Alissich Discusses Her New Single “Concrete”: Embracing the “Eternal” and “Etheric” in a Dance-Inspired Sound

Alissic Discusses New Music

Alissic was talking with NME about her hypnotic new single “Concrete” and shared updates about her upcoming EP. Check out the song below, along with our complete interview with the Brazilian artist-player.

Released today (March 7), “Concrete” marks Alissic’s (real name Alissa Salls) first new track since 2022, opening a bold new chapter after parting with her former label, Ministry of Sound.

• Read more: Alissic on the new emotional single “Piano” and work with Oli Sykes

Exploring Themes of Nature and Materialism

This news coincides with the announcement of her upcoming EP, which is expected to be released sometime this spring through Classii Records. In her conversation with NME, Salls explained that “Concrete” had been in the works for over a year.

“The song has such a nostalgic feeling,” she said. “This is dreamy pop, which I just love so much. The fact that I created it a year ago and still adore it makes me feel (good) – it feels timeless!”

Elaborating on the single’s meaning, Salls told NME it explores materialism in our surroundings, illustrated by the main line of the chorus: “Everything was clean, but now it was concrete.”

“I aimed to highlight how we reduce nature, and everything becomes material and concrete,” she explained. “It’s striking how the lyrics I wrote years ago remain so relevant today, not just concerning the environment but also in the political sphere.”

She added: “I released and forgot about my connection with nature, but I also saw how the facades of others crumbled, revealing a lack of empathy. When we disconnect, we ultimately become ensnared in the material matrix and forget the wisdom of nature. I think there are countless meanings embedded in this song.”

Read our full interview below, where Alissic also discussed the broader direction of her “Darker” EP, collaborating with her husband Oli Sykes on the “Specific” video (which aided many songs), and her upcoming collaboration with Aurora.

NME: Hi Alissa. Where are you in the world now?

Alissic: “I’m in Sheffield. I haven’t done much lately; I don’t think there are many things to do in England except for walks! I’m focused on my craft and creating, so I rarely go outside.”

Have you visited the British with Oli and Bring Me The Horizon?

“It was great! I don’t drink, so sometimes it feels like, ‘Oh, am I the only sober one here?’

How does it feel to release music again after almost three years?

“I’ve been waiting so long – I have a vault full of music. The EP feels like a debut for my artistic side because I’ve evolved musically. I wanted to create a narrative behind this, representing the birth of something; it feels like a small egg with all the songs nestled within.”

You mentioned a society that forgets the “wisdom of nature” – have you always felt connected with nature?

“I grew up in Bento, Brazil, in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by cows. Honestly, as a child, I didn’t spend much time indoors. I’d be outside with friends playing football. I yearned for the excitement of a big city, but my upbringing has made me even more appreciative of nature now that I’ve experienced its absence.”

What was your vision behind “Concrete” musically?

“I ventured more into the dance realm, infusing energetic beats. I wanted the vocals to sound ethereal while also feeling robotic and mechanical, aligning with the song’s message. Then, with the bridge, I crafted a dreamy soundscape, as if you are emerging from stone and concrete into a more surreal environment.”

You told us your earlier material drew inspiration from 2000s pop, which felt unusual – what is your vision for this EP?

“My God, that feels like ages ago! I’m trying to explore a darker sound that resonates more authentically with my essence. I wanted to create something that felt raw and real within me, and I realized that it inclined more towards a darker, rock-infused atmosphere.”

Oli directed the music video while you oversaw the overall creative direction – what was your vision?

“It’s fascinating how music is perceived differently when paired with visuals – if they’re edited to the rhythm, it creates an immersive experience. We conceptualized the video around two rabbits working for a corporation. Initially, I’m portrayed as a bird trapped in a matrix, but ultimately, we all share a similar fate. It’s a compact narrative that captures an atmosphere.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYVX6A_WBIU

How did the process of creating art for Bring Me The Horizon’s album “Post Human: Nex Gen” unfold?

“Oli usually brings his ideas to the table, and it takes me a while to translate them onto paper – he knows what he wants. We create a lot of sketches together. We both enjoy incorporating hidden messages and codes, sometimes creating visuals that are remarkably interconnected. It’s wild how art can evolve and become a significant part of a larger narrative.”

Do you still dedicate time to drawing and creating artwork – do you collaborate with other groups for art projects?

“I try to draw as often as I can. I’ve gone through various experiences, including visits to the Amazon rainforest, engaging with local communities. I established a project called Balance. I sell part of my art and donate the proceeds to help build schools in those communities. My artwork comes from a sincere place; I do it for the joy it brings, so why not use it to give back?”

“The indigenous people I met were the purest souls. Children just want to share a hug; they are curious and eager to converse. I find it essential to help them through my art.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg__mydrplg

Are you still collaborating with Oli or others on the rest of the EP?

“Oli assisted me with many songs, and I have another collaboration with Aurora. I adore her music, and it’s surreal that I was able to feature her vocals on one of my tracks.”

What are your long-term ambitions for Alissic?

“Essentially, I just want to create art that feels authentic to me, without succumbing to any pressure, and strive to make music for that invisible audience I envision in my mind.”

The new Alissic single “Concrete” is now available. The official music video premieres tonight (March 7) at 18:00 GMT – see above.