by emily harris
photo by alex blaow
Nineteen year old Atlantic Recording artist Alana Maria is hot off the release of her latest single, “Chargie,” which features Midas the Jagaban. The collaborative track is three minutes and twelve seconds of explosive pop beats, sweet vocals, and deep lyrics. Inspired by the sounds of classic R&B and Neo-soil, Alana’s sound is unlike anything else rising within the industry!
Congrats on the release of your newest single “Chargie!” Can you tell us about the writing process of this track?
Alana: “The inspiration and making behind ‘Chargie’ is such a cool story. I was originally making a chorus for another artist’s song, it ended up not getting used. So I figured I would use the chorus for one of my own songs. I was traveling to Birmingham in the car with my mum and I was listening to Nines’ album Crabs in the Bucket for the first time and as soon as I heard the track, ‘Ringaling,’ I was instantly caught by the emotional production which made me naturally start singing the chorus! It worked so perfectly and at that point I knew I had to do finish the song, I couldn’t just leave it to waste!!! So I called my producer Mike Brainchild, went in the studio the next day, and created the full song ‘Chargie!!’”
This track also features Midas the Jagaban! How did this collaboration come about?
A: “The collaboration was unexpected! Originally there was no plan for a feature, but after the whole song was complete, my A&R David AClass thought of Midas The Jagaban laying a verse on it. It was such a shock as this isn’t the typical song she releases, but it was done so perfectly!”
What was the inspiration behind the single artwork?
A: “The bright yellow background just encourages the idea of happiness which is exactly what I was trying to explain throughout ‘Chargie.’ Just positive good vibes!”
The single has an accompanying music video as well! What was the recording process like?
A: “The recording process was so much fun!!! It was literally like having a fun day out with friends and just being in the moment. I love video shoots, that’s where my personality comes out the most.”
How does “Chargie” differ from the tracks you released earlier this year?
A: “‘Chargie’ is more of a positive message about love compared to the last two songs I released being about heartbreak. I love the fact it feels as my journey of music has also been a journey of self-healing and finding happiness again!”
How has being so young affected the way you approach the music scene?
A: “Being young always reminds me that people will think I am vulnerable. The main thing I continue to remember is staying humble and staying aware of my surroundings will keep me grounded!”