Kita Alexander is feeling the rage. The Byron Bay-based pop singer-songwriter has returned with her epic sophomore album that dives deep into the exploration of her true self and all her brilliant imperfections. Working at Rockinghorse Studios with Chris Collins, Kita kept her live show in mind, with no digital synths used in the process.

“Rage has been the catalyst of positive change in my life over the last couple of years," Kita says. "The album is about an emotion I’ve always had but never understood. It’s me looking at it and embracing it as a new friend and realising that I don’t have to shut it down or avoid looking at it. Rage has helped me find what truly matters to me and to change my life in ways that work for me.” We spoke to Kita about the world of RAGE:

We’re really excited about your sophomore album and love the recent single. How do you think you have evolved as an artist from your debut to now?

Currently I'm obsessed with artistry. Looking at every piece of music, visual and fashion elements and how it systemically affects the whole project. I used to just be purely focussed on the song. Now that is the most important part because I am a singer/songwriter, but I've found inspiration and importance in every other aspect of Kita Alexander.

Where did you do most of the writing? Is your environment important to the writing process?

I wrote the majority of this record out in federal at major label records; which ironically is the furthest you can get from what the studio name suggests. Imagine, a 30 minute drive out into Byron hinterland, no reception, a view of a valley and magnificent Australian flora and fauna, the sound of a creek running near by and only one cafe that's open sporadically at the whim of the owners choosing to have an incredible work/life balance. The environment is so important. Having had the luxury of writing in London/LA/Sydney - the big cities - I notice that myself and my songs react to the culture and the combined energetic field that everyone is usually working in. The big pop race, finding the next hookiest melody that you pray will go number one. At home in the hills, my music is allowed to be as authentically me as it wants. There’s not much ego involved, there's raw honesty because how can i be anyone other than myself when im surrounded by nature.,

Who did you work with on the album that helped shape your sonic world?

Chris Collins, my producer and co-writer. He is renowned for his organic instrumentation and musicality. I told him going into this record that I only wanted real noises, nothing off of the computer, so unfortunately for me he had to constantly explain how electric guitars and keyboards made real noise that wasn't artificial. Having this rule helped shape every part of the RAGE world, because if the music was real, then I have to also be that every step of the way.

What did you learn about yourself through making this album?

That rage and anger has always been inside of me. That it has been leaking out of me, like water finding the path of least resistance and just because I ignored it or tried to explain it away, it doesn't mean it wasn't there. So now i am finding healthy ways to let it out, in my songwriting, in learning how to communicate better and finding confidence in myself to hold boundaries.

Tell us about the visual world for this album - and the album artwork!

Very early on, maybe around song two that was written for the record I started brainstorming with my A&R, Marcus (my go to guy on everything ART) about the world. Colour palette was identified, blue, green, brown... the styling/fashion element had to be Kit'a everyday wardrobe, the makeup had to be minimal - what i wear everyday, which is sunscreen, sunburnt blush and lipgloss. The collage element was brought to life because we thought it felt like my journal, a peak inside the RAGE world. Kitty Callaghan was crucial to bringing this to life

Is fashion important to you? What inspires you style-wise?

Fashion is important to me when I want to feel or portray myself a certain way. I'm the type of girl to have a staple wardrobe of singlets, jeans and cardigans, but when i am moving among cities and stages i love to amp it up and wear what makes me feel confident but also comfortable. Fashion to me is whatever YOU love, but worn with confidence. So if a stylist puts me in something in the name of 'fashion' or 'trend' and I am not 100% in love with it, I will not be able to pull it off. You'll be able to see me tugging at the fabric or not smiling as much. So my rule is love what you wear, because then you're going to be the most beautiful version of yourself.

Do you have a mentor? What have they taught you?

I have so many mentors, most are close friends, Marcus Thaine my A&R - he taught me to be as true to myself as I can, because that's the only way people will truly connect with me. My bestie/photographer Eliza Hurst - she is my sounding board for all things visual. I love to ask opinions of strangers and people I don't really know, because then I get an array of thoughts and experiences that I get to listen to and then choose what resonates with me and use down the line whenever i need inspiration.

What have you been listening to recently? Which other musicians are exciting you?

I have been loving Tiny Habits, Kacey Musgraves, Jake Minch. Any artist that is telling a story and allows you to feel like your peaking into their lives, that excites me.

What’s something that you’re passionate about or something that is important for you to use your platform for - aside from music?

I love this question, it's something that I have been very passionate about discovering within myself. I have always though I shouldn't talk on anything because how could i when I'm not even a true pro at music? It doesn't mean that I don't have thoughts or opinions, I just tend to keep them to myself, but I love women following their dreams and not letting anyone or anything squash that in themselves. I love health and sleep and having a family. I’ll come back to you when I've decided what it is I truly want to shout from the roof.

What’s next?

I'm constantly creating at the moment, from painting, collaging, and making more music. I am so inspired, my brain wont switch off and i love it!!! I'm not going anywhere.

Listen to RAGE here.

@kitaalexander