Emerging US four-piece The Aces continue their stunning rise with the release of their second album Under My Influence.
The record, out now via Red Bull Records, is the follow up to acclaimed debut When My Heart Felt Volcanic – the effort that sparked their ascent to the top.
It saw the Utah-based act, which consists of sisters Cristal and Alisa Ramirez, McKenna Petty and Katie Henderson, amass a staggering 80 million+ streams, sell out their own US headline tour, and support Aussie pop sensations 5 Seconds of Summer.
Fans were wowed by brand of indie pop with relatable themes of growing up and falling in love in the 21st century.
Under My Influence will certainly keep the trajectory firmly towards the heady heights thanks to the dizzyingly catchy single Daydream, and Lost Angeles – a bittersweet ode to love and loss in the City of Angels.
Daydream also generated more than 1.5 million streams during its first week and earned slots on Spotify New Music Friday playlists in more than 18 countries.
2020 is set to be another landmark year for The Aces.
Daily Star Online caught up with them to talk about Under My Influence, growing up in Utah and its music scene, their career so far, and influences.
(Image: Red Bull Records)
Hi The Aces. How are you keeping in lockdown? Have you been working on new material?
“Hello! We’re doing okay – taking everything day by day. Mainly focused on releasing our new album, Under My Influence, on July 17th!”
You release your sophomore album Under My Influence in June via Red Bull Records. What was the writing and recording process like? Were you influenced by anything and are there themes running through it?
“We had the time of our lives making Under My Influence. It feels very much like we’ve broken into something deeper and more vulnerable.
“The whole process felt really freeing – like we were creating just for the love of it and saying everything we felt, unapologetically. For those reasons, these songs mean so much to us.”
Your hit single Daydream was released in March and has more than 3 million streams on Spotify alone. How pleased are you with its success and the reaction?
“Very excited about it. ‘Daydream’ always felt like a special song.”
Lost Angeles was premiered by Zane Lowe on Beats 1. What does it mean to you to have support from such a prominent music outlet?
“The support means so much. Coming from a place like Orem, Utah, it’s still surreal that these things happen to us.”
Your song My Phone is Trying to Kill Me focuses on the pressures of social media and its impact on mental health. How important is it for artists like yourself to tackle issues prevalent with young people today in your music?
“It felt super important to us on this album to talk about the things that so heavily affect all of us right now.
“Social media is a beast that is difficult to navigate and incredibly powerful. It felt very important to address it because of the impact it can have on everyone’s overall mental health.”
You grew up in Provo, Utah. How did living there mould you as the people and artists you are today? What’s the music scene like in Utah?
“There was, and still is, a great music scene in Provo. We feel lucky to have grown up with venues like ‘Velour’ that gave young bands like us a place to play and start to grow a fan base.”
(Image: Red Bull Records)
Who were your influences growing up – either musically or personally? Who admires you in the music industry?
“We all draw a lot of inspiration from 70s-80s music. From disco music like Earth Wind and Fire, to alternative classics like The Cure. Between the four of us, there are a lot of different tastes.”
You’ve sold out headline US, UK and European tours and supported 5 Seconds of Summer. What did you take from these shows? How does performing live compare to the recording studio?
“Supporting 5SOS was one of the best experiences of our career so far. Their fans are some of the most energetic, devoted fans we’ve ever played to. To then get to headline and play our own shows and see that same energy and love from our own fans, was mind blowing. Definitely one of our proudest moments.
“Touring and recording are totally different worlds. We love them both for different reasons, but there’s really nothing like playing live.”
What are your hopes for the year ahead? Do you have an ultimate goal?
“We want to keep creating and staying connected to our fans. At a time like this, when we are unable to do most of the things that we love as artists, we just want to keep making things, staying creative, and connecting with the people that make all of this possible for us.”
Under My Influence is out now via Red Bull Records