INTERVIEW: Alternative Pop from Aleandro Valente

Aleandro Valente is a rising star originally from Italy, now based in New York, who brings us his debut album, Bite On a Lemon, inviting listeners into a hypnotic world of dream pop and alternative R&B. With influences from esteemed artists such as Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and Ariana Grande, Valente’s powerful and smooth vocals shine brightly, showcasing his undeniable talent and captivating songwriting.

The album opens with the hauntingly beautiful a cappella “Intro,” a song written nine years ago when Valente was only 15 years old. Its inclusion sets the stage for the emotional journey that lies ahead, as Valente fearlessly embraces his dreams and confronts his detractors. The metaphorical lemon becomes a symbol of defiance, urging those who criticise and envy him to ‘bite on a lemon’ instead of spreading negativity.

As the album unfolds, Valente weaves together a tapestry of irresistible melodies, grooving rhythms and vibrant synth-driven arrangements. “Divine” envelops listeners in dreamy tones, with layers of harmonies creating an instantly memorable experience. The infectious energy continues with tracks like “ROY. G. BIV.,” an LGBTQ+ anthem, and “Dangerous Love,” where Valente explores heavier sonic territory.

One standout track is the immensely popular “Not O.K.,” which has racked up over 50 thousand streams within a few months. With its captivating pop sensibility, alluring vocal leads and pulsing synths, this song showcases Valente’s ability to create catchy hooks that linger in the listener’s mind. It’s a testament to his mastery of crafting infectious pop anthems. The album takes an intriguing turn in its second half, delving deeper into R&B influences. Valente’s versatile vocals effortlessly transition, offering a fresh sonic palette for listeners to explore. The album’s emotional apex arrives with the heart-wrenching acoustic piano ballad, “Why am I paying for it?” Here, Valente’s vulnerability shines through, as ghost-like harmonies add an ethereal touch to the heartbreaking lyrics.

To conclude the album, Valente circles back to the title track, “Bite On a Lemon,” emphasising his resilience and self-assuredness. He passes the symbolic lemon onto the listener, inviting them to make something refreshing and sweet out of life’s challenges. It’s a powerful ending that leaves a lasting impression and further cements Valente’s status as a force to be reckoned with in the pop music scene.

Throughout the record, Aleandro Valente showcases not only his vocal prowess but also his impeccable songwriting and sound design skills. The album’s production shimmers, with each track beautifully crafted to create a cohesive sonic journey. Bite On a Lemon is a remarkable debut album that confirms Aleandro Valente’s place among the rising stars of pop music. With his dynamic vocals, infectious songwriting and genre-bending soundscapes, the artist has crafted a compelling musical experience that demands attention. As he continues to make his mark on the industry, there’s no doubt that Valente’s future releases will leave an even more indelible impression on the music world.

We caught up with Aleandro Valente to find out more about his musical journey so far, his debut album Bite On a Lemon and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Aleandro Valente below.

Hey Aleandro, how’s things?

Hi Plastic Magazine, things are great thank you! I hope things are well for you too.

Which artist first made a lasting impression on you?

Thinking back, I would have to say Whitney Houston. My mom would always play “I Will Always Love You,” and I’m still very much in love with that song today. Besides Whitney, I was also very obsessed with Shakira and Britney Spears at the time. I knew from then that I wanted to sing like Whitney and Perform like Britney at some point in my life. Haha.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

I don’t really remember a time when I wasn’t creating some form of music. I was always making some sort of noise but my first original self written song must’ve been around the age of 13. When I was 15 I wrote the “Intro” track to my debut album “Bite On a Lemon” and I promised myself to make it the opener to my very first album, so I did.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from today?

One of my biggest inspirations today is Ariana Grande. I draw a lot of inspiration from her when it comes to creating harmonies, vocal moments and build-ups in my songs. My album is also heavily inspired by artists such as Mariah Carey, Little Mix, Beyoncé, and, as I mentioned earlier, Whitney Houston. I like vocal powerhouses and I’d love to deliver the same on stage as these incredible women.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

Usually personal events in my life or the life of my friends and loved ones. Sometimes I just really like a movie and I’ll turn that into a song but everything I talk about on my current album is definitely about my own life.

What do you love about the New York music scene?

It’s so diverse. So many amazing and talented artists. The competition is steep but that also drives me to constantly improve myself and my music. It’s encouraging to see all these beautiful artists really go after what they want.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

I’ve been told my album has a summery vibe, which I do agree with, so I would say driving around in your car, windows down, suns up with a nice breeze.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

I started out with my debut single “Petty” which was very playful yet it also talked about leaving a situation in which you’re not appreciated enough. It’s a very easy to digest kind of song and everything that came after has become slightly darker and heavier. I would love to go even darker with my music in the future but keep the hidden messages in my Lyrics that I love sprinkling in there. When it comes to personal style I’d have to say that I have no idea. I’m the least fashionable person I know. I struggle a lot with my fashion but I know what I feel comfortable wearing. I’ve also worn the same hairstyle for the past 10+ years so that says enough about my sense of style.

How did you find making your debut album ‘Bite On a Lemon’?

Healing, liberating and motivating.
It took me 2 years to completely write, record and produce this album alongside my incredible producer Nico Buffelli. Working on this album has helped me process a lot of things internally. It was definitely like free therapy for me. I also knew I had to do this for myself to prove that I am capable of becoming the artist I want to be. There were moments where I doubted myself especially during the recording and production process for songs like “Not O.K.” and “Lovin’” and I seriously considered taking those two songs off the album. Now, they’re both two of my most streamed songs which is crazy to think about. I’m obviously glad I kept them and it taught me to trust myself more.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

My album “Bite On a Lemon” is a metaphor for me handing out this lemon to all the judgmental nay-sayers and opposers that I’ve encountered in my life. If my name sits on your tongue so sour all the time, you might as well just want to “bite on a lemon”, you know? The album also tells a story from start to finish navigating through life and love as a person that’s part of the LGBTQ+ community, which is not always the easiest. At the end of the album I’ve found liberation and I’ve stripped myself from the expectations of the world. You don’t owe the world anything, you only owe yourself happiness. When life gave me lemons, I made an album.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

Currently I listen to ChloexHalle and BLACKPINK the most. As you can probably tell by now I really love female artists.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

Euphoria. I’ve built my songs in a way that when you listen to it with headphones it becomes a very immersive experience. I really like to tickle the brain with the way I put my songs together.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

Kansas City in April 2022. One of my first shows of my little tour through the united states. I got to open up for my friend, StacyCay’s, comedy show. The theatre sold out and the energy was great.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

Has to be Ariana Grande, Little Mix and Blackpink.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

You have to create your own path. So many people just sit and wait for opportunities to come around but that doesn’t happen. You have to create opportunities. Growth takes time and what works for someone else’s career might not work for yours but that shouldn’t discourage you from going after what you want. Keep creating and push your boundaries. Be ready to sacrifice comfort.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2023?

I’m excited to announce that I will be dropping a new single in August and follow up with an extended deluxe version of “Bite On a Lemon” in September with 5 new tracks, including a new “Intro” to the album. I will also be dropping merch and announce some shows later this year.

Listen to Bite On a Lemon below