Pop Artist Alis Vibe On Moving from Milan to Nashville, Drawing Inspo from Miley & Discovering the Local Fashion Scene

Nashville’s pop scene continues to blossom; Rolling Stone says there is a pop explosion. Artists are moving here from everywhere to create music outside of the country realm, but still drawing on Nashville traditions like co-writing. Pop artist Alis Vibe relocated from Milan, Italy, to Nashville to craft dance-pop sounds with themes of self-confidence, divine timing and spirituality. Her new single “Surfing the Light” is her first as a Nashville resident, and we caught up with her to find out the story behind the international move.

Why did you pick Nashville to relocate to?

Nashville has always been ‘the place’ for me. Since I was a kid I remember I used to dream about moving here and melt myself into this completely different culture, community and vibe compared to my home town, Milan, in Italy. I know that if we think about pop music, Nashville is not the first city that would come out, but my music influences have a strong relation with folk, country and blues, especially when it comes to the meaning behind the lyrics. And of course, I grew up watching Hannah Montana, how could I not dream to move here and live my music dream?! The first time I got here, 5 years ago, for my birthday, I immediately thought ‘I feel home, I’m gonna move here’. I feel like Nashville has a special energy, there’s a blooming no country movement now, and the pop scene is getting wider and stronger.

What elements from other cities’ cultures are incorporated into your music? What did you pick up or learn from each place?

I’ve been to so many cities in my life! Let’s say that in my music you’ll find the fresh, cool and trendy touch of my hometown Milan, the magic passion and loving vibes of Paris (one of my favs in Europe!), the freedom of Amsterdam, the desire to experiment of Barcelona, the intimacy of Istanbul, the self confidence of New York, the party mood of Vegas and the loving acceptance of Nashville. I could keep going on with the list forever but what I’ve learnt in my life being all around the places is that the more you keep yourself open, the more you allow each and every place to provide you with amazing and magic experiences.

Tell us about the Miley inspo. What do you love about her? What are your favorite Miley tracks and why? Asking given the Miley x Nashville connection.

Miley is my best friend and she doesn’t know yet. We’re sisters! Ahah

I genuinely love her, with no judgment, since she started with Hannah. I’ve loved her throughout all her phases, cause she’s always been REAL. We all go through phases in our life and music reflects this journey 100%. She’s authentic, versatile, funny, talented, badass, HOT. And her voice, just unique! I’m obsessed with her latest album, probably the best of her career.

For sure one of the songs that I do love the most is ‘When I look at you’: simple, pure love, poetry (and we were so young!)

Plastic Hearts: The song I listened to the most (spotify said that) in 2020: love her laugh, love the rhythm, the catchy hook. Desperately need to share ironically her emotions.

Angels Like You: Incredibly deep, I felt her necessity to release something that no longer was serving her.

You: I think it’s my fav track of her latest album (maybe tomorrow I change my mind): It makes me feel passionate about love. It’s a genuine love song that makes me happy and I love the melody.

The Most: A song she released in 2019 and I think is dedicated to her mom. Super simple but I love the lyrics and I think it was the song I used to cover the most during the whole pandemic period lol

How have you connected with the Nashville fashion scene?

I’m from Milan, and very much fashion addicted (they say so). Anyway, during one of my ‘back and forth’ trips before moving for good to Nashville, I was walking downtown and I saw like a pop-up of some pieces by a fashion designer that has a freaking cool boutique in the Music Row. So I went there, I got the best leather fringed stars jacket and I became friend with Andrew Clancey, the owner of Any Old Iron! He’s one of the most talented, unique and authentic fashion designers in Nashville for sure, but also compared to the global fashion trends right now, he’s just so original and his creations are amazing and make you feel like a super star!

I attended his fashion show during the NFW in April and it was rad! We got the same European fingerprint (he’s from UK).

One of my best friends here, Kori Waldrup, owns a boutique called Zelda and she has these unique trend pieces that are one of a kind, especially here in Nashville. She really makes a difference in the fashion scene.

Ps. I don’t do country but I do LOVE fringe, I have half of my wardrobe with fringe.

Have you found any local collaborators you enjoy working with?

Since I moved here I found so many wonderful talented people that are actually friends now!

I discovered the power of ‘co-writing’, something new to me, especially cause I’ve always written my songs by myself when I was living in Italy. It’s such a powerful experience. And when you do it with the people who resonate with your energy, it gets even more magical.

I’m currently working with incredibly talented artists, producers and songwriters. And I keep myself open to connecting with more and more creative humans who carry the same purpose I do carry when it comes to music: to be more intentional, uplifting, empowering and to try to make our listeners more aware. All having FUN!

I feel like Nashville is surrounded by so many different forms of art. I recently did a photo shoot and the photographer is just one of a kind! I love connecting and working with these amazing artists, it makes me feel even more motivated, inspired and alive! Thanks to all these beautiful creative humans for accepting me and my freak creativity!

Keep up with Alis Vibe on: Instagram | Spotify | YouTube