Alex Lahey
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Alex Lahey

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Armed with her debut EP B Grade University, Lahey admits that the candid nature of the songs are a reflection of her personality. “I’m a pretty open person and I think that probably sums up what’s coming through in my music. It’s not intentional, I guess it has more to do with my values. I write songs about things that have happened to me or things that I have really connected with. That’s what makes it so personal. I’m incapable of being anyone else but myself.”

Lahey has even got Canadian pop legends Tegan & Sara on board, spending time with them at Splendour in the Grass. “Meeting them was a dream come true and the best part about it was that they were more than what I wanted them to be. It meant so much to me that they were so nice and took the time to get to know me and actually listen to my songs. They didn’t have to, and they did. They’re such wonderful people. The thing I really took away from that experience, more than the advice they were giving me, was that you can be successful and also be a really good person.”

While everything is certainly happening at an accelerated rate for Lahey, she admits things didn’t start to feel real until she received kudos from none other than Pitchfork. “When people asked me if it was a dream come true I’d honestly reply that it wasn’t, because in order for a dream to come true you’d have to consider it,” she says. “It was the ultimate pat on the back and opened so many doors. Although, I think the ultimate pat on the back should come from yourself. You’ve got to celebrate the wins and that was the ultimate win for me.”

Some of those doors that have been opened include a showcase at the SXSW conference next year – just one of the many achievements Lahey can add to her ever growing resume. “It’s going to be a massive plunge into the deep end but I’m really excited about it,” she says. “I’m really grateful for the opportunity to experience SXSW let alone play but there’s still so much I have to do before we head over. I think that our live show is up to standard but you want to get it even better as time goes on and make sure that you’re prepared to perform under the pump. We want to make sure that we’re the most resilient band in the world so we can keep up.”

For Lahey festivals are still territory she treads with consideration. “Festival gigs are so different from playing venues, you really need to fill the space as a performer and that’s something that I’m slowly getting used to. I definitely talk more shit when I play venues because there’s time,” she says. “Figuring out what makes a great festival performance is something that I’m still learning but it’s really fun learning on the job.”

Lahey’s well versed in the business side of her music as well, sourcing as much knowledge on the industry to compliment her team’s hard work. “As a solo artist I feel a responsibility to know exactly what’s going on around me. I want to make sure that I’m managing myself in an appropriate way that’s conducive to a long term, lifelong career where I can play music for the rest of my life.”

BY HOLLY PERIERA