By: Staff
Andrew Alarcon’s latest single, “Grace,” has just been released, and it’s accompanied by a captivating video that takes viewers on an unexpected journey.
The video offers a unique and immersive experience, blending the song's beautiful melody with a compelling narrative that dives into the world of gaming. What we really loved about this song was that the video introduces us to Andrew in a way we hadn’t anticipated. The setting is a typical gaming environment, where we see Andrew deeply engrossed in playing Elden Ring, a 2022 action role-playing game developed by From Software and featuring worldbuilding by George R. R. Martin. For those unfamiliar, Elden Ring allows players to create characters, explore vast landscapes, and face off against formidable adversaries.
In the video, Andrew is shown navigating the trials of the game with a sense of both frustration and determination. As he plays, candy, beer, and soda accumulate around him, painting a vivid picture of his gaming obsession. We witness moments of triumph and defeat, with Andrew experiencing the highs and lows of gaming, including a poignant display of frustration when he loses and struggles to overcome challenges.
The visualizer cleverly incorporates elements of humor and introspection. A strategy board with the question “Why is it always death?” and amusing details like pens in Andrew’s ears add a light-hearted touch. The passage of time is marked by the transition from day to night, reflecting Andrew’s continuous effort and growing exasperation. The video builds anticipation, leaving viewers wondering if Andrew will ultimately conquer the game or remain thwarted by its challenges.
The climactic moment comes with the triumphant declaration “DEMIGOD FELLED,” which momentarily excites viewers. However, the excitement quickly turns to disappointment as Andrew appears disheartened and frustrated. He texts a friend, taunting him about the next, even harder level, but ultimately seems to question the value of his efforts.
This thought-provoking conclusion invites viewers to reflect on their own pursuits and the importance of finding joy in what they do. The visualizer’s message resonates with the idea that life’s endeavors should bring fulfillment rather than frustration. If Andrew’s experience with gaming has led him to prioritize his happiness, it’s a sentiment we can all relate to.
Musically, “Grace” features uplifting guitars, powerful vocals, and excellent control, making it a standout track. The accompanying visualizer adds a rich layer of depth, enhancing the song’s emotional impact.
After learning more about Andrew Alarcon’s journey and his commitment to persevering through life’s obstacles, we found ourselves deeply inspired and uplifted. His story of overcoming challenges adds an extra layer of meaning to the music video, making it even more compelling. Now it’s your turn to experience the powerful emotions and motivational message that Andrew’s work conveys. Head over to the video and immerse yourself in the uplifting sensation that comes from his heartfelt message.
Be sure to check out the video on YouTube to experience this creative fusion of music and storytelling.
What we really liked about this song:
Thought provoking, fresh new perspective and an unpredictable storyline.
Powerful Quote about this artist:
“The song Grace is about perseverance. It's about never giving up even when things feel like they're falling apart. This song is a metaphor for the seemingly endless battle that is against depression. My songs have a big focus on mental health and self improvement, and I believe they encapsulate how difficult it is to challenge old mental habits on a daily basis.”
Wait….. there's more!
There’s even more to the story. Hear from Andrew himself as he shares his personal struggles and how he triumphed:
We caught up with this exciting and emerging artist, for:
“The Cage” Music Blog, to talk about music and learn more about them.
Here’s how it went:
Begin Interview
How long have you been making music?
I’ve been making music for about 10 years or so. I started playing guitar when I was 14 or 15, but didn’t start making my own tunes until I was 19.
We read this: “The video for his newest song chronicles the artist’s virtual battles, as an extension of the inner-conflicts he has braved, as inspiration for many of his new songs.”
This is very exciting that you are using your music to be so open about yourself. Can you tell us more about this?
It’s tough for me to write music I like that doesn’t hold some particular meaning to it. It’s much easier to use my music as a form of self expression for thoughts and emotions I don’t normally let out on a day to day basis. For a while I had writer’s block because I had no idea how to express myself in a way that felt meaningful. It wasn’t until I was about a year into therapy where ideas just started to pour out of me.
Was there always a desire to create music, or did you have an event in your life that made you realize this is what you want to do as a profession?
Ever since I was a child I had a profound love for music. It wasn’t until I started getting really depressed in my teen years where I picked up a guitar and started playing. It got to the point where writing songs felt the most cathartic for me.
Can you walk us through your songwriting process and where the inspiration comes from for this latest project?
Pretty much every song I write starts off with me just playing my guitar in a meditative state. If I think too much about writing a song then most of the time I end up with something I hate. I’m not quite sure why this is, but there’s something about just letting yourself go that brings about the best ideas to center a song around.
We read this:
“The video shot and directed by Carol Winston pictures Andrew, consumed by a complex strategic video game, spending many hours alone in the dark, at the drawing board, and fraught with frustration.”
Can you tell us more about how this video game impacts you and your creation of your music?
Elden Ring is known for its difficulty, but also for its sense of exploration, art direction, and discovery. You spend so much time in the game defeating enemy after enemy, with each one tougher than the last. There are times where you ask yourself ‘this ‘game can’t get any more difficult,’ and then it does. But no matter how many challenges you face, you end up being on top. This always felt like a metaphor for bettering my mental health. Some days just feel impossible, but if you just give yourself time and a little bit of effort each day, eventually everything will snowball into something you’ve been striving for. This is definitely what Grace is about: Going on a journey and facing challenge after challenge, and trying to figure out how you’re going to get to where you want to be.
What instrument do you not play, or play leisurely, that you wish you could master?
I wish I could master piano. I just aimlessly play noodles on it. I usually play it when I’m bored of guitar and want to get some different musical output. But since I have no idea what I’m doing, it feels like a total escape for me musically.
Where do you create your music, i.e. in a home recording studio or with a producer? How do you finalize your finished work, ie self-mixed/mastered or another source?
I start off all my songs at home. Sometimes an idea will start on an acoustic guitar, or sometimes it’ll come from something a bit more complex like programming drums on Logic and adding a bunch of layers to it.
I’ll then take my favorite ideas and write actual songs for them and really try to know all the ins and outs of it before I take it to the studio. But even when I do that, more ideas come when I’m at the studio that I otherwise wouldn’t have thought of at home.
What was the most challenging part of bringing this project to life, from the initial idea to the final recording?
I think the most challenging part was pushing myself to the next level of songwriting. Using dynamics, rhythms, and soundscapes in the instrumentals, pushing myself as a lyricist and to write better melodies. These all were extremely tough parts in writing all the songs for my new album. But I was able to create a vision for what I wanted these songs to be, and I made it a reality by sheer will.
We read this:
“Some of the content of Alarcon’s new album is the result of addressing the state of his mental health. He started going to therapy in the midst of the pandemic”.
How has therapy impacted your life and what do you plan to do with it going forward?
I don’t think I can imagine a future where I don’t go to therapy anymore. Some parts of life are easier than others, but when things get rough it’s hard to come up with all of the answers by yourself. It’s really helpful to have unbiased professional feedback and comments on how life works.
What has been the most motivating force in creating your music?
Music helps me get things off my chest. Without that driving force of needing to express myself, I don’t really make much music. That kind of results in an unpredictable workflow, but the songs that result from that pretty much are what end up as my favorites.
What part of the music-making process is the most stressful, ie the creation, the actual release date, etc?
Definitely the release. I had no idea about marketing so I had to learn a bunch of stuff on my own time. It feels like a job. Hopefully it pays off.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t give a shit about what others think. It’ll only slow you down.
What is your favorite song to cover?
Pretty much anything Elliott Smith has made. He’s my absolute favorite. It’s really tough to pick a favorite song of his I like to cover. Stupidity Tries and Everything Reminds Me of Her come to mind though. The guitar work in those songs are remarkable.
What is your favorite quote?
“If you only have a little bit of free time you have to make the most of it. If you have a lot of it you’re kind of wondering what to do with it.” - Elliott Smith
Most people love or hate social media—where do you land?
I absolutely hate it. It’s such a time suck and rots our brains. If I wasn’t dead set sharing music I probably wouldn’t be on social media at all.
When you reach the stage where you have the admiration and respect of other world-known artists, what band or artist would you love to call and say, “Let’s go on tour together”?
I can only ever dream of being an opening act for Radiohead.
We’re thrilled to have shared this exciting journey with you and to have uncovered such inspiring details about this artist.
Now, don’t miss out—click the link below to experience their incredible story and latest work firsthand.
End Interview
Check out this latest release and listen to more of Andrew Alarcon on Spotify & YouTube.
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