Prepare to embark on a cosmic journey with the enigmatic Primo the Alien, an Austin-based intergalactic time traveling pop star and fashion icon
With her ethereal presence and cosmically-inspired synthwave sound, Primo the Alien releases the music video for her latest single, “More Love” exclusively on Raw Femme. This highly anticipated track, recorded in her childhood bedroom and produced in her own home studio, is a dazzling exploration of beauty, excitement, and the power of love in its many forms.
“More Love” seamlessly blends ’80s nostalgia with irresistible pop hooks, creating an infectious and uplifting anthem that transports listeners to another dimension. Primo’s vocals, filled with depth and emotion, convey a yearning to relive cherished moments from the past. The song captures a captivating balance between longing and surrendering to the present, reminding us that in moments of love, nothing else matters.
As Primo the Alien continues to redefine boundaries and challenge conventional norms, her forthcoming EP, “We All Hate Ourselves Sometimes,” set to be released on September 8, 2023, promises to be a transformative body of work. Delving into the artist’s personal journey of self-acceptance and her unwavering hope for a brighter tomorrow, this collection of songs showcases Primo’s ability to blend cosmic themes with the raw realities of the human experience.
We spoke to the “synthpop alien“, Primo, and learned about her extraordinary journey as she embraces her cosmic identity and shares her heartfelt messages of love, self-acceptance, and hope.
What initially inspired you to pursue music?
I wouldn’t say I was inspired to pursue music as much as it’s just something that’s a part of me. I’ve been writing and performing since childhood, and music production was the obvious next step from there.
Where did you gather songwriting inspiration for “More Love”?
I wrote “More Love” after going out with a couple of my friends last year. I woke up in morning, hungover, and sat down with my guitar. I had just had one of those nights where you’re in the moment and nothing else matters, dancing at the gay bar, being yourself with reckless abandon, ignoring the consequences and wanting MORE. “More Love” is about the beauty, excitement, and humanity of ALL love. It has a beautiful, hopeful quality, but if you really listen to the vocal performance, you can hear a darker undercurrent, an acknowledgement that things won’t always feel carefree, that heartbreak is an inevitability but a price we willingly pay when we love deeply.
How would you describe your sound to someone listening to your music for the first time?
I make contemporary electro/alt-pop laced with nostalgia. I love the weird familiarity of retro sounds paired with shiny modern melodies and production. I toe the line between self-aware camp and genuine earnestness, often expressing emotions that are extremely personal with levity, but for this EP, I let myself be vulnerable without using humor as a safety net.
What do you want your little Earthlings to take away from your upcoming EP?
Overall, the “We All Hate Ourselves Sometimes” EP represents a triumph of hope over self-doubt. I have used every trick in the book toe create an arrogant, loud alter-ego that ensures no one ever sees me sweat. Primo is fun and confident. Primo is powerful and bold and doesn’t second guess herself. She grabs like by the balls and nothing scares her. I pride myself on being open and over-sharing on stage, being the life of the party – never serious and always armed with an inappropriate joke or irreverent observation. I don’t shy away from controversy and often get myself into trouble for speaking my mind, but I don’t really show it all, do I? None of us do. I guess I reached a point where it was time for my bravery to less performative and face the things that actually scare me – loneliness, loss, anxiety, disillusionment, and self-doubt. And I know it’s not just me. I think the title of the album says it all. We all hate ourselves sometimes.
What advice would you give to someone who is struggling with self-doubt and lacks self-love? How can they use music as a tool for healing and self-empowerment?
Music helps us explore our feelings. It makes us feel less alone. But at the end of the day, we have to do the work. Acknowledge and honor your complexity. Look for peace in restlessness and self-love in self-loathing. Look hard. Good doesn’t exist without bad, and in the midst of all the bad shit are moments of brilliant, blinding joy.
Are there any artists or musicians who have influenced your own musical journey? If so, who are they and how have they inspired you?
My typical work is similar to modern electro-pop stuff like Dua Lipa, Charli XCX, Muna, The Weeknd, Lady Gaga, or Troy Sivan, but also retro artists like Patti Labelle, Tina Turner, Meatloaf, Bowie, Heart – big, loud, eccentric music. I’m currently working on a full length alt-pop album that is darker and more experimental than anything I’ve done before.
For the “We All Hate Ourselves Sometimes” EP, I struggle to draw a comparison with other artists. I think my pop production sensibilities blended with a more traditional singer-songwriter approach to the writing, and it created a really distinct sound.
The renewed discussion of equality is playing a major role in today’s music industry. What words of wisdom can you share with aspiring women-identifying musicians on how to overcome gender discrimination?
Bulldoze your way in, and get to work. I don’t let men talk over me. I don’t let them belittle me or undermine my talent. I make sure I’m as loud, audacious, and arrogant as they are.
How do you envision the role of musicians and artists in shaping political discourse and social change, particularly in a state like Texas?
I think continuing to create is really important. For marginalized groups, that’s an act of resistance in and of itself. For women, I think it’s important we continue to be visible in all aspects of the industry, not just as artists, but as producers, engineers, and innovators.
I make a point to tell everyone that I produce my music, not because I need validation but because women producers need more visibility. The louder we are, the more present we are, the harder it is to ignore us.
Any future show/tour plans? Let’s bring you to Vegas!
My next show is for the Austin LGBT Chamber’s Pride in Local Music Festival on June 24th, and the day before, on June 23rd, I’ll be releasing my next single, “Move.” I’m hoping to get a tour together and play some festivals in 2024.
What’s your interpretation of a Raw Femme?
I think it’s being unabashedly and unapologetically YOU.
Stay tuned for the official release show details and mark your calendars for the September 8 release of “We All Hate Ourselves Sometimes.” To learn more about Primo and her captivating music, visit her website and follow her on all social media platforms.