Finnish alt-pop phenomenon ALMA is back with her brilliant sophomore record, Time Machine.

By the time Alma-Sofia Miettinen released her international breakthrough single Chasing Highs in 2017, the songwriter had already spent the past several years dominating Finland’s music scene. Building a reputation as a dynamic and exciting act. The song itself led to the artist gaining fans in Elton John, Miley Cyrus, and garnering more global attention than ever before. As ALMA was intending to capitalise on the continuously increasing momentum she found behind her (and deservedly so) by readying her debut record, Have U Seen Her?, for the world. It was finally released in 2020 but as unforeseen by everyone, the pandemic hit meaning the artist couldn’t celebrate the release with fans. The album itself was a fantastic introduction to her art.

Yet her follow-up LP Time Machine, which was released today, has highlighted how much ALMA has pushed the envelope when it comes to her creative talents. Time Machine is a more confident and expansive album than its predecessor. It’s full of irresistible alt-pop tunes but it’s clear to see that it’s also a body of work that digs deeper into the singer-songwriter’s innermost feelings. It’s an emotive album that explores the highs and lows of ALMA’s life so far.

In Conversation with 1883 Magazine, ALMA discusses the new record, dealing with the pressures of stardom, and more.

ALMA, Let’s talk about your new record, Time Machine, which is out April 21st. You’ve mentioned that one of the key messages from this album is the importance of finding your own voice. So with that in mind, how did you tackle writing this record differently compared to when you wrote your debut record, Have U Seen Her?

On Have U Seen Her?, I was still a broken person living a very fast life and I couldn’t wrap my head around why I was feeling the way I was feeling. Many of the topics were just me questioning who I am and why I am feeling like this. On Time Machine, I went back to the start and I questioned everything. It’s a much deeper album and I really felt like I found myself again.

The album is aptly titled Time Machine as you explore the highs and lows of your life so far. Sometimes reflecting on things from our past can be painful, would you say writing this new album has been a therapeutic experience? Did you learn anything new about yourself from looking back?

Yes, very therapeutic. The most important thing I’ve done so far, artistically and personally. I learned that I’ve been trying to make people around me happy and at the same time lost my own voice and calling.

Even before your debut record dropped in 2020, you were already a well-established artist in your home country of Finland. The public doesn’t often understand the pressure that an artist feels, you’ll often have a record label saying to an artist: ‘okay, you’re really popular right now, you need to drop an album now’ or you ‘need to do this’. How do you cope with the pressures of being an international artist now that you’ve been in the industry for a while?

You just have to handle the pressure. It’s as simple as that. If you can’t handle the pressure, you will lose your own voice and trust in yourself. At the end of the day, making music that makes you happy and proud, is the only thing you should do.

I want to throwback to a very iconic moment in 2018, yourself, Charli XCX, Zara Larsson, and MØ joined Dua Lipa in the Radio One live lounge for a performance of Dua’s single, IDGAF. Could we ever see you and your friends/fellow artists teaming up again?

I’m friends with all of these artists and we definitely will be working together in the future as well. There’s nothing better than women teaming up in this industry.

Who are you currently listening to at the moment? Do you have any particular artists on rotation at the minute?

I’m kind of stuck with the artists/albums that I used to listen to when I was younger: Lykke Li, Gossip, Robyn.

You’re heading out on a tour with Tove Lo in June which is so exciting but how do you plan to celebrate the album release? Any special shows in the works?

I’m going to have a release party with all my friends in my hometown. We are going to do a bunch of festivals shows during the summer and maybe tour with the album later this year.

In your opinion, what’s the most important thing for an artist to have on their rider whilst on tour?

The most important thing to have is a speaker backstage. A couple of rave songs can’t hurt anyone.

What’s one interesting fact about yourself that people wouldn’t know?

I have a fear of flying but I have to manage that as I need to fly so much.

In an ever-changing industry where there is such importance placed on the need for music streams to be a ‘successful’ artist, what does success look like to ALMA?

That I continue to grow as an artist and as a person and that I keep on going even through hard times.

Finally, what do you hope fans take from Time Machine?

I hope people will listen to it as a whole and find their own stories in mine.

Time Machine is out now. Follow ALMA @cyberalma

Interview by Cameron Poole