OUT IN PUBLIC with Allie X from French Fries Archives

Oscillating from meditative moody melodies to goth party music, Canadian singer and songwriter Allie X reclaims her own identity in Cape God, her latest project. With special guests Troye Sivan and Mitski, the album reflects on themes such as isolation, emptiness, and the need of belonging, delivering a dark and mysterious record without losing Allie’s authentic pop appeal. Visually, the album contrasts from her previous works, but it is definitely a success, both for longtime fans and new listeners. “Cape God” is the beginning of something new and very significant for the sound of Allie X. In advance of a postponed tour, Allie spoke to us about the making of the album, her childhood growing up in Canada and her dream collaborations.

Photographed by Brendon Burton / burtoo
Interviewed by Guilherme Ferrari / gferrari____
for The Dreamers issue

How was creating the concept for your new album? What was the inspiration behind Cape God?

Creating the concept for an album is always an interesting process. I search for the concept of course, but the concept is always there searching for me as well. I normally get heavily into concept, once I have a few songs that are cohesive and strongly telling me something. It is at that point that I become an explorer in that fantasy world and figure out what it is that they are saying, what it is that I’ve unconsciously said. In the early songs of Cape God, I was writing about being an outsider, leaving home and feeling disconnected from the people around me. I was both thinking about my experience as a teenager, but also placing myself in this east coast malaise fantasy environment. After “Fresh Laundry“, “Regulars“ and “Rings a Bell“ were written, I began to examine that, and decided it was a retrospective album in a place called Cape God.

Is there any song in particular that you are most excited to perform on your upcoming tour?

“Super Duper Party People“. No question!

You had to postpone the first leg of North American shows due to the COVID-19 pandemic, how was dealing with this situation of self-isolation and social distancing?

Oh dear, it’s been a lot of feelings ha. All extremes. To name a few, insecurity, anger, sadness, unmotivation, then on the other side, manic productivity, tons of creativity and excitement, freedom to do whatever I want. The last couple weeks I’ve found a rhythm I’m happy with. This situation has definitely shone a light on a lot of my weaknesses and strengths and has given me clarity in many ways.

There is a current theme of your self-image, and internal conflicts, but also acceptance in your songs. Where does that come from?

Hmm, not exactly sure. I think it comes from getting older? Reflecting? Finding compassion toward myself has been a major step in my personal development in the last few years. I think that, combined with my determination to be as honest as possible is probably part of what you’re experiencing.

Your fashion sense is always very strong and remarkable on your work. How critical is that for you and how do you incorporate that in each era?

Wow thank you! Big compliment, coming from an Italian magazine. I think the visual representation of the music is always almost as important as the music itself. When I think of the records I love, I think of the album covers. I love the culture of “eras” in pop music and play into it very much. I love making each “era” of my artistic journey distinct! I think my fans enjoy this a lot, which motivates me even more. Plus it’s fun!

Do you have a go-to designer?

Hmm well, only now, am I really starting to have relationships with the bigger fashion houses. I have many I would love to work with in a more consistent way, that I just don’t have the ability to yet. Miuccia Prada - if you read this, let’s be friends. However I am so fortunate to have support and champions in some of my favorite designers. Margiela, Olivier Theyskens and Iris van Herpen namely. Some of my favorite current up and coming designers are Cecilie Bahnsen, RUS (incredible knitwear), Ottolinger, and Weslah.

Was fashion a resource for your self-discovery and to shape your personal identity?

Absolutely. But not in the sense that I was wearing designer clothes or had an awareness of the fashion industry. But as a teenager, I had such insecurity about the way I looked, that I really used clothing to hide my body, accentuate the parts I wanted to, express my personality, distract people etc... I became a master of understanding silhouette in a way at a very young age. As I have grown into an adult and become more confident, fashion has become very fun and empowering. I’m enjoying become integrated into the actual industry.

What was like growing up in Canada and how you came to be the Allie X we know today?

That’s a big question! I am very grateful to have grown up in Canada. I didn’t realize till I moved to LA, what a special country it is. There is a lot of space, kindness and acceptance. People are a bit more humble, and move a bit slower on average. I think I have always been a bit too ambitious for the entertainment industry in Canada, which is why I had to leave, but I love my country. I do hope to live there again one day. All my closest friends are there. So are my family, and all the lakes I grew up swimming in.

What did you use as an outlet before music back then?

I ALWAYS used music. From my earliest memories. It’s always been my way to get the toughest of times. The thing that gave me confidence. The expression that gave me a voice. Without music I don’t know how my life would be.

Who would be your dream collaboration and why?

Perhaps working with Olivier Theyskens to design all the looks for a tour. Or maybe scoring a Hayao Miyazaki film. Or perhaps making a music video with Michel Gondry. Musically I’d love to do a song with Phoebe Bridgers, Angel Olsen or Little Dragon. That’s all just off the top of my head. There are so many more. I love collaboration.

What songs do you listen to when you are home alone?

Been listening to “Lullaby” – The Cure, “Feel Like A Man” – Snowblink, “Twist the Knife” – Chromatics, “No G.D.M.” – Gina X lately.

What are your plans once the Cape God tour is over?

Hopefully it happens in the next year! Everything is up in the air right now. I am focusing on creating. Developing an animated series (shhhh) a podcast (shhhhh) and learning how to edit and DJ.

Last but not least, where do you eat your favourite french fries?

Home cooked, baby. I generally don’t do deep fried.