After getting butterflies and more than 10.5 million views on YouTube, Anaheim Hills resident Alana Lee, who was also an ARK Music Factory discovery, signs a contract with indie label 37 Records, gets ready to release her new single, “Synchronize,” and to record an EP.
OC Weekly: How did you get in touch with 37
Records? What's it like working with them?
Alana Lee: I was
introduced to 37 Records by a good friend of my father's when he saw that my
YouTube video, “Butterflies,” had over 3 million hits. The label owner, Steven McClintock, is
very easy to work with. He is very knowledgeable and makes recording a fun and
enjoyable experience.
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Did you come up with the concept for the Butterflies video? If so, what inspired you?
The initial concept was presented to me. However, I was very involved on the creative side, which I really enjoyed. In addition to choosing filming locations, I was able to include some of my friends from the school I attended at the time in the video, which made the experience even more memorable.
How did you feel when you found out that your video had reached more than 10.5 million views on YouTube?
I was so excited when I found out my video reached over 10 million views! I never even dreamed it would get that many hits and that people would enjoy watching it so much. I am mostly happy about all the positive feedback, which has made it an even greater accomplishment.
How do you feel when people compare you to Rebecca Black? What would you like to say to them?
I realize she gets a lot of mixed comments about her music, but I don't mind the comparisons. I kind of expected it anyway. People are always going to judge, but at the end of the day, we're just teenagers doing what we love to do and trying to have fun.
Based on all the comparisons, does it worry you that you might get the same press she did?
No, that doesn't really concern me. If anything, I'm grateful towards Rebecca for adding to the exposure. However, our styles, sound and the messages in my songs are different.
When is the video of your single “Synchronize” going to premiere? What should the fans expect to see?
“Synchronize” is almost finished and will be released in late July. The music video is in the planning stages, but it's expected to be released by the end of the summer. “Synchronize” is an upbeat song about two people that totally complete each other, and it has a great pop/dance rhythm that makes it fun to listen to.
Are you going on tour anytime soon?
I would love to tour in the near future, though right now I am focusing on completing my music video for “Synchronize” and recording additional tracks for my EP. I'll be sure to announce upcoming tour plans to my fans and followers.
What's next in your music career?
Next in my career, you can expect me to be recording some original songs that I wrote. I am really interested in doing more songwriting, and I am also learning to play guitar.
