Alessia Cara, the Brampton, Ontario-raised singer who rose to fame at 18, is reflecting on her journey as she approaches her 30th birthday. With her new album, Love Or Lack Thereof, she reimagines her old songs as soul and jazz recordings, marking a significant shift in her artistic direction. In this interview, Cara discusses her feelings about leaving her 20s behind, the creative process behind re-recording her old material, and her plans for the next decade of her career.
Leaving the 20s Behind
As Cara approaches her 30th birthday, she reflects on her whirlwind success as a teenager. She acknowledges the psychological impact of her rapid rise to fame, understanding why she experienced moments of anxiety and confusion. Turning 30 is a significant milestone, and Cara admits to having mixed feelings about it. However, she finds comfort in the wisdom of others who have said that one's 30s are often their best years.
Re-recording Old Material
Cara's new album, Love Or Lack Thereof, is a collection of her old songs reimagined as soul and jazz recordings. This creative process allowed her to explore her identity and emotions in a new light. By re-singing her old songs from her current emotional space, she feels empowered and removed from the sadness and melancholy that once defined her identity. This shift in perspective is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of art.
Choosing Songs for the Album
Cara carefully selected the songs for the album, focusing on the love songs and heartbreak songs that resonate with her. She acknowledges the timelessness of some of her songs, but also recognizes the importance of exploring different musical styles. By leaving out crowd-pleasers like Scars to Your Beautiful and Here, she demonstrates her willingness to take risks and explore new artistic directions.
Collaborations and Influences
The album features collaborations with artists like Norah Jones and Nelly Furtado. Cara admires Jones' ability to fuse pop and traditional styles, and she finds their voices complement each other beautifully. She also expresses her love for Furtado's song Say It Right and other hits, highlighting the influence of these artists on her own creative process.
Looking Ahead
As Cara looks ahead to the next decade of her career, she aims to expand her creativity and explore new artistic directions. She acknowledges her past reservations about trying different things, but is determined to push herself to her full potential. Her journey thus far has been a testament to the transformative power of art, and she is eager to continue exploring new possibilities.
