Not Home feels very intentional in its restraint. Can you walk us through how the song first took shape creatively, from the earliest idea to the final version?

From the very first listen, I connected to the vulnerability of the song instantly. The process was quite fast and natural. I recorded a demo, we went back and forth a little, adjusted some vocal intentions, added harmonies, and within a few days it was done. What shaped the final version the most was really leaning into the emotion and allowing space in the vocal.

When you’re writing or recording vocals, what usually comes first for you emotionally: the melody, the lyric, or the mood you want to capture?

It really depends, but most of the time it starts with the melody. A melody comes, and often a random word or phrase comes with it, and sometimes that first word stays until the final version. But emotion is always the foundation. Even if it starts with a melody, it’s because that melody already carries a feeling.

How did working with Alan Walker influence the way you approached this record compared to your usual creative process?

I was definitely very motivated to do a great job. I really immersed myself in the emotion of the song and focused on delivering something honest and precise. Knowing the scale of his world pushes you to be sharp and intentional, but at the same time I stayed true to my natural way of singing.

Alan’s production world is very distinctive. How did you find your own voice within that framework while still allowing the collaboration to feel cohesive?

It felt very natural, honestly. I think my voice blends well with his production style. His world leaves space for emotion, and that’s where I feel most at home, no pun intended. So it didn’t feel forced; it felt complementary. And it’s also a dream come true for me.

The theme of not quite belonging resonates strongly in the track. Was this inspired by a personal experience, or something more universal you wanted to explore?

I definitely drew from personal experience. I went through a very intense breakup a couple of years ago, and that feeling of emotional displacement, of something that once felt like home no longer being home, is very real to me. But I also think it’s universal. We all go through moments where we feel out of place, even within relationships or within ourselves.

You’ve worked across very different electronic spaces, from melodic dance to more club-focused releases. How do you decide which sonic lane a song belongs in?

Every song is its own story. As a songwriter, it usually starts from a need, an emotion or an idea, and then the fun part is finding the right world to place it in. Sometimes I even experiment with tools like Suno to explore different sonic directions and see what fits best. It’s a playful process of trial and discovery.

From studio sessions to final release, what surprised you most about the way Not Home evolved?

How fast and smooth it was. Sometimes songs take months of back and forth, but this one felt very aligned from the beginning. Everyone involved was genuinely enthusiastic about it, and you could feel that energy all the way through to the final version.

You’ve just released a new single alongside this collaboration. How does that track reflect where you are creatively right now, and how does it contrast with Not Home?

My new single Go Up is much lighter and more danceable, almost the polar opposite of Not Home. I love being able to explore different moods and styles. One song can be introspective and emotional, and another can just make you want to move. That contrast feels very honest to who I am.

As both a songwriter and a vocalist, how do you know when a song is meant for your own artist project rather than being written for someone else?

If I can imagine myself on stage singing it and spending hours creating content around it without getting tired of it, then it’s probably meant for me. If I feel excited at the idea of carrying that song publicly, that’s usually the sign.

Collaboration is a big part of your journey so far. What qualities do you look for in an artist or producer before committing creatively?

Seriousness in their approach to music is important. I really value people who care deeply about what they’re creating. Emotionally, I look for alignment, someone who feels music in a similar way to me. That emotional compatibility makes everything flow better.

With your profile continuing to grow internationally, how are you approaching the next phase of your career, creatively and strategically?

Right now, I’m focusing a lot on songwriting, improving my vocal technique with my vocal coach and vocologist, and exploring movement and performance. I’m also learning how to create content in a way that feels fun and authentic. I want to build toward stronger collaborations, songs that truly reach people’s hearts, and I’m preparing myself to step back on stage more consistently.

Looking ahead, what can listeners expect from Alessia Labate in the coming months: more collaborations, more solo material, or a deeper dive into a specific sound?

Definitely more collaborations in the dance space in its broadest sense, and more live appearances. I’m very excited about what’s coming.

Anything else you would like to say?

I just hope my music speaks for me and reaches straight to the listeners’ hearts. I’m very grateful for all the support I’m receiving from my fans and from my team. And honestly, my favourite thing is turning non-believers into fans. It means I’m doing something right.

Alan Walker x Alessia Labate ‘Not Home’ is out now, you can listen here.