By: Staff
We can never get enough of Andrew Alarcon, and his latest release, “Otherwise,” only deepens our admiration for his artistry. As expected, his work validates our devotion every single time.
From the very first frame, with its low-resolution filming and slightly somber musical arrangement, the song sets an intimate and reflective tone. Set in a beautifully decorated rehearsal space, the visuals of Andrew Alarcon and his band craft a captivating backdrop, drawing listeners into the heart of the music. Alarcon’s vocals are immediately mesmerizing, soft yet powerful, richly soulful, and brimming with raw emotion. His delivery lays his feelings bare, making the track not just a listening experience but a deeply emotional connection. Artists who tell compelling stories in their music always stand out, and Alarcon delivers a narrative that resonates profoundly.
As the song progresses, the video transitions seamlessly from the rehearsal setting to a live performance environment, offering a fascinating glimpse into the artist’s journey from preparation to the stage. This shift elevates the experience, showcasing a thoughtful progression that lets us view the world through Alarcon’s eyes. It’s a testament to his creative vision and the deeper layers of storytelling embedded in his work.
The lyrics, particularly the line:
“Tell me if I should move along / Give me the reason / To convince me otherwise,”
are a standout feature. This clever wordplay is as memorable as it is poignant. The performance of the word “otherwise” is so impactful that it lingers in your mind long after the song ends. Even as we write this, we can’t help but hear it echoing, a testament to its nuanced brilliance.
The musical arrangement is a masterclass in blending simplicity with complexity. It’s mellow, yet layered, with the band operating as a cohesive unit while allowing each instrument to shine with crystal-clear precision. The arrangement includes perfectly timed interludes, such as a tender guitar solo, and a bass-and-drum foundation that feels both solid and refreshingly dynamic with every bar. Watching the band in their rehearsal room offers insight into their synergy, underscoring the effort and collaboration behind such a polished final product.
There’s something undeniably transformative about Alarcon’s artistry. He seems to be evolving into a modern-day Radiohead—not with the weight of self-deprecation but with an uplifting quality that elevates listeners. His music takes us on an emotional journey, helping to heal the wounds we carry while leaving us inspired and moved. “Otherwise” is the kind of song that stays with you long after the final note, resonating deeply in both mind and soul.
Andrew Alarcon’s music explores the raw edges of human emotion, charting a deeply personal yet universally relatable course through themes of regret, self-discovery, and transformation. His latest single, “Otherwise,” the third release from his upcoming album Frenzy, captures the delicate moment where self-reflection sparks the possibility of change. The track unravels the internal conflict of moving past self-rejection and finding the courage to step onto a better path, resonating with anyone facing similar struggles.
A Paraguayan-American alternative songwriter from Queens, New York, now based in Nassau, Alarcon uses his music as both expression and catharsis. With Frenzy, he documents his personal journey toward mental health improvement, crafting an album that feels as much like a diary as it does an artistic triumph. In “Otherwise,” Alarcon reflects on his choices, questioning his worthiness to pursue self-betterment and grappling with the contradictions of wanting both solitude and connection. The song’s refrain, “Convince me otherwise,” embodies his fight to break free from a cycle of negativity, offering a poignant look at the tension between surrender and perseverance.
The music video for “Otherwise”—directed by Alyssa Kim Ang—mirrors this narrative of personal evolution. It follows Alarcon through band rehearsals, open mic performances, and his first live show in years, marking his debut as a band frontman. The parallel between his musical journey and mental health progress is striking; both require commitment, patience, and an unyielding belief in growth. This visual storytelling underscores the vulnerability and effort behind Alarcon’s artistry.
Raised with an eclectic love for rock music, Alarcon’s influences range from ‘90s grunge and nu-metal to indie rock and post-rock. His introspective songwriting and emotionally charged sound draw inspiration from artists like Elliott Smith, Radiohead, and Fleet Foxes. His last EP, Confusion, included covers of Smith’s work, paying tribute to the artist who profoundly shaped his creative voice. “I probably wouldn’t
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