Need something new to add to your playlist? Check out Arden Alexa’s debut album, Hope You’re Watching, and the new music video for her song “Crush!!!”
Arden Alexa is a 20-year-old singer/songwriter from San Francisco, California. She began her career in 2021, starting with soft indie pop and, more recently, moving into theatrical pop. “Crush!!!” is inspired by Breakfast at Tiffany’s, with fun and playful visuals that matches the song’s vibe.
I had the opportunity to talk to Arden and ask her a few questions about her music, inspiration, and next career steps.
This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Her Campus: How would you define your career right now?
Alex Arden: Just getting started.
HC: Who/what inspired you to want to build a music career?
AA: My parents were 100% the ones that inspired me to build a career in music. Growing up, they always told me, “Whatever you do, do it well” and encouraged me to explore all of my interests. It’s because of this incredible support system that I’ve been able to pursue my dreams and make this album!
My dad is a very talented musician and songwriter, and although he works in tech day-to-day, he has a passion for music that is truly infectious. When I was younger, he would show me his favorite rock songs, sing me his favorite opera arias, and take me to his favorite theatre productions.
My mom taught me everything I know about fashion and instilled in me the confidence to own any look or style. She showed me how fun and expressive clothing can be and how it can be used as armor or as a way to control others’ perceptions of you. Having the encouragement and feedback from such creative and thoughtful people has been invaluable to my career, and I’m so grateful that both of my parents have been so supportive through every step of the way.
HC: What’s your favorite song from your debut album and why?
AA: My two favorites on the album are probably “BREAK MY HEART” and “HOPE YOU’RE WATCHING.”
The title track, “HOPE YOU’RE WATCHING,” is one of the most emotionally raw and honest songs I’ve ever written, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s a song that I desperately needed to write at the time, full of feelings that I needed to process and say aloud. It felt like the final puzzle piece clicking into place and completing the album, so it felt like the perfect title for the album.
“BREAK MY HEART” is another one that’s very special to me because it was the first song where I really let myself play and explore a new side of my artistry. Writing this song gave me the opportunity to bring out the darker, more powerful parts of myself and show them off in my music in a way that I had never done before.
HC: What inspired “HOPE YOU’RE WATCHING”?
AA: “HOPE YOU’RE WATCHING” was one of the first songs that I wrote after moving to LA. After the chaos of moving finally settled down, I was able to reflect on my journey as a musician and, for the first time, allow myself to feel proud of how far I’d come since graduating high school and deciding to pursue a career in music. I was so proud of the bravery it had taken to diverge from the traditional route and instead make my own path doing what I loved.
This song was a result of those feelings and of all of my reflections on the people who had judged and doubted me. It became a message of defiance, a show of pride and confidence in my dreams, and a signal to everyone that this is just the beginning.
HC: Many artists love to move between different music genres. Would that be something you’re interested in?
AA: Definitely! My music has always been a representation of my life and who I am at that given moment, so I’m sure as I get older and continue to grow, my music will do the same. I think the mark of a great artist is someone who never settles for doing the same thing over and over – someone who continues to take risks and grow and explore new sides of themselves.
HC: What advice would you give to those who want to start a music career?
AA: Don’t be afraid! Fear and self-consciousness held me back for a long time, and it wasn’t until I was able to let those feelings go that I was able to really enjoy and explore my journey as an artist. I wish I had been able to let go of that fear sooner, so I hope that other artists can learn from me and just be confident in who they are!
HC: What’s next for you? Can you give a preview?
AA: I’ve already been back in the studio working on the next collection of songs, and, wow, I am excited! I don’t want to give anything away just yet, but it’s going to be good!