She first started to make her presence felt on the local scene as a backing singer with Martin McNeil’s Dissidents, through whom she also got her first taste of performing solo as an opening act at the band’s gigs around the island.

That might seem a long way away now, but it really has only been less than a handful of years since young singer-songwriter Alex Alden first shared her own music online, catching the ear of many with her lilting, acoustic melodies and that gentle voice of hers.

Boosting her public profile with a good number of live gigs – solo, as well as a duo with Luke Briffa on drums – Alden has since graced several radio charts, occupied a good chunk of the Maltese airwaves and released her debut CD, The Curious Child. The latter captures different aspects of her song-writing while partly laying the foundations for what is to come.

Alden speaks here not only of the future – she relocated to Holland last week – but also of the past, the present and the journey of getting from point A to where she’s at right now.

2013 has definitely been a special year for you…

This year has been all about setting goals, making plans and also trying to figure out how to follow my dreams through. My understanding of music, and also of the music industry, has broadened greatly. Thus I feel more prepared to face the challenges which lie beyond these shores.

I see 2013 as one of many stepping stones. For example, last February I hosted a series of workshops at San Andrea Middle School, teaching children about songwriting and giving them some hints and tips to write their first songs. It was a very rewarding experience since they were enthusiastic and were writing their own songs by the end of the lessons. When I was their age I had already started writing my own songs so it was great to be able to share my stories with them and inspire them to do the same.

The launch concert for your CD was an important milestone…

The Curious Child EP took roughly two years to complete. Luckily, I acquired support from the Malta Arts Fund to bring my idea to life, essentially transforming a theatre into a haven of childhood nostalgia, and performing in a full-band setting with a string section.

But you had more on your mind than just the concert, correct?

Yes, while planning the event I also began studying jazz and pop music theory privately, which meant I needed to dedicate the hours to further my musical education.

I had another goal in mind, which was to get into a music school abroad and I have now managed to do that. However, the studying does not stop here, as I want to keep improving as a musician. My attitude towards studying music has changed greatly as I realised that the term ‘studying’ has a vast definition. It can involve anything from listening to transcribing and even researching its historical, philosophical and psychological context.

It’s rewarding to know that my music is being appreciated since I put so much into it

So have you been getting deeper into it all?

I had to, as music is such an essential and ingrained aspect of humanity that the amount of research that can be done is endless and very important. Writing music involves a great deal of self-awareness; having an idea, an opinion or an emotion to express, and a strong cultural background.

What do you make of the way your popularity has grown locally?

Popularity provides the platform to earn a living from doing what you love. It’s rewarding to know that my music is being appreciated since I put so much into it. It is such an important part of me and I wouldn’t change that for anything.

I’m still young and I am maturing, as is my music. I appreciate more genres now because I listen more intently to what is being played. My sense of direction in life is stronger so I am more confident and this will obviously reflect in my playing.

Despite being somewhat particular, your songs still managed to attract mainstream airplay and a diverse audience. How did you achieve this?

My songs are accessible probably because they are easy to relate to. I write from personal experience and I strive to be honest in what I do. In a society where people are clambering over each other and pulling each other’s hair out, I prefer to recognise what makes me, me, and what makes you, you.

Apart from your CD launch concert, your live gigs have been largely either a solo act or a duo. What’s it like playing as a duo and how much has working with Luke Briffa impacted your approach in general?

Performing with Luke is such a blast. We met about six months ago when I called him up to join me for an impromptu gig at Cafe Jubilee, without having ever rehearsed together before. That instant spark set the ball rolling for a very strong partnership.

It also helps that we share similar interests and tastes, not only in music but in life in general. He has been playing the drums for many years and has worked with most musicians on the island, and has studied and performed with notable jazz drummers and tutors abroad too. His knowledge and experience has been invaluable to me especially since he has explored many different genres of music and also understands what I would like to achieve with my own sound.

You’ve just moved to Holland. What prompted the move and what are your plans?

I’ve been accepted at a conservatorium there, so I’ll be studying for the next few years while also taking the opportunity to play abroad. The Dutch are incredibly friendly and enthusiastic people, and the music and art scene is very present within Dutch culture. The standard of musicianship that comes from Dutch conservatoriums is very high, and is a level I strive towards.

I already have some performances in the pipeline, which is a good sign as I plan to continue performing, studying and exploring the sounds, textures and emotions I wish to express through my music while studying under the guidance of top musicians and tutors from around the world. I have a long way to go but this will be an exciting road.

Of course, I’ll be back during the holiday periods to visit family, friends and also play gigs. I shall stay faithful to my little island.

A full-length album is also at the top of my list, but that will probably be ready by the end of 2014. We’ll see how things progress as life can be pretty unpredictable. One thing is for certain though, we’ll be hearing from each other soon.

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