1. HEARTSBEATS
2. QUEEN
3. GLOWING
4. FALLING4U
5. STIR CRAZY
6. START OVER
7. BAD
Alejandro Aranda has never been interested in staying within the boundaries of a single genre. On his latest EP, Baroque, the singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist creates a sound that feels both timeless and forward-thinking, weaving together classical composition, jazz influences, pop melodies, and electronic production into a cohesive seven-track collection.
During our conversation, Aranda explained that the idea behind Baroque came from two very different corners of his listening habits.
“I am really into listening to classical music, and also mixing a lot of dub and garage music into my daily routine,” he shared. “I’ve always had the idea of mixing in electronic with classical and making it modern.”
While experimenting with countless ideas, Aranda realized that some concepts were becoming too ambitious. Instead, he refined his vision into seven songs that carefully balance orchestral influences with modern electronic textures.
“I had so many ideas that were a little too crazy, so I shaped these seven songs to have elements from the past and also the future, which is the electronic side. In doing these songs it sparked an idea to blend the elements.”
That balance is reflected throughout the EP’s title as well. Rather than choosing Baroque simply because it sounded intriguing, Aranda says the name directly honors one of his biggest inspirations.
“I thought it was cool to call it Baroque because I have been so into Bach and all of his compositions. It really inspired me.”
Beyond Bach, Aranda also found inspiration in legendary jazz pianist Thelonious Monk and influential electronic producer Burial, a combination that perfectly mirrors the genre-bending identity of the record.
“I have been listening to a lot of Bach and Thelonious Monk, and also a lot of Burial.”
The opening track, “HEARTSBEATS,” immediately introduces listeners to that sonic blend. Aranda wanted the song to represent both his signature guitar work and his growing love for dance music.
“I wanted to open the EP with this song because this song is kind of my guitar style mixed in with dance elements,” he said. “I am very proud of this song and I love how the rhythm reminds me of a heartbeat.”
Before Baroque arrived, fans had already become familiar with singles like “QUEEN” and “GLOWING.” Rather than standalone releases, Aranda always viewed them as pieces of the larger picture.
“Those songs were in the batch of music that I was working on for this EP, and I think they blend really well together.”
As the record progresses, the songs continue exploring different stages of love and human connection. “FALLING4U” captures the overwhelming excitement of new romance, inspired by a feeling many listeners will recognize.
“The feeling of falling for someone that almost feels like it’s too good to be true.”
Meanwhile, “STIR CRAZY” examines a different side of relationships, focusing on perseverance during difficult moments rather than constant happiness.
“Exactly that, restlessness,” Aranda explained. “When you’re with someone that you truly love, you grow with them in the bad times and the good times. But I think true love is always built on communication.“
“START OVER,” a song centered on hope and resilience. Rather than assigning it a fixed meaning, Aranda intentionally leaves space for listeners to interpret it through their own experiences.
“I wanted this song to be open to the listener,” he said. “It’s about how we need each other more than ever. And it’s always okay to start over.”
With Baroque, Alejandro Aranda demonstrates that innovation doesn’t require abandoning tradition. Instead, he embraces centuries-old musical ideas and reimagines them through electronic production, creating an EP that feels equally inspired by concert halls and underground clubs. The result is a thoughtful, genre defying collection that highlights Aranda’s willingness to follow his artistic instincts while inviting listeners to discover something entirely new.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
8/6 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo
8/7 – Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues
8/8 – Palm Springs, CA @ Dune Room
Follow Alejandro Aranda:
https://alejandroaranda.komi.io
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