'American Spirits': The Rise of Alex Krimm

By Natalie McCarty

I met Alex Krimm at a jazz bar in Phoenix, a place packed to the brim with no seats in sight. Wrapped in my Penny Lane coat, feeling the familiar pull of New York nostalgia, I was approached by Alex—full of compliments, radiating warmth, and effortlessly charismatic. With some type of magic, she somehow found not just one but five chairs for my friends and I. 

As we talked, her passion for music was undeniable. From her mentionings of a recent tour she just wrapped up to talking about the love she had for her band, Alex spoke about her artistry with a spark that made it clear: this was someone worth knowing. 

And I was right.

Diving into her discography only confirmed what that first meeting hinted at—Alex Krimm isn’t just another singer-songwriter; she’s a storyteller. From serenading stuffed animals in her childhood bedroom to captivating audiences live on stage, her journey is one of passion.. Born and raised in Phoenix, she took a leap of faith, moving to Los Angeles to chase a dream that refused to wait. Now, with deeply personal lyrics and a sound that blends nostalgia with contemporary folk influences, Krimm is carving out a space in the industry that feels both intimate and timeless.  

Image Courtesy of Alex Krimm

Finding Her Voice

You've been performing since you were a teenager. What drew you to songwriting and performing at such a young age?

Growing up, I always felt a pull toward the performing arts. I would sit in my childhood bedroom, performing karaoke for my stuffed animals, wishing I was on a stage. Deep down, I always knew I wanted to share my own music with the world, so I started writing songs about any emotion I truly felt. The first song I ever wrote that felt like a real song was when I was 14.

You moved from Phoenix to Los Angeles at seventeen to pursue music full-time, which is such a bold move. I actually moved from LA to New York at the same age to chase my own career, so I know how much of a whirlwind that leap can be. Can you tell me what that transition was like for you, both personally and professionally?

Moving to Los Angeles was a very pivotal point in my life. I discovered so many different parts of myself that I never would have been able to find in Arizona. Although I have such a love and nostalgia for Arizona, Los Angeles sets my soul on fire. Living in a city full of astounding creatives forces you to jump into the community headfirst. It was the push I needed to start recording and releasing my own music. It takes a certain amount of grit to be a musician in Los Angeles.

Image Courtesy of Alex Krimm

Was there a particular moment when you realized music was going to be your life’s path?

During my first semester of college, I studied Film and TV while pursuing music as a side hustle. I wanted to pick a major that gave a slight sense of security for a future career, and I never thought music could be something consistent without knowing big industry heads. I played my very first show at Valley Bar in Phoenix in October 2023, and it changed my entire perspective. The energy of a live crowd, the adrenaline of walking onto the stage, the complete sense of self-pride after sharing art I created—it gave me such a high, and I knew I wanted to chase that feeling for the rest of my life.

The Art of Songwriting

Your music explores themes like heartbreak, nostalgia, and grief in such a raw, captivating way. Who inspires your songwriting the most?

Deep down, I love a good, sad song. Something about a sad song just scratches every itch in my brain. That being said, Lana Del Rey has been my biggest inspiration for as long as I can remember. Her ability to tell stories through raw, emotional, and honest lyrics inspires me to do the same. She's a very present writer, which is something I've been trying to get better at myself.

Image Courtesy of Alex Krimm

Your cover of “Summer Wine” is stunning. What drew you to that song, and how do you approach putting your own spin on covers?

I’ve always been a huge fan of ’60s and ’70s folk music, so it only felt right to cover a song by Nancy Sinatra. My good friend Dean Cheney was kind enough to sing with me on that tune. “Summer Wine” feels like the perfect song to end summer, so I released it at the end of August.

The songs on American Spirits feel deeply personal. Can you tell us about the stories behind tracks like the title track, “Fall,” and “Dog on a Rope”?

American Spirits was a labor of love. I felt very vulnerable releasing a project that I wrote from the heart. I try to be as honest as I can be in my lyrics. I wrote “Fall” while walking to my car last year. I used to park in my local college bar’s parking lot to avoid my apartment’s parking pass fee, but that meant it was always a ten-minute walk to my car. During those walks, I would sit with my thoughts and see what would come to me. “Fall” is about wanting to be with someone even though things have ended—reminiscing on the past and what could have been.

“Dog on a Rope” is one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written. I wrote it in ten minutes before bed one night. I was in a situation where I had been really hurt by someone I had feelings for. After years of painful rejections, I still couldn’t let go of this person. The song is about continuing to have a soft spot for someone who hurt you, even after everything has ended.

The Creative Process

Do you start with a melody, a lyric, or an idea when you sit down to write a song?

I’ve been told my writing process is a little strange. I like to start with lyrics and then find a chord progression that fits. I play around with melodies, but occasionally they come to me while I'm writing lyrics. I’ve always said that I’m a singer who plays guitar, not a guitarist who sings. The most challenging part of songwriting for me is creating a chord progression.

What has been the most challenging song to write so far, and why?

For me, the songs I’ve completed have all come to me pretty naturally. The most challenging songs to write are the ones I haven’t written. I get into creative ruts where I can’t write a song for months. Everything I try ends up in my discard pile. I am my biggest critic, and I think that takes away the fun of songwriting for me sometimes.

Image Courtesy of Alex Krimm

Looking Ahead

You’re working on your debut album, set to release this year. What can fans expect, and how does it compare to American Spirits?

The new project focuses on ethereal, acoustic sounds. I’m very excited to write and record more folky songs with deeper storytelling.

Your music feels timeless yet contemporary. How do you hope listeners will connect with your work?

My dream is for any new fan listening to my music to feel supported. The world is a lonely, scary, beautiful, and amazing place. There are so many human emotions we experience throughout life. If one singular person can find relief or even happiness through my songs, I’ve won the lottery.

The buzz around your career is growing. From recording for Brandy Melville to playing your first music festival, how are you handling the attention, and what excites you most about this chapter in your life?

I’m always taken aback and humbled by the opportunities I’ve been given so early on in my career. I am so grateful for every single thing I do that is related to music. I’m excited to keep growing my fan base and releasing more music for everyone to enjoy.

If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

Lana Del Rey and Hozier. Those two capture my soul with their lyrics and angelic voices.

Finally, what’s one thing about Alex Krimm that fans might not know but should?

I can touch my tongue to my nose.