2016 has marked quite a bit of growth and reflection for Aleko, who recently released his new song, “Waiting,” a story about the struggle between waiting for something good to happen and actively searching for it. The powerful song serves as a follow-up to Aleko’s EP, Amity, released last year and admittedly, he has matured a lot since then. In the final months of this year, the singer/songwriter is gearing up for an even busier and more exciting 2017! Read about “Waiting” and Aleko’s plans for the future below!
Interview by Dom Vigil
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself for any readers who may not be familiar?
Well, my name is Aleko and I’ve been in-love with writing and performing music for as long as I can remember. My work is a compilation of my own experiences, as well as the perspectives of other people that I’ve known throughout my short life so far. I do this for everyone, not just myself, and my music is so that anyone can feel comfortable in a way that talking doesn’t work.
You just released your new single, “Waiting,” which touches on waiting for something to happen versus searching for it. Where did the inspiration for this song come from?
The inspiration for “Waiting” was largely from having listened to a lot of the people I’ve known in my life, and hearing them vent their feelings about whether they need to be in a relationship or not. I’ve vented to people about the same thing, and it’s a common issue that extends beyond relationships alone.
What does “Waiting” mean to you personally? Have you had to make that choice between waiting and searching recently?
Personally, the perspective I take with “Waiting” is that while I’m performing it I am in a conversation with someone. In that conversation, I’m trying to give them advice, look at their situation, and relate my actions to their own. So, looking at the song’s lyrics “Where do we go from here?” is where I can relate to that person by being equally as clueless as them. Recently, however, I’m always searching for something. I want a lot, and because of that I’m kind of a hypocrite with the song, but there are always exceptions to be made.
“Waiting” is the follow up to Amity, which you released last year. How do you feel you’ve grown and evolved since the release of your last EP?
I feel that I’ve matured with my sound in the sense that I’m more aware of what I’m doing with myself. I’m becoming more capable with my voice, and more creative with the instrumental pieces I write. Just being able to work and record with the producers that have helped me has just put me on such a fast track of understanding myself as an artist, that I cannot wait to share what I’ve got coming up with everyone.
Looking toward the future, what goals do you have when you’re working on new music?
This is my career, and I’m constantly learning how to become a better version of myself for it. My biggest goals are the highest expectations I have for myself, and the largest one is to be successful from this. To me, by releasing new music I am giving people more stories and things to relate with, so I’m always writing and always working for that satisfaction.
Can fans expect to hear anything new before the end of the year?
I’ve got everything cooking for the new-year, but you can expect to see updates concerning all of that by following me on social media and what not.
With 2016 coming to an end soon, what has been the highlight of your year so far?
The highlight of this year has to be the amount of support I’ve gotten from people. Advice, recording opportunities, and huge compliments from listeners are the majority of what has made this year great for me. 2016 hasn’t been the absolute best year for personal reasons, but because of my music and everything I’ve found a lot of optimism and joy from people.
What are you looking forward to in 2017? Do you have any big plans yet?
I have a lot in store for everyone in 2017, and I’m working on putting out more music to create even bigger plans. Just, stay tuned for what’s to come because words cannot express how important my fans and listeners are to me.
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you so much for having me, this means so much to be given the opportunity to talk to you guys. You can keep up with me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Soundcloud. If anyone reading this has yet to listen to my music, please do and find how you relate to it; and feel free to connect with me on how you do, because if it’s helped you in some way then that means the world to me.
STAY CONNECTED WITH ALEKO: Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud