Alec Joseph is a pop artist who is destined for big things.
Previously going by the name of AJ, you may have already heard his music, including the awesome single ‘Tongue’. You may have also seen him support the likes of Pentatonix, Kelsea Ballerini and Cher Lloyd on tour.
However, having changed his stage name, Alec is now ready to continue his musical journey with a new name and new mature sound in tow. His latest offering, ‘Where Did Summer Go?’ is an infectious bop which is the perfect soundtrack to those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it summer days. In addition to a new single, Alec will also be joining Jacob Whitesides on his US and Canadian tour this summer.
We recently caught up with Alec Joseph to discuss ‘Where Did Summer Go?’, his name change, touring with Jacob Whitesides and more. Check it out below!
Hi Alec! Thanks for answering our questions today – how has 2017 been treating you so far?
Thanks for catching up! I hope all has been well by you! 2017 has been great so far—I can’t believe Summer is already here—it feels like I just made my New Year’s resolutions yesterday, so I should probably get started on those!
Let’s talk about your incredible new single ‘Where Did Summer Go?’ – what inspired the track?
Every summer, no matter how hard I try to soak it in, I find myself asking “Where Did Summer Go?” The story of the song is about an experience I had a few summers ago with a girl I was dating, who happens to be named Summer, and it tells the story about all the great times we had that just ended out of nowhere.
Are there any plans for a music video? If so, what can we expect?
I have a really cool lyric video coming out that we shot at a theme park with roller coasters that I think people are going to love! We will see about a full music video :)
https://youtu.be/txFEI2hn7-U
There’s definitely an evolution in your current sound – did this influence your decision to go by Alec Joseph rather than AJ?
I feel like as I have matured as an artist, and as a person, my real name, Alec Joseph fits me better. I think it definitely has to do with the evolution of my sound, my look, and who I am now overall.
Your music and sound has been inspired by writing in various cities and countries. Do you have a special location which inspires you the most creatively?
I love songwriting in Nashville. I feel like the songs that come out of those sessions always paint a vivid story and are a full journey, both musically and lyrically.
What’s the one thing you hope people will take away from your music?
I want people to connect with my music in whatever way it affects them; when I was younger I used to say that I want to make people happy, but now I think it’s more about helping people feel what they need to feel, whether that is happy, sad, nervous, or amped up.
You’re about to go on tour with Jacob Whitesides! What are you most looking forward to about being on the road?
I missed tour life so much, so I can’t wait to be back on the road! I’m really looking forward to getting to play some new songs, and getting to hang out with the awesome fans. And I’m excited to watch Jacob’s performances. He’s so talented, and I am very thankful that he is taking me on the road with him!
You’ve already toured a lot of the country, after headlining your own tour and supporting the likes of Pentatonix, Kelsea Ballerini and Cher Lloyd. Is there a city which you’re particularly excited to return to, or somewhere you’ve never performed before?
I am so excited to be performing in my hometown, New York City! I love having all of my friends and family with me. I am also really excited to be performing in Toronto. I’ve never been, and I’ve heard amazing things about the city and the fans there!
What are your three most essential on-the-road items?
My phone, a good pillow, and some fruit snacks.
Aside from your music, you’re also involved with a lot of charities and foundations. Can you tell us a bit about your philanthropic work and why the causes are so important to you?
I am so thankful I get to work with many incredible organizations like DoSomething.Org, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and The Ryan Seacrest Foundation. Each of these foundations do everything they can to help children in need, and give them a chance to do anything they aspire to do in the world, and that means a lot to me.
What do you have planned for the rest of the year?
I’m planning on hopefully going on tour a lot more, and hopefully releasing a lot more music!
Thank you to Alec for his time! ‘Where Did Summer Go?’ is available now.
Keep up to date with him on Facebook and Twitter.