Today, GRAMMY®-nominated singer, songwriter,
producer, and multi-instrumentalist Alexander 23 grapples with heartbreak on “ILL,” his new
single featuring acclaimed artist Kenny Beats. Listen HERE via Interscope Records. It marks
Alexander’s first collaboration with a hip-hop producer, but his raw lyricism and knack for
melody is still very much at the heart of the bruisingly honest song. Of the track Kenny shares
“This is the first song I made with Alexander the first hour we met. He’s got such an effortless
way with words and people, he’s that friend you swear you’ve met before. I couldn’t be more
proud of “ill” and the whole team involved.”
“ILL,” which also features well as Maroon 5’s, James Valentine on guitar, is accompanied by a
striking lyric video, which highlights the complexity of the song. The timelapse technology
captures the artist’s restlessness and distress, which reflects the emotional impact of lyrics that
reference confusing texts from his ex (“It was still raining and you were still gone”) and
flashbacks to showering together. “I get physically ill when I think about you getting physical
with someone else,” he then sings on the forlorn chorus.
Only three months have passed since Alexander released his debut studio album Aftershock.
Produced alongside Dan Nigro, the 11-track project is immersed in the aftermath of a failed
relationship. The acoustic single “Hate Me If It Helps” was co-written with Olivia Rodrigo, who
also provided background vocals, while Alexander’s vast emotional depth is on display with the
ballad “The Hardest Part.” “Being heartbroken, thinking you’re over it when you’re obviously
not, meeting new people, questioning yourself and all your relationships,” Alexander explained
of the album’s roots upon its release in July. “If the breakup was the emotional earthquake, the
creation of this album was the emotional aftershock." Aftershock went on to receive support
from Rolling Stone, Billboard, V Magazine, People Magazine, ET Online, and more.
“ILL” is an extension of that sentiment. Alexander has been outwardly moving on by focusing
on touring. This summer he played several festival dates including a headline hometown show
as well as sets at Lollapalooza, Life Is Beautiful, and Firefly in Dover, Delaware. The Chicago
native also supported John Mayer on tour earlier this year before kicking off on his first-ever
headlining North American and UK & European tour in October. This spring he’s set to open for
girl in red on a string of European dates and in the fall. With songs like “ILL” on the setlist, his
evocative live shows are bound to double as nightly healing sessions. See all dates HERE.