Photo Credit: AKM Photography (@alexkmedeiros.photo)
By Alissa Arunarsirakul // June 16, 2020
Alexander Wesley isn’t the typical singer-songwriter you’d find singing generic covers on YouTube. Seeking inspiration from John Mayer and Jason Mraz, Wesley exhibits a remarkable charm and pure soundscape like no other. After his devoted viewers tirelessly begged him to release original music, Wesley is here to please the masses with his enrapturing debut single, “Love Me Or Not.”
On “Love Me Or Not,” Alexander Wesley exclusively shared with us,
“Entering a relationship sometimes can be a bit tricky. I think I was in that moment where it felt like we were on the edge of it. That point in a relationship where you feel the need to speak up about how you feel, but because things are going so well, you’re scared for what might happen. Better or worse. Sometimes coping with change can be tough, and I think that’s where ‘Love Me Or Not’ came from.”
Unsure if his feelings will be reciprocated, it only makes sense that Wesley is fearful of expressing himself truthfully… until “Love Me Or Not” came to be. With groovy guitars and cinematic pianos, “Love Me Or Not” is an impeccable debut on Wesley’s part and it convinces us that a stellar artist like Wesley is only born once in a blue moon. The accompanying visual narrates the classic story of a love you just can’t fake, which makes “Love Me Or Not” even more significant.
“I hope that ‘Love Me Or Not’ gives people the sense of comfort in knowing that everyone is afraid to ask that question. Love and being in love are very vulnerable feelings and I think the fear of being vulnerable isn’t something a lot of people are comfortable with admitting.”
The Hidden Hits has your first look at “Love Me Or Not” below:
To celebrate the release of his new music, we recently chatted with Alexander Wesley about creativity, breakups, and of course, “Love Me Or Not.”
HH: Rumor has it you’re not only a talented musician, but you’re also an experienced designer, photographer, and videographer. How did you become interested in so many creative ventures?
AW: Growing up I was always drawn to anything creative. From starting competitive dance at an early age, to self-teaching instruments, to having my mom and uncle have their own creative business, it was clear that anything creative I was really drawn to. I started using my mom’s photography equipment while learning the basics of photography in high school and since then, I can’t seem to go anywhere without a camera. While in high school, I opted in to take coop credit and went straight to my uncle’s business to start learning the basics of Graphic Design. Even to this day we still work together on projects and collaborate where we can.
HH: Now that you’re making your official debut with “Love Me Or Not,” what goals have you set for yourself as a musician?
AW: Honestly, I haven’t thought hard enough about some of my goals. Mainly because I just want to be able to make a living making music. Although there are some things like, booking an opening slot for an artist I admire, or selling out my first hometown show, at the end of the day, I would just love to continue doing music.
HH: Why did you decide to release “Love Me Or Not” as your first single? Is it your favorite song you’ve written so far?
AW: I decided to release it as my first single because as a songwriter and artist, I truly felt confident in it, and this song really helped me find my voice. I think it’s going to be up there as one of my favorite songs I’ve written for a while.
HH: “Love Me Or Not” features the most gorgeous piano arrangement and utterly soothing vocals. What inspires your organic soundscape?
AW: I think what inspires the soundscape is artists that I grew up listening to, along with just having a deep love for real instruments. I grew up listening to John Mayer, Jason Mraz, Michael Jackson, etc., and there’s just something about real instruments that spark my soul.
HH: What advice do you have for listeners who are currently going through breakups?
AW: I think that as hard as breakups are, staying in the moment and pushing through will help you more than finding distractions to mask the pain. Sometimes just being present and fully feeling the emotions that are happening are necessary prior to being able to move on.
HH: What’s your favorite memory from shooting the “Love Me Or Not” music video?
AW: I actually don’t think I have a favorite memory from us shooting. I think all around it was just a really good time, with really good people. Going through the first video shoot definitely continues to excite me for the next.
HH: If you could turn back time and write any hit song, which would it be?
AW: This is a tough one haha. I’ve been a big Jason Mraz fan since I was young, so I’d probably say “I’m Yours.”
HH: What are your three hidden hits?
AW: My three hidden hits are… “Later” – Emawk, “iN CODE” – LOONY, and “Home” – Dylan Sinclair.
The Hidden Hits 