Alesia Lani Refuses to be Confined on “Breaking Me Down” (7 Sept 2022)
Alesia Lani
Alesia Lani releases her new single “Breaking Me Down” available September 7th on Digital Formats via Trailing Twelve Records.
Texas-based soul songstress Alesia Lani follows up her genre-bending retro gem “I Don’t Mind” with the hard rock anthem “Breaking Me Down” set for digital release on September 7th through Los Angeles-based Trailing Twelve Records.
After releasing the powerful soul-funk hybrid “I Don’t Mind,” Lani teamed up with producers Tim Palmer (U2, Pearl Jam, The Cure) & Jon Keyz (Gary Clark Jr.) and Austin, TX guitarist Jackie Venson to come through with a refreshing take on nu-metal on "Breaking Me Down.” Much like Lani’s other releases, her songwriting takes a fluid and dynamic approach to genre conventions. “Breaking Me Down” opens with a chorus of distorted guitars and a rhythmic drum section reminiscent of 80s hair metal. However, the music is unwilling to be confined as the song gently drifts to a more light and airy bridge. The mix becomes flooded with ethereal synths as Lani’s voice flutters overhead with R&B-inspired flourishes before the buzzing of guitars jumpstarts the transition back to the chorus.
The lyrics of “Breaking Me Down” tell the story of a Lani who is fed up with the status quo, she screams about feeling constricted and held down by an unseen force [Here you go/ Doing the same shit that you do…/ You let go/ No holding back]. This sentiment can be read as frustration in a romantic relationship, but it could also be extrapolated as dissatisfaction on a societal level [I cannot make you happy/ You got some shit to work out/ You’ll no longer work 'em on me]. Lani discusses her mindset when writing “Breaking Me Down” below
“What inspired me to write this record was pure rage. Being a product of someone's self projections & no longer accepting that type of energy.”
Alesia Lani, photography by Jay Yberra
Since the release of her previous single, “I Don’t Mind,” Lani has seen incredible critical acclaim with the song receiving coverage in a variety of music publications including ESSENCE, METAL, Ones To Watch, KCRW, NPR, KUTX, and the Austin Chronicle. The song was also recently featured on the hit VH1 show Caught In The Act: Unfaithful along with the previously released song “What You Know About It”. Lani hopes to recreate this success with the excellent “Breaking Me Down” an incredibly unique song, which is as visceral as it is catchy.
“Breaking Me Down” is out September 7th, 2022 on Digital Formats via Trailing Twelve.
LIVE DATES:
9/9 - The W, Austin, TX - September Residency
9/16 - The W, Austin, TX - September Residency
9/23 - The W, Austin, TX - September Residency
9/30 - The W, Austin, TX - September Residency
Performed by Alesia Lani
Guitars by Jackie Venson
Written by Alesia Lani, Jonathan Deas, Tim Palmer, Christopher Gadson, and Jackie Venson
Produced by Jon Keyz, Christopher Gadson, Tim Palmer
Engineered by Jessie Rodriguez and Jerry Burns
Mixed by Tim Palmer
Mastered by James Bacon
Press Contact: info@trailingtwelve.com
TTRS-060
© & ℗ 2022 Trailing Twelve Records. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized Copying, Reproduction, Hiring, Lending, Public Performance, And Broadcasting Strictly Prohibited.
ALESIA LANI - Breaking Me Down ft. Jackie Venson
TTRS-060
Releases 7 September 2022
Length: 3:38
BIO
The vivacious and soulful songbird from Austin, TX, Alesia Lani has made waves with her strong stage presence, powerful yet sultry voice, and masterful songwriting. An award-winner with a resume that includes sharing stages with legends such as George Clinton, The Ohio Players, Guns N' Roses as well as heavy hitters of today like Lizzo, Meg the Stallion, Childish Gambino & Billie Eilish.
Lani brings a blue-collar work ethic to her career and is known for delivering elite live performances made for primetime. Performing at SXSW, Toronto's Indie Week Fest, Austin City Limits, & Jai Thep, Lani has received accolades from ESSENCE, METAL, Ones To Watch, KCRW, NPR, KUTX, and the Austin Chronicle. Lani’s recent singles have received widespread fan support and two major sync placements on VH1’s Caught in the Act: Unfaithful.
Her blend of hip-hop, soul, r&b, and trap will please fans of everyone from Lauren Hill to Doja Cat.
PRESS QUOTES
"a genre-bending retro track" - ESSENCE
"promises to become a hit" - METAL
"an all-out anthem for your weekend fun" - Keep Walking
"anthem-worthy" - Unclear
"powerful and soulful" - thread.
ACCOLADES FOR ALESIA LANI
KUTX 2022 Black History Month Profile
“Best R&B Artist” - 2017 Austin Hip Hop Awards
"Top Ten Best Female Vocalists" - Austin Music Awards