‘Hey’ by Alice June: Review
Photo credit: Artist EPK
Alice June’s latest release, “Hey,” is the poignant closing chapter to her artistic journey that began in 2021. Paired with her July 2024 single, “Battery Park,” this song marks the end of a creative cycle that has explored the depths of emotion, self-discovery, and the complexities of human experience.
In “Hey,” Alice captures the paradoxical tension of being caught between opposing impulses—the pull to act versus the comfort of inertia. It’s a lyrical meditation on those moments of hesitation we all face: the struggle to take a leap of faith or stay rooted in familiarity. Whether it’s making a life-changing decision or simply placing a phone call that feels monumental, Alice’s songwriting transforms these universal feelings into vivid imagery.
The ocean is the figurative and symbolic heart of the song. Its waves mirror the emotional ebbs and flows of daily life—moments of turmoil and calm, helplessness and control. Standing at the metaphorical cliff edge, the protagonist inhales the briny air, feeling the pull of the vast unknown but also the reassuring steadiness of the ground beneath. It’s about finding equilibrium amidst life’s chaos—a theme Alice artfully encapsulates in the line, “Hey, I’m feeling good today, my lows are high now.”
Alice’s songwriting process is as organic as the emotions she conveys. Writing spontaneously and directly in English, she captures raw thoughts and feelings whenever inspiration strikes. Her guitar becomes the bridge that transforms these emotions into music, creating songs that feel both personal and universally resonant.
Photo Credit: Artist EPK
The creation of “Hey” exemplifies Alice’s collaborative and international approach to music-making. The track was produced and recorded across Italy (Imola) and London, then mastered in New York at the prestigious Sterling Sound, a studio known for shaping countless iconic records. This global collaboration infuses the song with a richness and depth that reflects the diversity of her influences and collaborators.
Alice’s sound draws inspiration from the ethereal and powerful worlds of artists like Kate Bush, Florence and the Machine, Daughter, and Birdy. Her ability to merge introspective lyricism with lush, emotive arrangements has become a hallmark of her music. In crafting her music, Alice has worked alongside an impressive team of international talents, including Lorenzo Sebastiani, Alex Reeves, and Chris Gehringer—renowned figures who have collaborated with artists such as Jovanotti, Bat for Lashes, Anna Calvi, Elbow, and Lady Gaga.
These collaborations have helped Alice carve out a sound that is unmistakably hers. By blending her introspective songwriting with the contributions of world-class musicians and producers, she creates music that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant. The result is a sonic tapestry that’s as intricate as it is powerful, characterized by its rich textures, haunting melodies, and emotional depth.
As the closing note to her 2021-2024 artistic cycle, “Hey” is a fitting farewell—a reflection on the emotional storms we navigate and the inner peace we strive to achieve. It’s a song that invites listeners to pause, reflect, and embrace the balance between uncertainty and resolution. For Alice June, it’s not just the end of a chapter; it’s a celebration of growth, resilience, and the transformative power of music.
‘Hey’ is out now on all major streaming platforms
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Listen to Alice June and other similar artists on our Spotify Playlist ‘New Music Spotlight - Pop’
