Interview: Alix Page

Alix Page is an indie singer-songwriter known for her extremely personal storytelling. She first gained the attention of fans with the release of her single, Stripes, in 2021, quickly making a name for herself in the indie music world. She recently released her new EP, Bug, with 6 incredible tracks on it. We had the pleasure of asking Alix some of our burning questions about the EP, her creative process and more!

Discography & Creative Process

When diving into your discography, we see you’ve put out a lot of smaller projects instead of a full album. Do you approach this process similarly to creating an album, or does it feel different? Is there a reason you’ve stuck to smaller projects?

I think the stakes for an album feel bigger, which is mainly why I haven’t put one out yet.  I also have this mentality of wanting to do an album right when I do it, which just means having the time/money/space to really dive in and explore and lay it all out there, and I haven’t really had that yet.  Between being in school and touring and working other jobs and being independent, I’ve had to take what I can get and record when I can and that usually results in fewer songs.  

The New EP: “Bug”

Where did you find inspiration for this new EP? Were there any specific songs or artists that influenced it?

The main inspiration for all of it was the new relationship I was getting into.  Sonically I was listening to a lot of Slow Pulp, Regina Spektor, Ratboys, Horse Jumper of Love, Alex G, and Death Cab.  

“Bug” is such a unique name for an EP—what’s the backstory behind the title?

Bug was a nickname given to me by my boyfriend early on in our relationship.  I really love it, I find it so endearing and always get giddy when he uses it.  I was kind of torn between that and “Girlfriend” for the title but ended up going with Bug because I think it feels small and intimate.  

What was the creative process like for Bug? Which song came together the easiest, and which was the most challenging?

Hmmmm.  I wanna say Bug and Bb were the easiest because I always knew those two were going to be more stripped back.  Prank Call has been through the most versions; the final one you’ll hear on the EP is technically v4 I think.  

Since we’re on the topic of bugs, and given the EP’s title, do you have a favorite bug?

Do butterflies count?  Butterflies have kind of followed me my whole life as a motif; butterfly things pop up everywhere for me. 

Personal Connection & Fan Experiences

Is there a specific track on this project that feels especially personal to you?

Bb for sure.  It’s the oldest song on the EP; I wrote it in 2020 and honestly never thought anyone would ever hear it.  I can’t put my finger on why now felt like the right time to release it but it does!

Our magazine loves to highlight the importance of fans in the music industry. Do you have any heartfelt or funny fan stories that have stuck with you throughout your career?

It’s gonna be hard to beat playing “Stripes” at the Troubadour on my 21st birthday.  I was opening for Ella Jane on tour and the LA show happened to be on my birthday; someone in the crowd had organized a fan project and passed out party hats and noisemakers so when the birthday party part of “Stripes” happened it was a big surprise.  

If you could choose the perfect place for fans to listen to this EP—whether a specific city, landscape, or setting—where would it be?

Laying in a meadow somewhere on a warm day while the sun is starting to go down.  

Touring & Growth as an Artist

Your first-ever tour was with Gracie Abrams in 2022. How have you grown as a performer since then? If you could give advice to yourself back then, what would it be?

I’ve definitely gotten more comfortable onstage, but more so in a way where I just know what works for me and what doesn’t.  Three years ago I was definitely still trying to figure out who I wanted to be and where I wanted to fit in the music world and I think I’m more sure of that now and don’t feel as much pressure to be someone I’m not.  If I could give myself any advice ahead of that tour I would’ve just said you’re never going to have as many off days on tour as you do right now, so take it all in and use it to your advantage; get out there and actually explore each city and take lots of pictures :)

You’re set to go on tour later this year! Are there any special ways you’re preparing? What are you looking forward to the most?

I’m getting a tattoo before I leave so I’m excited about that.  The last time I got one was right after my first headlines in 2023 and I decided to treat myself in a special way because 2024 was a hardddd year.  I’m just excited to be back in a sprinter with a big group of people!  The last few tours I’ve done have been amazing but definitely smaller scale, aka just me and either one person or two people.  Those are always fun too but you can’t beat 3 weeks with a big crew.

Looking ahead

What’s next for you after this EP? Any exciting projects, collaborations, or goals on the horizon?

I would really love to start writing more for other people! That’s a world I haven’t really dipped into but am really excited by; I love working with different artists/writers and seeing how their brains work and being able to just be an extra supportive and creative force in a room that can help move a project along. I’m also trying to learn how to produce because I’ve been putting it off out of fear for forever and feel like it’s time :)

If you love artists such as Joni Mitchell, Phoebe Bridgers, and Gracie Abrams you’ll love Alix Page. Her new EP, Bug, is out now on all streaming platforms, and we HIGHLY suggest giving it a listen. Thank you so much to Alix for taking the time to answer our questions!