Kita Alexander
Kita Alexander | |
---|---|
Birth name | Nikkita Kalea Alexander |
Born | [1] Brisbane, Queensland, Australia | 25 February 1996
Origin | Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia |
Genres | Pop[2] |
Occupations |
|
Instruments |
|
Years active | 2011–present |
Labels | Warner Music Australia |
Website | kitaalexander |
Nikkita Kalea "Kita" Alexander (born 25 February 1996[1]) is an Australian pop singer-songwriter from Brisbane, Queensland. Her single "Hotel" peaked at number 51 on the ARIA Singles Chart in November 2017 and was certified 2× Platinum by Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) in 2020. Alexander released her debut studio album, Young in Love in March 2024.
Early life
[edit]Nikkita Kalea Alexander was born on 25 February 1996[1][3] in Brisbane, Queensland.[4]
She was raised in Port Macquarie, where she began performing at the age of 15, and left high school to focus on her music career.[5][6]
Personal life
[edit]Kita Alexander's elder sister, Natassja Alexander, died in July 2013. She dedicated her 2017 Hotel EP to her sister's memory, saying: "It's heavily influenced and deeply personal. "Hotel" is about dealing with the loss."[7]
She married Australian professional surfer Owen Wright in 2019.[8] Close friend and fellow musician Jack River was a member of the bridal party, alongside Lisa Mitchell and Isabel Lucas.[9]
Alexander and Wright's first child, Vali, was born in 2016.[10][9] Their second child, Rumi Alexander Wright, was born on 15 January 2021.[11] The family live in Lennox Head,[12] also spending time at their second home Paradiso Property, in Byron Bay, where Alexander wrote music for EP, The One.[13]
Career
[edit]2013–2014: Lion Hat
[edit]Her first extended play, Lion Hat, with six tracks, was issued in March 2013.[14] It was produced by Jordan Millar and recorded in Sydney.[14] Lisa Tisdell of Port Macquarie News felt, "the finished product containing songs that appeal to a cross-section of people."[14] She moved to Byron Bay, after turning 18.
Alexander found her talent manager, Tim Manton (of After the Fall) of TAP Management, via a Google search.[5][2]
2015–2016: Like You Want To
[edit]Alexander released her debut single "My Own Way" in August 2015. "My Own Way" received airplay on national youth radio station Triple J,[15] and peaked at #95 on the ARIA Singles Chart.[16] AllMusic's Neil Z. Yeung observed that, "[her influences] informed much of her sonic aesthetic, while polished production sheen enhanced her pop sensibilities."[2] Alexander had travelled to the west coast of United States earlier that year to record an acoustic music video for "My Own Way" at Noisey Acoustics in Topanga Canyon.[6] "My Own Way" polled at #125 in Triple J's Hottest 200 of 2015.[17]
The singer's second EP, Like You Want To was released in November 2015.[18] The EP was rated by AllMusic's Neil Yeung at three-and-a-half stars out-of five, which he described as, "a fun and carefree quartet of atmospheric pop... a promising start for the young singer, whose sunburned throwback pop displays a maturity well beyond her years."[19] The title single was issued earlier in that month, which peaked at #82 on the ARIA Singles Chart.[16][20] "Like You Want To" ranked at number 107 in Triple J's Hottest 200 of 2015[17] and was then certified Gold by ARIA in 2020.[21]
2017–2018: Hotel
[edit]Alexander's third EP, Hotel, was released in April 2017.[22] The title single peaked in the top 60 on the ARIA Singles Chart in November after charting in the related ARIA Hitseekers Singles Chart for over 20 weeks.[16] It was certified platinum, for shipment of 70,000 units, by Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) in February 2018[23][24] and 2× platinum in 2020.[25]
"Hotel" came in at #196 in Triple J's Hottest 200 of 2017.[26]
2019–2021: "Between You & I" and "Against the Water"
[edit]In May 2019, Alexander released "Between You & I", which samples Tears for Fears' 1985 song Everybody Wants to Rule the World.[27] "Between You & I" polled at #179 in Triple J's Hottest 200 of 2019[28] and was certified Gold in 2020.[21]
In February 2020, Alexander released "Against the Water".[9] The song references her partner Owen Wright's brain injury (which occurred while surfing competitively Pipeline on the North Shore of Hawaii) and Alexander's subsequent withdrawal from touring in order to nurse him back to health.[9]
2022: The One
[edit]On 11 March 2022, Alexander released "Run" in which she disavows an unhealthy relationship and sings of finding the courage to break free and is the first taste of a forthcoming EP, due in 2022.[29]
On 19 August 2022, Alexander released "Ocean Blue".[30]
On 4 November 2022, Alexander released "Memories of You", the fourth single from her fourth EP, The One, scheduled for related on 17 November 2022.[31] "Memories of You" reckons with trauma of sexual abuse to which Alexander says, "I hope that the men who listen to this song will digest it's [sic] true meaning and have it in the back of their heads, on repeat, always".[31]
2023: Young in Love
[edit]In March 2023, Alexander announced details of her debut headline tour in Australia and released "Queen".[32]
In November 2023, Alexander released "Best You Ever Had" and announced her debut album Young in Love, which was released in March 2024.[33]
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]Title | Details | Peak chart positions |
---|---|---|
AUS [34] | ||
Young in Love |
|
61 |
Extended plays
[edit]Title | Details |
---|---|
Lion Hat |
|
Like You Want To |
|
Hotel |
|
The One |
|
Singles
[edit]Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
AUS [16] |
NZ Hot [37] | ||||
"My Own Way"[38] | 2015 | 95 | — | Non-album single | |
"Like You Want To" | 82 | — | Like You Want To | ||
"Damage Done"[39] | 2016 | — | — |
|
Hotel |
"Hotel" | 2017 | 51 | — |
| |
"Between You & I" | 2019 | — | — |
|
Non-album singles |
"Against the Water"[9] | 2020 | — | — | ||
"I Miss You, I'm Sorry"[40] | — | — | |||
"Can't Help Myself"[41] | — | — | |||
"Run"[42] | 2022 | — | — | The One | |
"Storm"[43] | — | — | |||
"Ocean Blue"[30] | — | — | |||
"Memories of You"[31] | — | — | |||
"Queen"[44][32] | 2023 | — | — | Young in Love | |
"7 Minutes in Heaven"[45] | — | — | |||
"Date Night" (featuring Morgan Evans)[46] |
— | 32 | |||
"Atmosphere" (with Fisher)[47] |
68 | 10 |
|
TBA | |
"Best You Ever Had"[33] | — | — | Young in Love | ||
"All Night" (featuring Laurel)[49] |
2024 | — | — | ||
"Zodiac"[50][51] | — | — | |||
"True" (with Cyril)[52] |
— | 28 | From Down Under |
Awards and nominations
[edit]AIR Awards
[edit]The Australian Independent Record Awards (commonly known informally as AIR Awards) is an annual awards night to recognise, promote and celebrate the success of Australia's Independent Music sector.
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | "Atmosphere" (with Fisher) | Best Independent Dance, Electronica or Club Single | Won | [53] |
Queensland Music Awards
[edit]The Queensland Music Awards (previously known as Q Song Awards) are annual awards celebrating Queensland, Australia's brightest emerging artists and established legends. They commenced in 2006.[54]
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result (wins only) | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | "Atmosphere" with Fisher | Highest Selling Single | Won | [55] |
Rolling Stone Australia Awards
[edit]The Rolling Stone Australia Awards are awarded annually by the Australian edition of Rolling Stone magazine for outstanding contributions to popular culture in the previous year.
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | "Atmosphere" with Fisher | Best Single | Nominated | [56] |
References
[edit]- ^ a b c @Owen Wright (25 February 2021). "Happy 25th birthday to this incredible popstar and mother of 2! Rumi, Vali and I love you @kitaalexander". Retrieved 26 February 2021 – via Instagram.
- ^ a b c Yeung, Neil Z. "Kita Alexander | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
- ^ Lazarevic, Jade (20 February 2020). "Kita Alexander, one half of the dream couple with pro surfer Owen Wright, is back on stage for The Drop Festival". The Newcastle Herald. Retrieved 30 January 2021.
- ^ "Australian musician Kita Alexander makes waves with new video for 'My Own Way'". BroadwayWorld. 12 June 2015. Retrieved 30 January 2021.
- ^ a b Macgregor, Jody (20 January 2016). "20 buzz bands you'll be listening to in 2016". FasterLouder. Junkee Media. Archived from the original on 25 April 2016. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
- ^ a b Kellar, Jim (17 July 2015). "Kita Alexander: Doing it her own way". The Newcastle Herald. Retrieved 30 January 2021.
- ^ Davies, Hayden (5 May 2017). "Interview: Kita Alexander opens up on her deeply personal new EP, 'Hotel'". Pilerats. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
- ^ Viswanath (4 May 2017). "Premiere: Kita Alexander returns with New EP 'Hotel'". V Magazine. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
- ^ a b c d e Newstead, Al (28 February 2020). "Kita Alexander's new song 'Against The Water' inspired by surfer husband's recovery". Triple J. Retrieved 24 June 2020.
- ^ "Where did Kita Alexander disappear to for 2 years? Hear the bittersweet tale of her latest EP Hotel". Hhhappy. 18 May 2017. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
- ^ @Kita Alexander (15 January 2021). "Rumi Alexander Wright 15.01.2021 ..." – via Instagram.
- ^ Walsh, Dan (24 March 2023). "Why Owen Wright is walking away from competitive surfing, while he still can". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
- ^ "Inside musician Kita Alexander and Olympic surfer Owen Wright's Byron Bay beach shack".
- ^ a b c d Tisdell, Lisa (31 March 2013). "Music is Kita's world". Port Macquarie News. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
- ^ "Kita Alexander working with producers behind Lana Del Rey, Sia, Empire of the Sun". Triple J. 21 July 2015. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
- ^ a b c d Peak chart positions in Australia:
- For "My Own Way": Wallace, Ian (10 August 2015). "Week Commencing ~ 10th August 2015 ~ Issue #1328" (PDF). The ARIA Report (1328). Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA): 2, 4, 16, 21. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 August 2015. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
- For "Like You Want To": Wallace, Ian (14 December 2015). "Week Commencing ~ 14th December 2015 ~ Issue #1346" (PDF). The ARIA Report (1346). Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA): 4, 26. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 December 2015. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
- For "Hotel": Wallace, Ian (27 November 2017). "Week Commencing ~ 27th November 2017 ~ Issue #1448" (PDF). The ARIA Report (1448). Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA): 4, 11, 16, 21. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 November 2017. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
- For "Atmosphere": "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 5 February 2024". The ARIA Report. No. 1770. Australian Recording Industry Association. 5 February 2024. p. 4.
- ^ a b "Full List 101-200: Triple J Hottest 200, 2015". Triple J. 27 January 2020. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
- ^ Ryan, Gavin (7 November 2015). "ARIA Singles: Adele Earns Platinum Status with 'Hello' at No 1". Noise11 (Paul Cashmere, Ros O'Gorman). Retrieved 7 November 2015.
- ^ Yeung, Neil Z. "Like You Want To – Kita Alexander | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
- ^ Ryan, Gavin (5 December 2015). "ARIA Singles: Adele 'Hello' Spends Sixth Week at No 1". Noise11 (Paul Cashmere, Ros O'Gorman). Retrieved 5 December 2015.
- ^ a b "StackPath". amnplify.com.au. 11 November 2020. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
- ^ "ARIA Chart Watch #448". auspOp. 25 November 2017. Archived from the original on 15 July 2018. Retrieved 25 November 2017.
- ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2018 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association.
- ^ "ARIA Chart Watch #459". auspOp. 10 February 2018. Archived from the original on 10 February 2018. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
- ^ a b c d "Kita Alexander shares the official music video for new summer anthem". Amnplify. November 2020. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
- ^ "Full List 101-200: Hottest 200, 2017". ABC (Triple J). 28 January 2017. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
- ^ "Kita Alexander is back after two years with new song 'Between You & I'". Cool Accidents. 10 May 2019. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
...The song cleverly samples Tears For Fears' Everybody Wants To Rule The World, modernising the 1985 classic into a sleek little indie pop tune.
- ^ "Full List 101-200: Hottest 200, 2019". Triple J. 29 January 2020. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
- ^ "Kita Alexander finds personal power in new single". NME. 11 March 2022. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
- ^ a b c "Listen: Kita Alexander - Ocean Blue". Pilerats. 19 August 2022. Retrieved 19 August 2022.
- ^ a b c d Robinson, Ellie (4 November 2022). "Kita Alexander shares poignant new single 'Memories Of You', details 'The One' EP". NME. Retrieved 4 November 2022.
- ^ a b "I'm so so excited to announce my debut tour and my brand new single Queen!". Facebook. 16 March 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
- ^ a b c "Kita Alexander Announces Debut Album 'Young In Love'". The Music. 3 November 2023. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
- ^ "Veronicas land in top 10". Australian Recording Industry Association. 29 March 2024. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
- ^ "Like You Want To – EP by Kita Alexander on Apple Music". Apple Music AU. 27 November 2015. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
- ^ "Hotel – EP by Kita Alexander on Apple Music". Apple Music AU. 7 April 2017. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
- ^ Peaks on the NZ Hot Singles Chart:
- "Date Night": "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. 7 August 2023. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
- "Atmosphere": "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. 21 August 2023. Retrieved 19 August 2023.
- "True": "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. 19 August 2024. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
- ^ "My Own Way – Single by Kita Alexander on Apple Music". Apple Music. 26 May 2015. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
- ^ Hohnen, Mike (12 December 2016). "Premiere: Kita Alexander tags Aussie pro surfer for 'Damage Done' music video". Music Feeds. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
- ^ Langford, Jackson (26 June 2020). "Kita Alexander drops new song 'I Miss You, I'm Sorry'". Music Feeds. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
- ^ Brereton, Greta (9 October 2020). "Kita Alexander shares new single "Can't Help Myself"". NME Australia. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
- ^ "New Aus Music Playlist ADDITIONS – 11/03/22". Music Feeds. 11 March 2022. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
- ^ Ross, Anna (9 June 2022). "Kita Alexander bares all in heartfelt new single 'Storm'". NME. Retrieved 4 November 2022.
- ^ "Kita Alexander returns with dance floor anthem 'Queen'". Women in Pop. 12 April 2023. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
- ^ "Sam Smith, Madonna & More: This Week's Best New Music". The Music. 9 June 2023. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
- ^ "Kita Alexander and Morgan Evans Have a Country 'Date Night'". Rolling Stone Australia. 28 July 2023. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
- ^ "Fisher joins forces with Kita Alexander for sizzling summer hit 'Atmosphere'". We Rave You. 11 August 2023. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
- ^ "FISHER Receives Two Plaques For Platinum Singles". The Music. 31 May 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
- ^ "Kita Alexander All Night (feat. LAUREL) [Official Audio]". YouTube. 1 February 2024. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
- ^ "zodiac is out now". 22 March 2024. Retrieved 23 March 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Singles Added to Radio This Week". AUM Report. 22 March 2024. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
- ^ "Today, Australian breakout producer Cyril and Australian pop artist Kita Alexander release their irresistible collaboration "True"". 9 August 2024. Retrieved 12 August 2024 – via Instagram.
- ^ "2024 AIR Awards Nominees: Genesis Owusu, Cub Sport, RVG, Teen Jesus & More". The Music. 14 May 2024. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
- ^ "About the Queensland Music Awards". Queensland Music Awards. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
- ^ "Cub Sport, Jem Cassar-Daley & Joff Bush Win Big At 2024 Queensland Music Awards". The Music. 17 April 2024. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
- ^ "Troye Sivan, Kylie Minogue & Dom Dolla Among 2024 Shure Rolling Stone Australia Awards Nominees". Rolling Stone Australia. 4 March 2024. Retrieved 11 March 2024.