"The album Girl with No Face represents years of sacrifice and hardship, culminating in a genuine expression of myself and my experiences."

— ALLIE X

The Girl With No Face tour starts on May 26th. Tour dates available here.

INTERVIEW CARL AYERS

Allie X, the enigmatic Canadian singer-songwriter known for her distinctive style and alternative pop sound, has recently captivated audiences with her latest album, Girl with No Face. Allie X burst onto the music scene with her debut single Catch in 2014, quickly amassing a dedicated following drawn to her electronic production, boundary-pushing sound, and introspective lyrics. With her latest album, Girl with No Face, Allie X embarks on a four-year journey of creative exploration and self-discovery. Born out of the unique circumstances of the pandemic, the album represents a departure from her previous work, offering listeners a more raw and unfiltered glimpse into her inner world. Drawing inspiration from the experimental music scene of early 80s England, Allie X infuses her signature pop sensibilities with a darker, more introspective edge. The result is a collection of songs that serve as a platform for expressing deep emotions and grappling with themes of identity and introspection. As Allie X continues to evolve as an artist, Girl with No Face is the next stage of her progression and growth as an artist. With its infectious melodies, introspective lyrics, and bold visual aesthetic, the album offers listeners a deeper understanding of Allie X's artistic vision and the multifaceted nature of her creative expression.

Carl Ayers __ I have always enjoyed listening to your music, and when I heard your latest album, Girl with No Face, I enjoyed it even more because it is so different from your prior music. Many artists can be predictable but not you. I wouldn’t have predicted this album. Tell me about Girl with No Face.

Allie X __ Girl with No Face has been in the making for four years, born out of the pandemic. I've always wanted to venture into something entirely self-produced and written, free from external influences. This album is the result of a challenge I set for myself, a challenge that required focused time devoid of distractions. The pandemic unexpectedly provided that opportunity. Simultaneously, the creation of this album coincided with a significant transition in my life—a journey towards self-liberation, both creatively and within the music industry. These past four years have felt like peeling away layers of Russian nesting dolls—a painful yet liberating process.

CA __ I like that! So you wanted a fresh project that is just you.

AX __ Exactly! In the pop world, collaboration is the norm, often involving multiple individuals. It's a fast-paced environment. I'm accustomed to L.A. writing sessions where we churn out a song a day or even two. However, with this album, each song might take me a year.

CA __ Well, that's different. It's a very personal process. When you're going into a writing room and doing one or two songs a day, it's business. But when you have the time, ease, leisure, and luxury to take a year to write a song, I think you're putting even more into it because you have more time to think about it and tweak it just the way you want it to be. So, what was the inspiration behind the title, Girl with No Face?

AX __ The title came at the very end. There's a song on the album called Girl with No Face, and it just seemed like the appropriate title for the album because it was a real exploration of identity and sort of uncovering layers of myself as the girl with no face. I am still getting to know her. I think she's kind of like a ghost who started to be in the room with me and influenced the writing of the album.

CA __ It seems like even though the project itself is finished, the story is still evolving.

AX __ Oh yeah, definitely! As an artist, when we create something, we're not the ones to analyze it. We're just the ones to make it. It's only when I step back from an album that I can analyze it with more clarity. With this album, I'm still very much immersed in it, so certain aspects remain challenging for me to grasp.

CA __ As you entered this project, did you have a specific theme in mind, or did that evolve during its creation? Now that you've reached its conclusion, do you notice any recurring themes upon reflection?

AX __ All of the above. Initially, I was driven by certain sonic preferences. I aimed for a raw, lo-fi sound with heavy use of synths and outboard gear, aligning with my production tastes. Thematically, at the beginning of the project, I envisioned a sort of dystopian fantasy. The first song, Weird World, set the tone of grappling with reality yet in a fantastical kind of way. However, as the process went on, it took on a more personal and angrier tone. The project became a platform for expressing deeper emotions.

CA __ It’s fascinating how what you interpret as anger, I perceive as passion and raw emotion. It's all about perspective. Since it's not my lyrics or emotions, I may not interpret it the same way. So, how does this work differ from your previous projects?

AX __ This is the most distilled version of myself that I've ever presented in a record. Primarily because there were no other collaborators until the very end. So, lyrically, this album best represents who I am and how I feel. There were no compromises necessary because there was no one to compromise with. Every choice you hear reflects my taste. In previous albums, there would have been compromises, but not necessarily in a negative sense. Collaboration is wonderful, and combining different styles and choices often leads to something magical. However, it was just me this time, and that's how it's different.

CA __ Even though it was solely you, our past experiences inevitably shape us. Were there any particular external influences that contributed to this album?

AX __ For sure. The early 80s in England. The time where punk music ended and then all sorts of other cool stuff started to happen. Lots of experimentation still with a very punk attitude. That's the genre of music that excites me the most. And the one that I took a lot of inspiration from sonically.

CA __ I'm a child of the 80s, so it took me back to the days. This album brought up a lot of memories that I distinctly recall from the 80s. To me, this album has a very MTV-sound to it; you know, that was when rock was rock. How did you get into the flow and the groove to create this album?

AX __ After releasing my last record, the pandemic hit a week later. After a few months, I found myself with a lot of pent-up creative energy. I began making beats, and a particular sound emerged and I thought, “this is my time.” I was having fun with it, feeling inspired, and thought, "There might be something here; I'm going to pursue it." Initially, it felt invigorating. But as I progressed from sketching demos to refining finished songs, I began grappling with technical limitations and felt overwhelmed, so it wasn't all smooth sailing. There were moments of triumph, those moments where you crack a song, magic moments that I'll always remember as big highs. Yet much of the journey involved me turning into a computer zombie, spending countless hours trying to figure out how to overcome a bunch of obstacles.

CA __ What was one of the major roadblocks that you had to overcome to create this album?

AX __ I would sum it up by saying that just because you can hear something in your head and possess boundless imagination and creativity, it doesn't mean you can put it through a computer program and make it sound the way you hear it in your head. Moreover, being alone and isolated for such an extended period [because of the pandemic] can take a toll on a person. I'd compare it to perhaps writing a book – it required that level of time and focus.

CA __ On the other hand, what were some of the highlights of creating this project?

AX __ The highs came from spending extensive time on something, hitting roadblocks, and finally overcoming them, often in various contexts.

CA __ That sounds like growth. How do you think your personal growth influenced the lyrical content of this album?

AX __  I'd say my personal growth stemmed from expressing certain lyrics rather than the other way around—letting go of certain things or gaining perspective as they came from my brain or mouth onto a microphone or notepad. Being an artist is a privilege because you can explore yourself and your feelings. This creative process led to my personal growth.

CA __ Which songs contributed to your personal growth?

AX __ By personal growth, I mean I learned certain things about myself. I wouldn't necessarily say I'm a better person now, but songs like Staying Power helped me gain perspective on who I am, my strength, and the pain I've endured. It allowed me to see myself differently. Similarly, Truly Dreams reveals my vulnerability and highlights my dreamer nature.

CA __ Are there any specific tracks that you just groove to?

AX __ It changes over time. Of course, I've grown a bit tired of all of them since I've listened to them literally thousands of times during the production process. But at the moment, I really enjoy listening to the single Off With Her Tits. I also like Truly Dreams and the opener, Weird Worlds.

CA __ Let's delve into Off With Her Tits.

AX __ It's a tone I could never have found if I was in conversation with someone. There's a delicate balance between darkness and humor that music allows me to express—very specific, strange feelings that I can't even attempt to articulate verbally.

CA __ This album represents a departure not only in lyrics but also in musical accompaniment. How do you balance experimenting with something new while maintaining your musical identity? We've come to know you as a pop artist, but now you're embracing a rock persona. How do you ensure cohesion?

AX __ I don't overthink it. I trust that the filter of my own humanity through which these musical influences pass will create something unique. Music itself isn't entirely original anymore. When a new project sounds original, it's often because it combines influences in a novel way. So, with this album, I found the inspirations I wanted, followed my instincts, and tinkered until it felt right. Then, I trusted that my perspective and individuality would shine through, making the music unique.

CA __ Do you see this project as a one-time exploration of your rock side, something you'll get out of your system before moving on to something else for the next album? Or do you envision sticking with this groove for the foreseeable future?

AX __ I tend to evolve quite a lot between albums, which I guess has become somewhat of a trademark for me. It's not intentional; I just get excited and don't feel tied to any one sound. Historically, I'd say it's likely I'll explore something entirely different on the next record.

CA __ Music often translates into visuals for me—it's all a connected language. You're not just a singer; you're also deeply connected to the visual aspects, from your videos to your fashion sense. How do you foresee your fashion evolving for this project? And what about your visual approach for the music videos?

AX __ I've largely addressed that aspect. I've created the press images for the campaign and produced two music videos. My visual approach aimed to capture the essence of the bands and artists that inspired me musically, while also avoiding a strictly retro aesthetic. Working with mask makers to create unique masks has been a recurring visual theme across different visuals. I aimed for a presentation that wasn't overly polished because I wanted something that tied into the rawness of the work.

CA __ Are there any specific fashion brands you're aiming to collaborate with or have already planned to collaborate with for visuals related to this album?

AX __ I'm always striving to make inroads in the fashion world. I'm fortunate to receive support from Margiela, Iris Van Herpen, Olivier Theyskens, Alexander McQueen, Issey Miyake, and Vivienne Westwood. These designers align well with my artistic vision and what I aim to convey.

CA __ The designers you mentioned are well known for their bold fashion statements, which complement your music and the essence of this album. Is your style for videos and press photos different from your personal style? Do you enjoy dressing up and assuming a character for these visuals?

AX __ Absolutely. Living in Los Angeles influences how I dress. If I were in London or New York, I'd likely feel more in my natural habitat, layering up in black, wearing boots, and strolling around more. In LA, the fashion scene leans towards athleisure and flowy fabrics, with a more feminine aesthetic. I don't try that hard unless I’m doing something public. On an average day, I keep it casual with good jeans or track pants paired with a nice t-shirt, maybe adding a trench or blazer. My everyday style is somewhat preppy and boyish.

CA __ That style is very on trend. The current trend highlights the preppy look, blending it with the 1990s athletic urban style, which you're nailing.

AX __ If I'm presenting myself, performing, or doing press, I'll go full drag, but my everyday style contrasts with that.

CA __ You're here wearing a purple Georg Friedrich sweater with gold lettering and a gold herringbone necklace, along with striking bat wing eyeliner. You're truly embodying the essence of the album, hitting those ‘80s marks with the top knot hair. Who are some of your fashion inspirations?

AX __ I really like the Olsen twins for my everyday wear. For stage performances, icons like Björk, Grace Jones, and Debbie Harry.

CA __ Those are fantastic figures to have on a mood board. Can you walk me through the process of putting together a stage performance? How do you decide on all the elements, such as set design and wardrobe?

AX __ It involves getting creative, borrowing from people in different cities, seeking out local designers, or opting for custom pieces. Sometimes, we repeat looks intentionally or focus on accessorizing to create variations. As for set design, I rely on lighting and projection to create atmosphere so I keep it simple. Ultimately, my fans just want to see me give my all on stage, singing my face off and connecting with them.

CA __ That's the hallmark of a true performer—being able to command the stage without relying on elaborate setups. It's about you, your microphone, and your instrument. If you can captivate the crowd and keep them engaged, then you've succeeded, and they've received their money's worth.

AX __ And as an audience member, I appreciate raw performances as well. I'm not a fan of stadium shows because they can feel overdone and distant. I prefer when there's a real connection and something visceral happens.

CA __ Tell me about your favorite performance. What made it so special for you?

AX __ I'm not a big concert-goer, but I've watched plenty of documentaries and videos. Some of my favorite performers to watch include David Bowie, David Byrne from The Talking Heads, Ian Curtis, Kate Bush, and Prince. They all left a lasting impression on me.

CA __ That was such an insightful moment. When asked about your favorite performance, you immediately thought about other artists, not yourself. You put yourself as a fan of entertainment and not as the center. It's so refreshing to see that humility. I love that. But let's focus on you now. What's been your favorite performance?

AX __ Some of my favorite performance moments predate Allie X. I used to sing in a cover band in Toronto, and we'd play at this small venue called the Dakota Tavern. It had this underground, western-themed vibe, and after singing Barracuda, I'd crowd surf. Those moments with my friends stay with me to this day and it just was such a vibe. As Allie X, I've had incredible shows in Brazil, particularly in Rio and Sao Paulo, where the crowds are wild. London has also been amazing, as well as a hometown show in Toronto.

CA __ Yeah, hometown shows are always special. I've never heard of anyone having a bad time in their hometown.

AX __ Exactly! Seeing familiar faces in the audience adds to the magic.

CA __ One final question; what do you want your fans to take away after listening to Girl with No Face and experiencing its visuals?

AX __ I want my fans to have a deeper understanding of who I am. My work may seem eccentric and it gets glamorized and dragified. But on the other end, there is this real album that at its core reflects my true self—my inner feelings, sense of humor, and taste. It feels validating when people accept it, even if they don't necessarily like it. This album represents years of sacrifice and hardship, culminating in a genuine expression of myself and my experiences.

Photography David Reiss, Styling Angelica Stenvinkel, Makeup Adam de Cruz (One Represents) using Serge Lutens, Hair Sven Bayerbac (Carol Hayes Management) using Redken, Interview Carl Ayers, Production David Gargiulo, Talent Allie X (2B Entertainment)