As of late, there is a growing trend in pop music where more and more artists are trying to capture a cinematic, almost nostalgic sound that reminds of years past. 19-year-old singer-songwriter Alexa Cirri understands what that sound is, describing her songwriting process as “my way of making movies out of life.”
This post may contain affiliate links. Ads and affiliate links are how independent blogs like Grimy Goods can operate and pay our staff. Thank you for supporting our work and being a part of our music community.
Coming out of New Jersey, Cirri started writing songs at 14 after teaching herself how to play the keyboard. Inspired by “artists such as Lana Del Rey, Billie Eilish, and Sufjan Stevens in the dreamy and ethereal indie genre — as well as The Weeknd, Tate McRae, and Chase Atlantic in the alternative pop/dark rnb lane.”
It wasn’t until 2020 that Cirri began releasing solo material online, mainly through collaborations and within the lo-fi genre that remains popular on YouTube especially.
Three years later, she’s moving into more of an honest direction, taking direct inspiration from cinematic inspirations on her latest single, “love notes.”
“Love notes” leans far more into pop music, taking after film soundtrack trademarks such as dramatic bass pulses, delicate strings, and a clear-cut piano at the center. It might be a shock to hear that Cirri possesses a very deep voice that complements the sound of every single thus far while allowing her to dig deep into highly personal lyrics.
“Nearly all my music is produced by Wander All Winter, who has acted as my music buddy, main producer, and biggest supporter throughout this journey. As of right now, I write and record in my bedroom, send him the stems, and we just make everything happen over texting and sending demos back and forth.”
~ Alex Cirri
Of Cirri’s catalog thus far, “deadlines” stands out for falling somewhere between indie and pop. With little to no instruments outside of one somber guitar and subtle strings in the second half, Cirri uses few chords to reach some emotional heights in her signature melancholic style. Even if not much is going on, every aspect of the track comes together easily. For someone just starting off, the mixing is really something to behold.
Within a relatively short period, Cirri has zeroed in on what it means to feel longing. Whether that is for the past, a person, or a feeling, it is there in the music. And though she only recently departed from making lo-fi music, the production is locked in alongside already impressive vocal talents. She is currently preparing an EP that has yet to be released, so until that or a potential show happens, there are more than enough singles out to either soundtrack or relive your adolescence.
Words: David Sosa
“love notes” by Alexa Cirri is out on all streaming services. For more on new music and potential live shows, follow her on Instagram and YouTube.
