Alessia Cara Talks “Love & Hyperbole”
Alessia Cara is back with the release of her highly anticipated album, titled “Love & Hyperbole”, which officially became available on Valentine’s Day. This milestone marks ten years since Cara signed her recording deal with Def Jam Records and first entered the music scene with her debut single, “Here”. Now, ten years later, that groundbreaking debut has achieved triple platinum status in both the United States and Canada, while her total streaming count overall exceeds billions. Since her debut, Cara has established herself as a well-known artist, delivering a series of successful singles. These include the empowering anthem “Scars to Your Beautiful,” her chart-topping collaboration with Zedd, “Stay,” and the hit song “1-800-273-8255,” featuring powerhouse artists Logic and Khalid. Additionally, she contributed to the soundtrack of the Disney movie “Moana” with her single “How Far I’ll Go.”
In 2018, Alessia Cara etched her name in the history books by becoming the first Canadian artist to receive the coveted Grammy Award for Best New Artist. This phenomenal achievement added to her long list of accomplishments. Her sophomore album, “The Pains of Growing” was a powerful testament to her extraordinary songwriting prowess, intertwining deep emotional resonance and relatable narratives. This captivating work also earned Cara the prestigious Album of the Year award at the 2020 Juno Awards, where her brilliance was further acknowledged with the title of Songwriter of the Year, celebrating her as a true star in the world of music.
Alessia Cara Press Conference
During a press conference with Universal Music Group and Def Jam Records, I had the opportunity, along with several other journalists, to ask Alessia questions about her new album, her love life, and more. At the beginning of the session, Alessia spoke on which track on her latest album felt the most personal to her. After a moment of thoughtful reflection, she said, “One song on the album called ‘Fire’ is the first time I ever wrote without fear, negativity, or stubbornness attached to it. When I write love songs, I typically put a negative spin on them because that’s how my brain works; I tend to think negatively about love and its outcomes. So, this song is the most personal for me because it’s the first time I wrote a love song from a place of happiness.”
“I have always related colors, shapes, and whole universes to every song and project of mine. It may be associated with this thing I have called Synesthesia, which sounds fake, but it’s very real to me. I see colors when I hear sounds, and it has helped be a catalyst for my visuals because I have just so many images and thoughts in my head.”
After a flurry of engaging questions from the audience, it was finally my turn to ask Alessia a question. I was limited to just one question this time, as the gathering was filled with enthusiastic guests, and they wanted to ensure that everyone had a fair chance to participate within the allotted time. I took a moment to introduce myself and compliment her striking fashion sense. She wore a vibrant red mohair sweater, complemented by layered gold chains. After exchanging polite remarks, I asked her, “With your impressive array of gold and platinum certifications, what do you believe is the key formula for composing a hit record?” She responded, “Oh my gosh, that’s such a hard question! If you look at the array of hit records produced from the beginning of time until now, every single one sounds completely different. I believe there is no exact way to determine what it takes to create a hit. However, one thing they all have in common is that they resonate with people in different ways. Simplicity is always the best route when trying to reach a large audience. It’s about expressing something universal and tapping into a feeling that is simple yet profound, even if it’s a lighthearted and fun song, just as long as it strikes a chord with people. As for the sonic aspects, there is no formula; everything is so different, and you never really know what will stick, especially these days.”
“Love & Hyperbole” marks a thrilling return for Alessia, as it is her first full-length project since the fascinating release of her 2021 album, “In The Meantime.” The summer of 2024 brought exciting news with the announcement of this new album, generating buzz among fans and critics alike. Leading up to the release, listeners were treated to a quartet of electrifying promotional singles: the haunting “Dead Man,” the introspective “(Isn’t It) Obvious,” the personal “Fire,” and the pulsating “Slow Motion.” The track “(Isn’t It) Obvious” even made waves beyond music, featuring in a powerful episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit as the beloved series celebrated its remarkable 25 seasons on air. Now that the album has officially dropped and is available for eager listeners, Alessia, in partnership with Def Jam Records, has plans to take her album on the road. Kicking off in April, “The Love & Hyperbole” tour promises to be a spectacular experience, named after her latest work. This tour represents a significant milestone for Alessia, marking her return to headlining after years away; her previous tour was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. Fans can look forward to an unforgettable celebration of music and artistry as she shares her latest creations live on stage.
