Alejandro Aranda Relieved Didn’t Win American Idol, Readies Album Drop

Scarypoolparty Alejandro Aranda Press 2

Life changed for Alejandro Aranda, who currently goes by the moniker Scarypoolparty when he was approached by an American Idol talent agent after a backyard party performance.

“This opportunity came up with American Idol, and they’re like, ‘Hey, you can come in and play your own songs. Like, we’re totally backing that. We want you to do it.’,” Alejandro told Yahoo Music.  However, once he was on the show, producers repeatedly warned the singer/songwriter that performing unfamiliar and uncommercial originals would be a huge risk. But the he did it anyway, finishing the 2019 season in second place.  

Alejandro is “relieved” that he didn’t win American Idol, he tells Yahoo. He struggled with his sudden TV fame–the ONLY reason his family didn’t appear on the show was to protect them from scrutiny. “I would’ve been happy with 10th place, or like, any place,” he told Yahoo. “Music to me is not in terms of judging or placement.”

American Idol’s Scarypoolparty’s Debut LP ‘Exit Form’? Bows Nov. 22

About his American Idol experience, Alejandro says, “It was so not normal! Coming from playing bars and little cafes and open mics and busking, the max of people that I played for [solo] was like, three or four or 10 people. … When I filmed with Ben Harper, I had a really, actually deep conversation with Ben. I felt like I was on this road that was not stopping, and it was just scary. I was like, ‘Whoa, like what the hell is happening right now?’ … They don’t train you for that.”

He’s releasing music now under Scarypoolparty as a way to “put a little bit of a wall in between the show and the art.” The new album, due out on Friday Nov 22, includes five songs he performed on Idol: “Millennial Love,” “10 Years,” “Tonight,” “Cholo Love,” and “Out Loud.” However, Alejandro steps away from his typical acoustic fare on the new tracks, which take on a metallic/industrial edge. (We got a taste of that with “Diamonds.”)

“Of course it was a conscious choice,” Alejandro explains the stylistic shift to Yahoo.  “I just love hard synthesizers and stuff like that! When I made the record, I was in this headspace where I just wanted to make music that I love playing and love hearing. Right from the get-go, you have ‘Black Cross’ and classical elements within industrial music. I haven’t heard that in a minute, and I wanted to really incorporate that and pay homage to the people that have done it before. I’m very proud of the record. It is a departure, but I think it’s a departure for those that just watch [American Idol].”

Famous people have noticed Billie Eilish’s brother and producer, Finneas, recently attended one of  Alejandro’s LA shows, calling him “The G.O.A.T” in his Instagram stories. Also, the singer/songwriter will be opening for  Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds next year. Additionally, he’s been contacted by Quincy Jones’s camp (Quincy manages American Idol 14 runner-up Clark Beckham) and Critics’ Choice Brit Award winner Jack Garratt, and alternative R&B star Gallant

Alejandro is in the midst of a North American tour. Recently, he announced he’ll be touring Europe in 2020. “I’m going on tour in Europe next March!!” Alejandro wrote on Twitter, “So excited to play for you all. Hope you can make it to a show :)” Check out Alejandro’s tour schedule HERE.

 

About mj santilli 34876 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!