Alessia Cara Explores Womanhood, Self-Reflection, and Creativity

BY KATHERINE CHUNG

Alessia Cara is back and better than ever. As a Juno and Grammy award-winning artist, she continues to impress her audience. She is a mastermind of color theory and symbolism, which she brilliantly incorporates into her music thanks to her synesthesia. On Valentine’s Day, Alessia released her highly anticipated album, Love & Hyperbole, sharing it with fans around the world. In the days leading up to the release, she delivered heartfelt messages of hope, love, and loss during an 1824 press conference, deeply resonating with both new and longtime listeners.

Now, in 2025, Cara feels more confident than ever when it comes to collaborating with other artists, exploring remixes, and listening to versions of her work on social media. She has embraced the idea of welcoming support and feedback from fellow writers and musicians without the lingering fear of judgment that once held her back. She shared that her approach to songwriting and recording used to involve entering the studio with a fully formed idea, often believing her first draft was her best draft. However, after collaborating with numerous producers over the past decade, she realized the value of embracing challenges and setting new goals. She has learned to let go of focusing too heavily on expectations, especially in an ever-evolving music industry, and to recognize that her growth is not defined by accolades alone.

The two greatest influences behind this project [her favorite project to this day], have not come from accolades, but from the people and experiences that surround her. Like many songwriters, she believes the best way to overcome writer’s block is to take a step back. Spend a few days outdoors. Walk her dog. Immerse herself in hobbies and the beauty of nature. “It is all about releasing the pressure to create and allowing inspiration to flow naturally.”

This growth in her creative process has led to the release of some of her most authentic work to date. Among her favorite tracks, Cara has highlighted "Fire" as a standout.” As her most personal and vulnerable song yet. Reflecting on the experience, she shared, “When I wrote 'Fire,' I felt no fear or pressure.” She described the track as an intimate, open, and almost "naked" exploration of her feelings, carrying a message that feels both delicate and radiant. At its core, “Fire” is a love letter—a deeply personal expression to someone who holds a special place in her life, making it a standout moment in her musical journey.

She acknowledged that she is still young and learning, but she is also grown enough to redefine what ‘love’ truly means. Reflecting on her more somber, introspective tracks, she shared a profound insight tied to her album cover: “I used to think love was all about making sacrifices. Now, I understand that real love is something that expands you—makes you bigger than you ever thought you could be. It shows you how important you are, builds trust in your partner, and reassures you that you are going to be okay.” Cara went on to explain how this revelation is mirrored in the models and dancers featured in her album trailer and cover, tying her personal evolution to the visual storytelling of her work.  In contrast, she also redefined the word ‘hyperbole,’ using it in a humorous way. Many of her lyrics focus on soothing dark emotions, with love portrayed as dramatically intense—like a heartbreak feeling as if the world is ending. She also employs hyperbole as a tool for self-reflection. 

Along with the notable theme of growth and acceptance in this project, she also included a lot of happier and upbeat songs. Cara recognizes that a lot of her past work has been about pain or sadness. “It’s hard to talk about when things are good. Most of my songs are about pain. It’s hard to vent and write when you do not have anything to talk about. I needed a break from writing sad songs. It is fresh and happier. It is more me.” 

To complement the songs celebrating positive life moments and romance, Alessia highlighted that 90% of the album was recorded live with an orchestra, inspired by the vibe of the 1960s and 1970s. She emphasized the importance of honoring the classics in Jazz and Pop while maintaining a modern feel for her audience. This instrumental aspect of her new sound also allowed her to find a fresh sound. “Simplicity is the best way to reach a group of large people.”

Over the past decade, Alessia has noticed that a significant part of her audience consists of young people and women navigating challenges in relationships. While she does not want to dictate what her fans—new or old—should take away from this album, she concluded the conference by sharing a personal lesson she gained during its creation.“The one thing I want people to take away from the album, especially young women, is that we see pain and loss and joy and love as two different things.

As she prepares for her upcoming US and UK tour, she reflects on the enduring impact of her hit song, "Scars to Your Beautiful." The song's iconic lyrics continue to resonate deeply, embodying her values as a woman and a role model even today. “I think that loss and pain means that you tried your best and gave everything to something. That’s really what I want people to take away from it.” Cara now understands what it means to love and lose something. Even if it is a tangible idea or a person, she can relate.