There’s an unstoppable energy that exudes alt-pop act A is for Arrows. Driven by the radiant vocals of Toronto native Alessia Balasbas, the young artist has made a stunning impression since debuting in the fall of 2019. While noting her earliest influences as Michael Jackson, Sade and Destiny’s Child, the music of A is for Arrows is a unique brand of alternative pop. Fans of No Doubt Charli XCX and the 1975 can all find something to love in A is for Arrow’s striking pop sensibility. The project’s blending of contemporary beats, soft synths and heartfelt lyrics has made A is for Arrows a project to watch in Toronto’s eclectic music scene and on the world stage alike.
Since you are a fairly new artist please introduce yourself to our readers.
Nice to meet you! I’m A is for Arrows – I’m an alt/pop artist from Toronto, Canada. I’ve been creating music for years but just recently (in 2019) started to release my music officially!
How would you describe your music?
I think the easiest way to describe my music is that it’s always changing. I’m influenced by a ton of different music, from all genres so I think it’s natural for me to pull a little from each. I do love melody though, so if we’re being technical, I guess I’ll always live in the pop world to some extent but I do also think that music in general is becoming more and more genre neutral, which I think is so dope because I’ve never really been able to fully place my own music. It’s a little bit of everything!
Tell us about your brand new single “Can’t Stop”
I love doing this thing where a song sounds super light hearted (in a major key) but the content and the lyrics are actually pretty melancholy haha
In the case of Can’t Stop – it all happened very organically. I made this pretty fun uptempo beat that I loved and it made me want to dance, but I didn’t know what to write about because all of the melodies that were coming out of me were so happy and I’m not used to that! After a while, the phrase “can’t stop lovin’ you” just came out of nowhere, so I recorded that but then I got stuck, so I put it away for a while. Fast forward to a cottage trip I took with a couple of my closest friends (who are also songwriters) and my producers Joel and Ben. I played this demo in its very very early stages, and they loved it so we finished writing it that day. It only took us a few hours to write the whole thing! It’s a very special song.
I hear that we are expecting a debut EP. Any details?
You’ll just have to wait and see, well – hear.
I will say that to me, it’s the kind of EP to listen to while you drive at night.
Tell us about working with producer Joel Stouffer
Joel’s the kind of guy that you immediately feel comfortable around, like you’ve known him your whole life. He allows you to just be yourself and he knows when and how to push you but also gives you your space to grow. It’s pretty cool, we have a strong musical connection and I love that he’s always down to have fun. Songwriting is difficult enough, if you’re not having fun- what’s the point?
He’s also insanely talented which goes without saying, really.
With the world wide pandemic raging what does the future hold for Alessia Balasbas?
My plan is pretty simple. I’m going to work out a lot, hang out with my favourite people, write a song a day and then release them haha. I’m hoping the pandemic ends so I can play live shows and tour because it’s my favourite thing to do, I love it more than anything.
We are always interested in what artists are listening to for inspiration. What is on the A is for Arrow’s playlist.
Miley Cyrus- Midnight Sky and Heart Of Glass (cover)
Deb Never- Swimming and Ugly
Dominic Fike- Chicken Tenders, Politics and Violence
Jade The Moon- Sex & Candy
Machine Gun Kelly- Bloody Valentine
Blackbear- Do Re Mi
Mansionz- Rich White Girls
Jessie Reyez- Figures and Feel It Too
Harry Styles- Cherry
Third Eye Blind- Semi Charmed Life
Aluna- Get Paid
Ty Dolla Sign- Ego Death
I’ll leave it there, but there are so many more!
Thanks so much you guys!!!
