We had the pleasure of speaking with Alexia Thomas following the release of her latest single and video, “Lost in Space.” Alexia’s music, much like her vibrant personality, transcends conventional labels, embracing spontaneity, emotion, and intuition. With summer’s electronic vibes and winter’s nostalgic melodies, her creative spirit thrives on diversity. By diving into daydreams, she blurs the lines between reality and utopia, exploring the spaces where reality ends and fantasy begins. Her music poses profound questions through a blend of electronic and acoustic elements. Central to her lyrics and sound is an exploration of emotional depth and identity, which crafts atmospheric, often nostalgic soundscapes that whisk listeners away to far-off realms. Her experimental style draws from influences of neo-soul and alternative R&B, infused with touches of shoegaze, indie, and dreampop, all while radiating uplifting energy.
KALTBLUT: Your latest single “Lost In Space” addresses contrasts between the individual and the universe, light and darkness. How do you explore these themes in your music and lyrics?
The meaning of this track is filled with contrasts in life. Contrasts of an individual and the universe. Contrasts of light and darkness. Everything is indeed relative. But it all belongs. How important is an individual in this endless cosmos of existence? Where do we find ourselves and when do we get lost?
The song is about people feeling lost in this society. A society in which all people worry about what the meaning of life is, instead of appreciating the simplicity of life. People experience so much from day to day that it feels like living multiple lives. The desire of people is to escape from this bleak life. In a life that is negatively influenced by society in an energy-depriving way. How people face (or not) worldly problems in a superficial way and resort to comfort. And the world has a heavy heart. The love of people has been lost and is being sought. And maybe people will find love again with time.
Among other things, the story is told in metaphors that can have a variety of materialistic or spiritual dimensions. Comparisons such as “just a drop in the sky” (star) or darkness (the sadness and problems of the world), light (comfort connoted negatively because it is abused by ignorance and superficiality of society) and “living life on the right side” (empathy and community love).
KALTBLUT: You mentioned that the song talks about people feeling lost in society and seeking the meaning of life. How do you personally relate to these themes?
I believe that we all live closed up in our realities. For my part I feel much more free and alive while travelling or not being in my hometown. Even though I enjoy the city and the people, I’m constantly reminded of my responsibilities and work and it’s a very overwhelming thought process. So I try and create some sort of coping mechanisms or daydream scenarios, which allow me to see the bigger picture and enjoy the little things life has to offer.
KALTBLUT: “Lost In Space” is part of your upcoming album “Based on a Dream.” What can listeners expect from this album, and how does it differ from your previous work?
This album is going to have at least one favourite song for everyone and anyone who listens to it. It’s truly a journey and a sonic storytelling experience throughout genres and dreams.
It also challenges the listener to actively pay attention to understand the sonic story that is told. You somewhat have to give in to the experience.
Music wise it’s much more analog than my previous releases. I usually work by myself and produce all of my tracks digitally. For this album I worked with a couple of friends as session musicians in my friends studio, which was a new approach.
My older releases are more electronic. In this new project there’s an audible fusion of electronic and acoustic elements.
KALTBLUT: You describe your music as addressing the search for identity and emotionality. How do you infuse these elements into your songs?
The infusion probably happens quite naturally and unintentionally. I don’t think about too much when I write or produce music. It’s more of an inner intuition/force which brings in a lot of my true identity and emotionality I cannot usually express in real life. I mostly realise this when I listen to the end product of a production and suddenly feel the dept of emotions. It touches me in an unexplainable way I’ve never been touched before and that is magic for me.
KALTBLUT: Can you share any interesting anecdotes or behind-the-scenes stories from the creation of “Lost In Space”?
Lost in Space was the first song planned for this album. I then went to a friend in the summer of 2023 who owns a studio and told him that I wanted to record this song in his studio when it’s finished. I then decided to select a couple of half written songs to create an album that I recorded in his studio with a couple of other friends/session musicians in February 2024.
KALTBLUT: You grew up in Basel, surrounded by music and theatre. How has your hometown and upbringing influenced your music?
I actually grew up in the suburbs of Basel. There I was still surrounded by music. In my family we’ve always loved to sing together, be it at a campfire, holiday occasions or after dinner. We always listened to music. The self made CD’s by my parents or watching MTV or Viva with my siblings. Playing piano at an early age also had a big influence on understanding how classical music works. Two of my siblings are also musicians so we all influenced each other a lot in our family. In school I took upon a lot of subjects like choir, theatre, big band etc from an early age. When I moved to Basel at 21 I was amazed how this town has so many talented musicians and a great cultural scene. I instantly fell in love with this city.
KALTBLUT: You’re signed to the FLINTA* label “Forcefield Records” and work as a producing coach. How do these roles impact your perspective on the music industry and your own artistry?
I feel empowered and at the same time empowering being in the FINTA* label “Forcefield Records” and working as a producing coach. It’s essential that FINTA* people empower each other and take on the lead, which is also another reason why I enjoy doing what I do as a woman. One of the organisations I work for as a producing coach is called “Helvetia Rockt” which also only offers producing workshops for the underrepresented FINTA* people in the music scene. I don’t only enjoy working there because it’s all about producing, I am thrilled to work there because of their cause. I’ve learnt so much through them and in a way automatically mainly choose FINTA* people to work with, doesn’t matter if it’s a musician, a graphic designer or a videographer. We need to work together, empower one another and grow as one.
KALTBLUT: Your music is described as atmospheric and often nostalgic. What techniques do you use to create these soundscapes?
A lot of layering of sounds, samples and field recordings. Definitely also a good sense of how harmonies work and how to use them. As already mentioned I love working with samples. Taking them out of each other and building them back together in my own way. Using beat samples and reforming them to instrumentals and visa versa. Using a lot of reverb and my voice as an instrument as well.
KALTBLUT: What kind of journey do you hope your audience experiences when they listen to “Lost In Space”?
I hope they have their own interpretation of the story being told, feel the depths of emotion I feel and commit to the song.
KALTBLUT: You mention that your sound appeals to those who seek unconventional sounds. How do you balance staying true to your unique style with appealing to a broader audience?
I think sticking to the basic build up of songs probably makes it more accessible for people. People might be able to identify those kinds of songs more as music they know. Or also making the lyrics catchy, easy to understand and relatable. It really wasn’t a great intention of mine to do so but a quite convenient coincidence. So I think implementing those aspects while sticking to my unique style makes it seem special for those who prefer classic music writing but are open to something new.
KALTBLUT: Your music touches on themes of love being lost and found over time. How do you see the role of love evolving in your music and your personal life?
Music or music production, composing and songwriting is my true love and will probably also be. I think when people talk to me in person and see how I talk about music, they see the spark in my eyes and feel a sense of passion. That is love to me. When every ounce of your body lives for this. When you can be vulnerable and don’t feel shame or closedness when you make music. When you’re easily in touch with your feelings while composing/producing and can let those feelings flow. When you radiate joy and enthusiasm when you talk about it. That is love.
In my personal life I’ve learnt a new form of beautiful love in the past two years. The unconditional love of friendship. I have beautiful friends, family and a community I wish more people had. We support and appreciate each other with a lot of love and gratitude. For that I’ll always be grateful.
KALTBLUT: What are some key influences or artists that have shaped your musical journey and sound?
Probably playing piano and knowing how harmonies work. From there on creating my own aesthetic of harmonies and tones in my songwriting. Also the interest of percussion and the diversity of polyrhythms captivates me and most probably also have an influence on my more experimental music. I’m really into Psychedelic Rock from the 60s and alternative R&B and Indie from today, so that also probably influences my music a lot. The artist/producer who also had an impact on my producing was James Blake with his minimal production style and emotional effect. Kelsey Lu also inspires me with her layers upon layers of reverb voices.
KALTBLUT: As you prepare for the release of your upcoming album, what are your hopes and aspirations for the future of your music career?
I truly hope my music gets to reach the niche it deserves. I don’t have any big and wild dreams, I’m actually quite happy making music in my studio. But I love sharing it and want people to feel what I feel when I listen to it.
I also hope my music gets a broader reach beyond Switzerland. I guess one of my aspirations is for this album to have some international recognition and for me to play gigs in other countries and meet more musicians and producers. To gain some exchange, learn from each other, make music together and remind one another why we do what we do.
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@alexiathomasartist
@forcefield_records
The Feeling of Left Alone EP is out now via Forcefield Records
