Alexa Ray Joel unleashes her ‘bad girl’ alter ego in the sizzling music video for her latest single ‘Riverside Way’. After building anticipation for over a year, the singer-songwriter has finally revealed the track to the world along with an exclusive premiere of the video on PEOPLE. Joel describes the song as a “fast-paced, fiery banger” and expresses her excitement for its release. She sees it as the perfect end-of-summer anthem, encouraging listeners to dance and sing along, embodying pride in her creation.
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The 39-year-old artist acknowledges that ‘Riverside Way’ marks a significant departure from her usual musical style, embracing a more rebellious persona. She explains how she wanted to surprise her audience by showcasing a different side of herself, distinct from the perception of being a ‘good girl’ associated with her celebrity parents, supermodel Christie Brinkley and musician Billy Joel. Joel aims to challenge stereotypes and showcase the multifaceted nature of women, particularly those in the creative industry like herself.
In the music video, Joel portrays a character trapped in mundane routine until she encounters a ‘bad boy’ who ignites a sense of adventure within her, played by her real-life fiancé Ryan Gleason. The visual narrative explores themes of breaking free from societal expectations and exploring different facets of one’s identity. Joel emphasises the importance of pushing boundaries as an artist and not conforming to a singular image, celebrating the complexities inherent in human nature.
Collaborating with Gleason on the project was a rewarding experience for Joel, who describes it as a “real treat”. The couple delved into the creative process with enthusiasm, immersing themselves in the storyline and enjoying the journey of self-discovery portrayed in the video. Joel expresses gratitude for Gleason’s willingness to dive into the role, enhancing their on-screen chemistry and adding depth to the narrative.
For Joel, music has been a lifelong passion, deeply ingrained in her upbringing as the daughter of renowned artists. She reminisces about performing musicals with her parents and absorbing invaluable lessons from her father, such as the significance of pursuing one’s passions. Joel credits her ability to pursue a career in music to her upbringing, where creativity and expression were encouraged from a young age.
‘Riverside Way’ serves as the lead single from Joel’s upcoming EP, a collection she describes as eclectic and experimental. Each track on the EP offers a unique sonic experience, ranging from melancholic ballads to uplifting retro-inspired tunes. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of influences, Joel aims to provide listeners with a captivating musical journey, akin to the artistic diversity found in her father’s iconic work.
As the release of her EP draws closer, Joel looks forward to sharing her music with audiences and hopes to spark a connection through her artistry. With her distinct vision and unwavering commitment to creative exploration, Alexa Ray Joel continues to carve out her musical legacy, one that transcends expectations and celebrates the power of artistic reinvention.