Alas de Liona Talks New Single, Music Video And More
Words by Glenn Sargeant
Photo Credit: Supplied By Measure PR
Edinburgh-based singer-songwriter Alas de Liona has just released a captivating new music video for ‘The Alchemist’s Son’, the emotional centerpiece off her 2024-album ‘Gravity Of Gold’. We were very intrigued and wanted to ask her all about it:
When did you begin songwriting?
I began songwriting for fun when I was around 13, but I started writing more formally when I was about 16. I had an itch to write a song so I learned a few chords on guitar and haven’t looked back since.
What is your earliest musical memory?
I remember listening to Cat Steven’s/Yusuf’s Tea for the Tillerman on vinyl on our turntable when I was really little, like age 4. My dad had a record collection and we would listen to a variety of things, but that album was my favourite as a kid so I’d make them play it over and over.
You have released the single ‘The Alchemist’s Son’. What was the inspiration/story behind the track?
I wanted to capture the kind of bittersweet feeling of striving towards something— being in love with a dream and the sacrifices we make in order to attain it.
Where did you record the track and who produced it?
Post Electric Studio in Edinburgh with Rod Jones
Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the track’s recording?
The Alchemist’s Son was a pretty chill recording session. It’s a relaxing song so I tried to stay calm and peaceful during the recording. Nothing stands out as funny, but it was a good experience.
Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?
We decided to go with a real piano as the main instrument, which is a bit different than the other songs on the album. It gave the song overall a more ballady feel, I think.
Was it a difficult song to write?
I remember writing it mostly in one sitting, it took about an hour, I think. Sometimes songs are just ready and come out pretty fully formed. I did tweak the lyrics a little in the months after I wrote it and we ended up adding an outro, which I wanted to give it a bit of a melancholic and open ending.
The single is accompanied by an official music video. What was the thought process behind the video and who directed it?
I had a whole complicated video planned for it which we couldn’t make in time, so we had to pivot. I directed it— we captured a bit of the spirit of the original idea but the final outcome is quite abstract.
We ended up finding a beautiful location, Ferniehirst Castle in Jedburgh, Scotland, and took a day to film some lovely visuals there. We cut them together with some footage of figurines that had been made for the original idea, and it turned into a very peaceful video that’s more the suggestion of a story rather than a complete narrative. I think it’s up to what the viewer takes away from it.
What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?
After a performance, my main hope is that I’ve created a good experience for the audience. They’ve taken valuable time from their day to listen to us and that’s really a special thing, so I hope they feel that time was well spent.
Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?
Hmm, I prefer a pedal board and amp over an amp modeler, personally. I think it’s challenging to get modelers to sound authentic and if your tone isn’t perfectly dialed in, the sound can be really underwhelming and throw the performance off.
Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
My hometown is in the Mojave Desert in California. I’d describe it as remote, quiet, dry, hot, and maybe vast.
How do you look after your voice?
I hydrate a lot, I use honey and lemon before a show. Honestly I don’t warm up/cool down my voice as much as I should when I sing.
You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?
That’s a tough one. It would be interesting to score a space-related novel. Maybe Dan Simmon’s Hyperion or something like that.
Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?
I always say my biggest influence is probably Enya. Her music helps a lot with my anxiety and is very transporting.
Do you have any further music releases planned for 2025?
Hopefully I’ll be recording my next album this year, we will see.
Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025?
I’m about to announce my live dates, so yes but TBA. Follow along on IG @alasdeliona for updates about live shows.
What makes Alas de Liona happy and what makes you unhappy?
I’m happy if I’m creating things. It’s pretty simple but as long as my life is conducive to supporting my artistic projects, I’m content.
Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Measure PR
Alas di Liona’s latest album ‘Gravity Of Gold’ is out now.
For more information visit her official website here: https://alasdeliona.com/
