Allegra Talks Debut EP, Songwriting And More

 London-based artist Allegra has released her debut EP ‘Unsent Love Letters Vol 1’. We have written about her previously on JLTT but felt that now was a great time to talk about her new music:  

When did you begin songwriting?

I began songwriting in my early teens. It started as a way to process my emotions, and it quickly became something I loved.

What is your earliest musical memory?

My earliest musical memory is listening to Alicia Keys, The Saturdays, Taylor Swift. I would be singing in my room with my pink microphone. I remember being fascinated by the feeling I got while preforming and pretending to be on stage while I sang to my mirror

Your debut EP ‘Unsent Love Letters Vol.1’ is out now. How did you want to approach the making of the EP?

For Unsent Love Letters Vol. 1, I wanted to approach it with openness and vulnerability. I hoped to create something deeply personal yet relatable for anyone experiencing heartbreak. I wanted it to be the stages to a break up.

Where did you record the EP and who produced it?

I recorded the EP in London, working closely with Tim Gosden, who produced it. His approach really helped bring out the raw emotion in each track.

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the EP recording sessions?

There were a few late-night sessions where we’d break into laughter over small things — it made the intense parts of the process feel lighter.

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

We used analogue synths and a vintage microphone to give the record a warm, intimate tone, adding to the nostalgic feel of the songs.

One of the tracks is the new single ‘Strangers’. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

The new single ‘Strangers’ is a deeply personal track about feeling disconnected from someone you once knew intimately. The inspiration behind ‘Strangers’ was the feeling of looking back on a past relationship and realizing how much things have changed.

Was it a difficult EP to write?

This EP was challenging to write because of the vulnerability required, but it was also therapeutic.

Which of your new EP tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

My happiest moment on the EP is ‘Rain’, my angriest is ‘Shadows’, and my most reflective is ‘Unsent Love Letters’.

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

hope to have connected with the audience emotionally and left them with a sense of empowerment.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

I love using a Shure SM7B microphone for live vocals and experimenting with reverb pedals for added depth.

Could you please describe  your hometown in five words?

My hometown is vibrant, friendly, historic, artistic, and inspiring.

How do you look after your voice?

I take care of my voice by staying hydrated, warming up, and resting it as much as I can between shows.

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?

I’d love to score ‘The Great Gatsby’. Its themes of love, loss, and nostalgia would be amazing to bring to life through music.

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

My influences include Florence Welch, SZA, and James Blake. I’d recommend *Labrinth* for anyone looking for something powerful and unique.

Who created/designed the EP artwork?

The EP artwork was designed by my talented friend, who captured its emotional themes beautifully.

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2024/2025?

What makes Allegra happy and what makes you unhappy?