Nikkita "Kita" Alexander has packed a lot into her 28 years. Born in Brisbane and raised in Port Macquarie, the Australian pop singer-songwriter began performing at the age of 15 and hasn’t stopped since. After her debut single “My Own Way” was picked up by Triple J in 2015, Alexander’s career has been on an ever upward trajectory. Adding a move to Byron Bay, marriage to the love of her life - surfer and Olympian Owen Wright – and two children into the mix has only served as inspiration propelling her forward; and now with four EPs, three ARIA Golds and two ARIA Platinum Awards under her belt, comes the anticipated release of her debut album, “Young In Love”. A sparkling journey of dance beats, joyous 80s inspired tunes and beautiful and poignant acoustic ballads – in short, an homage to life thus far.
Kita, congratulations on the launch of your debut album. "Young In Love" is such a heartfelt journey through your life experiences - can you share with us some of the key themes and emotions we can expect to hear in this collection of songs?
Thank you! This album is about finding love in your youth and growing with that love. It’s about growing through the thorns to become a beautiful rose together. It’s sticking by someone through thick and thin. It’s the desire to grow old together and to hopefully celebrate a 50-year wedding anniversary. It’s the realisation that good things only come to those who work hard. It’s love, it’s fire, it’s coming of age, it’s young adulthood, it’s working on yourself… and it’s my story.
This album was written in Byron over the course of just one month. How did it come about?
Writing this album so close to home was something I told my label I wanted to do, it meant I could tuck my kids into bed at night. I spent four weeks writing the entire album from my Byron Bay Airbnb with the help from my collaborators (Thom and Andy Mac) who came to Byron to work on it. Usually, I have to fly around the country or internationally for writing, so it was special to do it at home.
Your latest single "Zodiac" is a particularly poignant track that reflects on loss and hardship. What was your inspiration for this song?
I think most of us go through times when we question everything, especially when things aren’t going smoothly. Sometimes the easiest option in front of you might be to give up, but I’ve learnt that if you can work through it, you’ll never know how beautiful life can be other side. This is the thorn song to my rose story.
What else can fans expect from your upcoming tour of "Young In Love"?
They can expect to see my biggest live show yet. We have really stepped this run up with full lighting, and the set itself is filled with all the new songs and some old classics. I also have Jem Cassar-Daley and San Joseph supporting me and they’re both amazing.
You've collaborated with some incredible artists on this album, including Morgan Evans and LAUREL. How did these collaborations come about, and what did they bring to the creative process?
“Date Night” was written after I challenged myself to write a country song in less than an hour - I did it, and while I was pretty obsessed with it, I was certain that I was going to give it away to a big country star. Six months later, my husband went for a surf with Morgan Evans, and he was excited to feature on it. Since the release Morgan and I have gotten to play the song live a bunch around the country which has been really special.
For “All Night” - LAUREL and I had always been fans of each other’s music and got to meet for the first time while writing together which was cute. She only had a few days off during her Aussie tour and ended up coming into the studio with me on one of those days to write the track. Our voices have a really similar tone, but if you focus you can differentiate us as we tag team the lyrics.
Your music has been described as a blend of Taylor Swift's storytelling and Dua Lipa's pop delivery. How do you feel about these comparisons, and how do you strive to bring your unique voice to the forefront of the music industry?
I think it is a huge compliment to be compared to them. Obviously, I love them both. They’re incredible artists.
I don’t know if I have to strive to be at the forefront, I just want to write music and have it relate with people. I do want my music to succeed, but I think there are so many incredible artists in the world and there's room for everyone.
Reflecting on your journey so far, from your early successes to signing with Lemon Tree Music and landing on triple j's Hottest 100, what has been the most memorable moment for you, and why?
My recent sold-out album tour is definitely a freshly memorable moment. Getting to travel around the country to play songs off my debut album to so many fans is something I will remember for the rest of my life.
Is there a message you hope listeners take away from your music?
What I love about the record is that it’s for everyone. We’ve all been young and in love once in our life. Whether it’s being in love with someone else, finding self-love, or love for a family member or friend. Navigating love in your youth is no easy thing. We’re still learning who we are and what we want, so of course it’s going to come with its ups and downs.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations and goals as an artist, both creatively and professionally, in the coming years?
I really want to establish myself as an artist that’s around for the long haul. I want to release lots of music and keep giving my fans songs to listen to.
LOCALE FAVES
Your favourite beach to visit? I love visiting Bondi ?? Do you want to ask her about a local beach??
Favourite local place to grab a coffee? High Life in Byron Bay
Favourite location to unwind? Home
Shout out to your favourite restaurants around town? Light Years in Byron
Finally, where is your favourite spot to chill and have some fun with family and friends? Anywhere inland camping with a river and no reception!
Comments