[Alina Baraz](https://www.instagram.com/alinabaraz/?hl=en) is a superstar in her own right, and her aura is unmatched. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, but now calling sunny Los Angeles home, the singer-songwriter made her mark on the music industry with her unique sound, pairing her smooth and sultry voice with the electronic soundscapes of Galimatias. The result? Her 2015 _Urban Flora_ EP that left fans in a frenzy.
Fast forward to 2021, Alina Baraz is excited as ever to be embarking on her own headlining tour, named after her standout single “[Alone With You](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htxDCKpXpWU)” released this year. The romantic track speaks volumes to her ability to create feel-good, soulful ballads, time and time again.
Most recently, the songstress unveiled her newest EP titled _Moongate_, which arrives on the heels of her previous EP, _Sunbeam_, released one month prior. The 4-track project was a collaborative effort with Spencer Stewart, Lophiile, and Mary Weitz, with lyrics inspired by real-life experiences in Alina’s life.
Flaunt caught up with Alina at her sold-out show at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, moments after her Meet & Greet. Read below as we discuss her new EP _Moongate_, the making of “Alone With You,” love for nature, working with Nas, her fashion sense, dream collabs, and more!
**How does it feel to be here performing at the Palladium in LA?**
Amazing. It’s always so special for LA because I live here, it’s full circle every time.
**_Moongate_ EP out now, are you performing that tonight?**
Well we just put it out so we didn’t rehearse that. We’re not performing it quite yet, but it’s amazing to put it out. It’s the best when you can make a song and then release it right away. It’s not a year-long wait.
**How did you come up with the title for the project?**
_Moongate_ was made first, they’re both on opposite sides of the spectrum. _Sunbeam_ just feels like when you first meet someone, it’s so light. Moongate has grit, and it’s dark. It felt like the sun and the moon.
**Did a special someone inspire these songs?**
Always. \[laughs\] I would never say anything, I don’t care. But it served its purpose.
**Bring us back to when you made “Alone With You.”**
It was the first day we got in with all my friends. I made it with Mary and Spencer, it just felt good. It felt good to be with my friends, in my house, just chill.
**What part of LA are you in?**
At the time when we’re recording… I end up switching houses a lot when I record. The project, new house. That was in the mountains, in Benedict Canyon.
**Are you into nature?**
I live for nature. I need it in my life. I like traveling in general, just anywhere. But I do love Asia. I love traveling anywhere to Asia, playing shows there. \[My favorite place was\] Jakarta and Indonesia, always have my heart. It’s the first place I ever went to.
**How does it feel to have those fans singing your lyrics back?**
It’s next level. It’s unreal because they’re so thankful that you’re making your way 17 hours all the way there. Not a lot of people get there.
**How does it feel performing your timeless records like “Can I” and “Electric Feel”?**
They’re my roots, they’re the reason I’m here. I wouldn’t be here without it. Even ‘till now, I’m performing some of _Urban Flora_. It’s always the best, I wouldn’t be here without it.
**Do you get nervous now before you perform?**
No, just anxiety like I want to get on the stage already.
**How was it linking with Nas?**
Amazing! I told my mom when I first started this, that would be my dream. Full circle moment. He’s such a classic. We never got to record it together, but he sent it last minute. I was speechless.
**What was your reaction when you heard it back?**
I was mind-blown. Manifestation, everything. Thoughts have such weight to them, everything you say or think. It’s so important.
**How would you describe your fashion sense?**
I am very extreme. One day I’ll want baggy. One day I’ll want silk, velvet. It’s extremes. It’s just like _Sunbeam_ and _Moongate._
**Are you big on astrology too?**
I always read on it. I can always relate, but I don’t know a crazy amount on it.
**Someone you’d want to collaborate with?**
Andre 3000 is a dream. Frank Ocean, a dream. I wish Amy Winehouse.
**What are you most excited for with the Alone With You Tour?**
I’m excited to travel again. I’m excited to see people’s faces again, hearing them singing it back to me.
**One thing you want fans to get from _Moongate_?**
I’ve always wanted it to be whatever they need it to be, to serve as a mold. Whether you need it to get through the day or through anything, that’s all I want.
**What’re you most excited for next?**
I’m excited to start the next album. I’m fiending to get in with my friends and just write, it’s my favorite part of this.
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