that I met my best friend Hannah! I’ve just always been obsessed! The UK knows what’s UP! I’m currently obsessed with Coronation Street and Eastenders! OMG! Big Brother UK comes back next year! What a time to be ALIVE!
I notice that you’ve been to London recently… Was this a business or a pleasure trip? And did you have the chance to hang out with your English fellow artists?
Business and pleasure! Mostly for fun, I was visiting Hannah, and went to see the Sugababes and this huuuuge 90s pop concert! It was B*Witched, Atomic Kitten, the Cheeky Girls, like EVERYONE! But I also had a few sessions for the new project while I was over there! And of course, I saw some of the music besties! I got to see Space Candy, Fear of Marko, Tobre, and Charlie Fisher, it was super cute! I actually stayed with Tobre for a bit and he made tea before bed and wow we love him so much! I’m back a few times next year for some really cool things I can’t talk about just quite yet! OH and I’ll be there for Mighty Hoopla! The return of Rachel Stevens!!
What to do?
The issue of making bad friends can be trying, but RYLO’s got his back
Let’s talk about your latest singles “Issue” and “Made a Bad Friend” with our hyperpop colleague RYL0 for a moment. These two brand-new songs are produced by Cary Singer, whose credits include names like Big Sean and Clairo. Are you two working on more songs together?
Cary Singer is one of my favorite people on the planet. Working with him is incredible! RYL0 was the one who hooked us up, and I’m forever thankful! I love going over to his place and it’s like the perfect mix of relaxing and chaotic. Ten out of ten human beings! We’re definitely gonna do something together again, I just have to make a trip out there! I would looove to do a full project with him, the problem is we work incredibly well in person, so I just need to find the time to get out to LA for like a full two weeks so we could just knock out a bunch of tracks one after another!
I’ve noticed your sound has slightly changed in your latest releases—your new songs have a less sugary vibe, and an angrier attitude compared to “Pop Tart.” Still hyperpop, but a little bit more ‘outrageous. Would you mind elaborating on this?
I had a great year this year but also a lot of things went down that quite frankly pissed me off. So I was using my sessions, specifically the ones with Cary, to get out those frustrations! I’m trying to get a bit better about writing in the moment when feelings are heightened. Like most of these situations are resolved at this point but I love that I have these super angsty tracks that document how pissed off I was in the moment! You’re gonna get a lot on this project, it’s very much a diary of the highs and lows of 2022 for me.
Remote collaboration is now the norm, and, in a way, a blessing for us artists—my invitation to make Yumeaki feat. AlexZone happen is still open, by the way! (laughter) How do you work? Typically, what would your collaborative process be like?
Yes, can we PLEASE do something together?! My process is different with each producer but as of late it’s been beat first, then top line, then lyrics. I use the Ryan Tedder method where I do the nonsense lyrics and then go back and make it fit the theme. “Target Me” was “Bargain Bin” in the nonsense lyric stage and now that I’m thinking about it, that actually is a really fantastic title and I should probably reuse that at some point…
He’s hotter than his mic
Let’s stay a little bit longer on the subject of collaboration with other artists. You’re also well-known for your 2016 song “Where You At?” with Internet legend Ayesha Erotica. How did the two of you end up working together?
I still have such a soft spot for “Where You At” and I know it’s what led to all the opportunities I have now. The streams on that one are insane across the various platforms. It’s crazy cause it’s not uploaded by me or Ayesha, we have an unlicensed sample in there, but people keep uploading, and then it gets taken down and then they reupload. Sometimes I get bored and watch all the TikToks that people have made to that song and it’s so cute! I don’t relate to that song anymore, it’s not me, BUT it’s also a song of mine that gets played at the club and that’s like the most incredible feeling ever to hear your music when you’re out and about! God 2016 was WILD!
Let’s get back to the future! What does 2023 AlexZone have in store for us?
2023 you have a project coming and I’m SOOOO excited about this one!!!! It has “Made A Bad Friend” on there along with “Issue” and yeah. Wow! I’m buzzing about this one BIG TIME! Also, I’m back on the road next year with some really cool people which I get to talk about very soon! Also, I think this is the year you get an AlexZone music video! There’s a couple that is sitting in the vault and then I’m like “nahhh this isn’t seeing the light of day” BUT I have a cute concept for one of the new tracks and I think it’s coming next year!
Do you have any collaborations planned out?
Yes!! There’s a collab on the new project! Also there are two people I want as features who’ve never done music before. I had someone back in the day who took me under her wing and pushed me to do music so I like to pay it forward. And this year I met two people who were like “maybe this is something I want to do…” and I was like “well imma get you on MY song”!
What are your expectations for next year?
2022 was the year of work, and 2023 is the year of fun. The project will be done so I just want to get back on the road with my best friends and perform all the new stuff.
There’s not a problem that he can’t lick, cuz he can do it in the mix
Let me get frivolous now. I wanna know about your hair! Shades of blue are versatile enough to pair well with most outfits. Is this the reason why you like to dye your hair teal blue? Or is there a deeper reason behind this choice?
During 2020 Boy Sim went pink and it looked incredible so I went blue cause I thought we’d be cute little cotton candy babes together! And I loved it! If it ain’t broke don’t fix it!!!!
I know you get this a lot, but you don’t look your age at all! What products do you use? I want a step-by-step guide to AlexZone’s Skincare Routine!
Oh my god, this compliment never gets old!!!! I drink a disgusting amount of water, trust me!!! Cetaphil daily, moisturizer with SPF, and a salicylic cleanser once a week, and I don’t drink alcohol! Also, I go to bed super early! I wasn’t lying about “5 AM” when I said, “I’m literally never out this late!”
This is not exactly a question, but a kind request. Make me a playlist of 10 tunes you're obsessed with right now!
Sabby Sousa & Ryl0 - Bad Girl Like Me
Debbie Gibson - Dance 4 U
Michael Bolton - How Can We Be Lovers
Shania Twain - If It Don’t Take Two
Bentley Robles - I Hate The Weekend
Olivia Newton-John - Big and Strong
Irene Cara - Why Me? (12” Mix)
Reba McEntire - Going Out Like That
Ryl0 - Down Bad
Brooks & Dunn - Boot Scootin’ Boogie
Listen to AlexZone on Apple Music and Spotify, and follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok
