Artist Advent Calendar - Day 8: Alnev
For Day 8, we’re shining the spotlight on Alnev, an artist whose introspection and sharp lyricism make his work hit on a deeper level. This year, Alnev has been on an upward trajectory, learning the ropes of production and pushing his creative boundaries with his debut EP. His music is emotional, thought-provoking, and feels like a warm hug on a rainy day—if that hug also included some seriously clever storytelling.
Drawing inspiration from anti-folk and lyrical giants, Alnev’s influences range far and wide, and his upcoming projects hint at a future filled with even more poignant and powerful releases. From connecting with fans to finding humor in unexpected places, his journey is as genuine as the music he creates.
We can’t wait to hear more of what Alnev has in store. Stay tuned as we continue to celebrate incredible artists throughout this holiday season!
NW: What’s the biggest thing you learned about yourself this year?
Alnev: This year has definitely had a huge learning curve; I released my debut EP and learned so much from the process and have been focusing on how I’d like to improve it in the future. I’ve also started to actualize my ability to produce my music myself, which has been such an exciting thing to do.
NW: Who’s an artist you've recently discovered?
Alnev: A friend of mine recently showed me an anti-folk artist named “Diane Cluck” that has some superb music. Her self-titled record is such a unique and awe-inspiring piece of work; she’s clearly an incredible writer and arranger. I particularly loved “Ink & Needles” and “Touch Deprivation”.
NW: What's the strangest place you've ever written or recorded music?
Alnev: Probably a stairwell somewhere. It’s always nice to have some natural reverb from a room.
NW: If you could collab with any artist right now, who would it be?
Alnev: I love so many artists; it’s really so hard to choose. I think my go-to answer will always be Julia Michaels, she’s just such an unbelievable lyricist and I’ve really learned so much from her craft. I think we’re gonna write some incredible songs together.
NW: What was your most-played song this year?
Alnev: Definitely “Sympathy is a knife” by Charli XCX. The entire “Brat” record has been the soundtrack of my year. I only have good things to say about that record. It’s a monumental, culture-shifting, flawless collection of music, and a stunning display of the power of a good concept + good marketing/branding.
NW: Do you have a favorite fan interaction from this year?
Alnev: Haha I think so. I was at an event and some dude who was around my age came up to me and told me that his mom is obsessed with my music. I had no idea that moms listened to Alnev. That definitely made my night.
NW: What's a lyric from another artist that hits you hard every time?
Alnev: “Thunder on the beach, where you once would ask for more” from Tamino’s “My Dearest Friend and Enemy”. That song is just an utter heartbreaker. I have definitely shed some tears to that one.
NW: What song of yours do you feel proudest of?
Alnev: I’m caught between my unreleased music and my released music on this one. My upcoming music is definitely some of my proudest work, but from the released music, I’d probably say “Van Gogh”. It means so much to me and it’s been endlessly cathartic to see how much it means to other people. I have always believed in that song, from the moment I wrote it.
