Alondra Marie drops brand new “Swim In Me” EP
Back in the day, ‘R&B’ brought the thought of sexy lyrics, amazing vocal runs, well blended beats, and choreographed dances. Rewind the hands of time a little more and the genre provided soul-soothing grooves. Furthermore, between the ‘40s and ‘60s, R&B was built on feelings and truths tied to jazz-based, African American blues musicians. Nowadays, the meaning and sound of R&B has evolved and in a sense become saturated. Thanks to ‘R&B’s latest shining songstress, Alondra Marie, a reminder of all stages come together on her most recent release, ‘Swim In Me.’
The project’s leading single, “No Expectations” brings an all-inclusive feel for what to expect on the album. In addition, the track is accompanied by a raw, love felt visual. In a short period of time, the visual has already accumulated over 2.5K views and counting. Don’t believe me? Give the official music video a look below!
Alondra’s 5-track EP comes as a reminder that ‘R&B’ is still so rich, all encompassing, and full of creative fire. With that in mind, give Alondra Marie’s brand new project, ‘Swim In Me’ a spin!
Before listening to this blossoming songstress’s latest piece of work, be sure to find out more about the artist behind the art by checking out the interview below.
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Hey Alondra! Thank you so much for your interest in speaking with me about your latest release and follow up EP, ‘Swim In Me’! I’m ecstatic because as you know, I’ve been following your music from nearly the start. With that being said, why don’t you tell the readers more about who Alondra Marie is and how you began your musical journey?
I have grown up in a family of musicians and I guess it rubbed off on me. However, I began the singing journey just two years ago and I have loved every minute of it. I began singing R&B in Okinawa for a few open mic events. This led to my interest in songwriting and that’s when I began hitting the music studios in Japan. Soon after that, I had met a friend who needed me to hold on to most of his music equipment which I ended up holding onto for a year and a half. And with this equipment is how I began experimenting with my sound and creating my most recent EP.
Now that we know a little more about you, what album/song and or singer inspired your passion?
I would say when I heard Alicia Keys for the first time when I was about 12 years old, I instantly fell in love with R&B. I wanted to be like her, sound like her, write like her, everything!
With relatable lyrics and a sound so unique, your music is filled with an inspiring, uplifting, and soothing vibe. What ignites your writing & creative juices in enabling yourself to execute that feeling and sound?
Honestly, relationships/entanglements have been the source of inspiration when it comes to creating music. My emotions are what ignite my creative juices. I am a very emotional person, so the minute I feel something I have to write about it.
Ok, ok I can’t wait anymore - I’m too excited! Let’s jump into your brand new EP, ‘Swim In Me’. You’ve been extremely talented from the jump but I’m LOVING and enjoying the growth I hear in your music from when you first started until now. For new fans and listeners, how would you describe ‘Swim In Me’?
Man, ‘Swim in Me’ is just raw. I am more vulgar with my lyrics, more sexual, more open, care free, simply just me. I feel like it was time for me to come out of my shell a little bit and be who I truly am behind those tracks. It is one whole unapologetic EP haha.
As a lover of R&B, I can truly appreciate this masterpiece of art. How did the title and concept of “Swim In Me’ come about- What was your inspiration?
This is so corny, but I lived right by the sea wall in Okinawa and I often would go there to just stare at the ocean and find some peace. Well, one day I wasn't feeling well emotionally and all I thought of was how much emotional baggage I have carried and how scared I was to let someone in and see all of what’s inside. I felt as though it’s the same with the ocean. When I went diving for the first time I was so afraid of what I would encounter but I ended up falling in love with the ocean life. This is why I titled the EP that. I am beautiful and full of life despite all the emotional things I have gone through.
Although it’s a condensed project with only 5-tracks, it’s so well put together, leaving the listener wanting more! With a project made up of such storytelling, depth, and great sound - you as the creator I’m sure took your time and delicacy throughout the creative development. How long did the making of the EP take through and through?
I felt like it took me so long to create this project. I started back in January. So it took me about 8 months total to create this EP.
I must say, the album cover is definitely an eye catcher and is so aesthetically pleasing! How did the look come about and who designed it?
I initially had a cover designed by a friend who actually killed that design, but unfortunately it did not fit with the songs once I had finished them. That was completely my fault because I changed the theme last minute and he had already created the design. I ended up running into an IG account of an artist who had posted the design I now have as my EP cover. I reached out to him and was able to pay him to add a title and allow me to claim it. His account is @mus1tie on instagram.
What engineers and producers did you collaborate with on this EP or was it you who came up with the entire creative process?
Me, myself, and Splice. I wanted to make one last project entirely on my own before I went off to collaborate with people. I produced this EP entirely on my own. I produced all the beats, melodies, and wrote every word. I used the website Splice to find the sounds I needed. The reason for this is because I wanted to really find myself. I wanted to “swim into” myself and figure out who I am through the music before I went off to create more with other people. That’s exactly what happened and the outcome still has me in shock. I even mixed it myself! I obviously have sooo much work to do, but I am definitely happy with this being my first project produced, written, and engineered by me. (thank you quarantine time offfff).
The production on the 5-track project is impeccable and sounds so soothing and authentic. Are there any live instruments blended within the beats?
There are actually no live instruments that i recorded myself but some of the samples sound as if they were recorded live. The only live sound I recorded was the sound of a wine glass rim which I added to the song swim in me but it’s blended so well it doesn't stand out much. It was more of a filler sound.
As a woman with her own share of lost love and failed relationships I have learned and accepted the idea of having “no expectations”. Well written and crafted, what influenced your decision to choose “No Expectations” as the EP’s debut single and the first single to get a music video?
I have made the decision in the past to have so many expectations when I am in a relationship. Typically that ends in heartbreaks and disappointments. As I was getting ready to move from Japan, I started developing a little fling with the guy in my video and it was nice because there really were no ridiculous expectations. That “entanglement” really opened my eyes to how things could be healthy and respectful even when there are no titles and no expectations. I chose that song because it was honestly my FAVORITE and it’s the first song I wrote Spanish lyrics to. This was the second video I have directed and I enjoyed every bit of that.
On Apple Music, your intro single, “When I’m Petty” seems to be a fan favorite, receiving the most spins and traction. Which record is your favorite on ‘Swim In Me’?
When I’m Petty is so dope. BUT No expectations is my favorite. It was my favorite song to produce. I was inspired by Drake’s song “Sooner than Later” as far as the beat goes. When I made the basic drum line, I started singing a melody into the microphone. Then more melodies were added to the track to compliment the vocals. After that came the lyrics. IT allllll happened in one sitting. I just loved how easy it came out.
As the artist and curator, what would you say are the differences between your debut EP, ‘Fruit’ and your most recently released EP, ‘Swim In Me’?
Authenticity. I feel like this new EP is more authentic than my first because I created it entirely on my own in my little apartment in Japan. I also feel like ‘Swim in Me’ is simpler in lyrics but felt more complex in melodies. I definitely went out of my comfort zone on this one. Swim in Me is also influenced by multiple relationships/encounters vs in Fruit it was all pertaining to one person. Lastly, I feel like my voice has changed a lot and sounds more mature.
A songstress like you has to be inspired by some of the greats in music. Who would you say are some of your musical mentors and inspirations?
Alicia Keys for sure. Recently Snoh Aalegra. As always, Chris Brown. I identify a lot with these artists through the lyrics, style, and just overall vibe. I definitely take after a lot of their ways when I am creating.
Now that we understand you more as an artist and your artistry, what's the day in the life of Alondra Marie like?
Of course I am still active duty military. But aside from that, working out, eating, and of COURSE making music.
For the day one fans and newcomers, what’s next for Alondra Marie music?
COLLABS. I feel like I have finally found my sound. Now I am ready to collaborate and explore. I have already networked with people in Texas for music, and I am stoked to create new content!
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