Alla Igityan
Exploring “Another Monday,” this interview with Alla Igityan delves into themes of escapism, gratitude, and change, alongside her Americana and folk storytelling roots, Berlin influence, and upcoming musical plans ahead.
1. “Another Monday” explores the idea of escaping to a paradise island but with an existential twist—what inspired this concept, and what message did you want listeners to take from it?
I think we all sometimes wish we were somewhere else or living under different circumstances. But that also makes me wonder whether there’s any place or situation where we’d be fully content with every single thing, especially after a couple of years. I think I needed to hear the message of this song myself before I could convey it to listeners: sometimes your current reality is what you used to dream about, and it’s good to be reminded of that.
2. Your music is rooted in Americana and folk traditions—how do these genres help you express the emotional depth behind your storytelling?
Storytelling is my favorite part of music, and I feel like Americana and folk are natural homes for storytellers. It’s amazing how a three- or four-minute country song can tell the whole story of someone’s life. There’s something so honest and beautiful about that.
3. Can you walk us through the songwriting process for “Another Monday”? Did the song come from a personal experience or a more imagined narrative?
There’s a real place behind the imaginary paradise in this song: the tiny island of Culatra in Portugal. I was lucky enough to spend a few days there a couple of years ago, and I’ve been calling it my “happy place” ever since.
The creation of “Another Monday” started with a songwriting prompt I saw online. I decided to write about an average Monday in my happy place. Once I closed my eyes, imagined being there, started humming the melody, and mumbled the first words, I found myself noticing the little annoying things too—the things I probably wouldn’t be as excited about if I were able to stay there long enough.
It was one of those songs that took less than an hour to finish. And while it’s about a very specific “island situation,” I feel like it explores a deeper idea we’re all confronted with sometimes: wanting what we can’t have and taking what we already have for granted.
4. There’s often a contrast between the dream of escape and the reality we carry within us—how does this theme reflect your own perspective on life and change?
I’m the kind of person who goes through changes all the time, and I think being courageous enough to face your fear of change can be very rewarding. Most of us might find ourselves at a point where our current reality feels far from what we envision for ourselves, or from that “dream of escape.” But if you know what you’re dreaming about, I think that’s already half the battle.
5. As an artist based in Berlin, how has the city influenced your sound and creative direction, especially within such a traditionally American genre?
Berlin is definitely a special city. It has such a diverse music scene, and even an open mic on a random Tuesday can be incredibly inspiring. In just a couple of hours, you can meet and experience artists from all over the world sharing their music and stories. Being surrounded by so many talented musicians definitely keeps me motivated to keep working on my own music.
6. With “Another Monday” set for release on April 17, what are your plans moving forward—can fans expect more singles, an EP, or perhaps a full album in the near future?
Definitely. I’m already working on a new single, and I’ve been writing more songs lately, so I hope I’ll be able to share more about an EP or album soon.