P&P Spotlight: Alba

After touching many hearts with her resonant 2021 single, "I Need A Holiday," soul powerhouse Alba is currently recording her debut EP and aims to bring her career to new heights. Bringing a fresh Spanish perspective to London's music scene, the critically acclaimed artist, songwriter, and environmental activist delivers with immense passion and authenticity. "I Need A Holiday" stemmed from a somber state of yearning and meditation, due to the solitude of the COVID-19 quarantine.

Currently, Alba stays rooted in self-reflective songwriting but isn't afraid to experiment with new techniques, so her upcoming project is bound to contain something for everyone. Ahead of its monumental release, Playlists & Polaroids got the chance to catch up with Alba on her creative process and overall artistic journey. If we're being honest, her passion and insight made us even bigger fans! Read our full interview with her below.

Image credit: Don Blandford, graphic created by Karly Ramnani

YOU'LL LOVE ALBA IF YOU LISTEN TO: Stevie Wonder, Amy Winehouse, H.E.R, Alicia Keys, Joss Stone

Growing up, what artists and genres of music did you mostly listen to, and how have they shaped your sound over the years? 

Many incredible artists have influenced my music over the years. Growing up, I listened to a lot of classic rock, blues and soul; bands like the Rolling Stones and the Beatles were the foundation for the music I make today. Guitarists like Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Jimi Hendrix, B.B. King, Santana, Rosetta Tharpe or John Mayer have helped to shape my own guitar playing. In recent years I have gravitated towards contemporary R&B, neo-soul, reggae, pop & funk. Some of the artists who have influenced my song writing and singing style (old and new) are Alicia Keys, Joss Stone, HER, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner and Amy Winehouse to name but a few.

Tell us about your time as the front woman of Sons of Rock! What would you say are some of your biggest highlights and takeaways from this experience?

I founded Sons of Rock when I was 16 years old. We toured all over Spain including massive festivals like as Rock in Rio, Sonisphere, Festimad or Monkey Week, sharing the bill with big national and international names like Amy Winehouse, Jamiroquai, Orishas, Loquillo, Revolver, Raimundo Amador and Celtas Cortos, among others. We recorded 4 studio albums, and released a single with EMI. We won several awards and band contests, and were featured on national TV and in the press. Once we played a televised concert for an event with 40,000 people in attendance. This was the start of my professional music career and it was a lot of fun.

What drew you to London as an artistic home base?

I write most of my music in English and growing up I was heavily influenced by British and American artists, so it was always a dream of mine to live in the UK or the US.  In the end, London was the winner. My move to London marked the beginning of my solo career post-Sons of Rock. I love living here, so much that I recently became a British citizen. I think it’s one of the best places to share my music with the world. 

How does the environment of London inspire you as a singer and songwriter, and how would you compare it to Spain?

London is a vibrant city, with so much history, diversity, openness, culture, music and always something interesting going on. This is why London attracts top talent from all over the world. Being surrounded by this kind of talent makes you strive to improve your own craft. It has been a great source of inspiration for me to explore new soundscapes. 

What’s your favourite venue you’ve performed at so far, and why?

It’s hard to pick just one. In the UK, being a Beatles fan, it was very special when I played at The Cavern Club in Liverpool. It felt like coming full circle to my musical roots. Rock in Rio Madrid is also one of my most memorable shows. It was a huge stage with top equipment, broadcasted on TV, we shared backstage with top artists, and genuinely felt like rock stars at only 17 years old.

Image credit: Pascal Boudet

Since “I Need a Holiday” was written during the pandemic, how do you feel as though a state of loneliness and isolation influenced your craft?

I think Covid quarantines had a harsh effect on everyone’s mental health. Suddenly we were forced to dramatically change our daily routines and limit our social interactions. “I Need a Holiday” came from that inward-looking space, as I navigated my own feelings and emotions.

Why was it important to you to write about escapism in “I Need a Holiday”?

I suppose it is inevitable not to long for what has been taken from your life. In this case it was freedom. Music was an escape, and I’m sure it was for other people too. I wrote, played music and danced to get me through the worst parts of the pandemic.

What are some highlights of your experience working with edbl?

I was very excited to work with edbl, who I greatly admire as a musician and producer, and who helped me take the song to a whole new level. We have very similar musical tastes, so the process of working with him was very organic and satisfying. 

You’ve shared on Instagram that you’ve been working on an EP - how does this project build on your previous work? What can fans expect?

I recently finished recording my first solo EP. It is called “Questions Unanswered” and it will be released in 2024. I decided to work with edbl again on the production after the great experience with “I Need a Holiday.” This EP is a unique and conceptually rich work that touches on a number of themes, including women’s rights, peace, equality, freedom, navigating toxic relationships, and learning to be content as a way to achieve happiness. Each track is a question and I hope that it will invite listeners to reflect and enjoy.

Image credit: Pascal Boudet

It´s super cool that you’ve included a gospel choir on one song of the EP! What inspired this creative choice?

This is one thing off the bucket list. I am a fan of gospel and soul music, and I have always dreamt of having a gospel choir on one of my albums. I had the pleasure of having the London African Gospel Choir on this recording and it was a very fulfilling and enriching experience. I can’t wait for people to hear it!

I love how involved and vocal you are in environmental activism! Why is this cause super important to you? For anyone reading this, what are some simple things we can all do to care for the environment in our daily lives?

I believe that global warming is one of the most challenging tests humanity has ever faced, and that the actions we take (or fail to take) today will have fundamental consequences for generations to come. It requires the whole world to work closely together and, unfortunately, we do not have a very good track record of doing that. Governments and corporations have the greatest capacity to make a difference but as individuals we can all do our bit to help. As consumers, we can play an active role by choosing products, services and companies that meet sustainable standards and avoiding the worst polluters. 

And finally, the P&P classic - Tell us one of your favourite lyrics from I Need a Holiday and walk us through the process of you writing it! How did you personally connect to this line?

I quite like the line “I wasn’t seeking trouble, but trouble found me” and the chorus reveal “I need a holiday… from myself”. It reinforces the truth that you can’t run away from your feelings and thoughts. The only way out is through, but the good news is that music and meditation can help!

We can't wait to see how Alba continues to grow in 2024, and we're counting down the days until we can binge listen to her EP. In the meantime, lose yourself in "I Need A Holiday" and the rest of Alba's discography. If you feel inspired to dive deeper into her world, we've curated just the playlist for you.