Image by Edwin Tse

Alexa Wilding is far more than a pretty face. A native New Yorker, this enchanting songstress has taken the indie scene by storm with her eerie melodies and folk roots. After spending a day in the studio with photographer Gustavo Marx, designer Kate Cusack’s wig sculptures and Alexa’s angelic features, Katharine Zarrella had a chance to chat with the singer-songwriter about what’s behind those bewitching eyes.

Katharine Zarrella: How would you describe what you do?

Alexa Wilding: I think of myself as a writer who happens to be musical, so I set my words to song. I was a ballerina as a child, so my commitment to and reliance on music go way back. In a sense, I am still twirling and jumping across the stage, except now I am sharing my own stories. I guess I would call myself a storyteller, but sometimes what I am sharing is more of a mood than a story with a beginning, middle and an end. Much like one of those old black-and-white Balanchine ballets.

Katharine: What inspires you to write music?

Alexa: I think music is such a giving medium. I love nothing more than, in conversation with someone, realizing that I know exactly what they’re talking about. Music has always had that function for me. Songs are friends you can relate to. I write my own music to provide company for myself and hopefully for others, too. Choose your own adventure—I loved those books growing up…

Katharine: So, how did it feel to dance about the photo studio with a three-foot wig atop your head?

Alexa: They were heavy! It took me a few hours to regain my balance, and I had a delicious ache in my neck—from fun! Kate’s wigs are incredible. I had no idea they were made out of plastic until I saw them. From the pictures they almost looked like they were made out of cotton candy.

Katharine: What was going through your mind during the shoot?

Alexa: I went into ballet mode. Gustavo was so gentle and graceful that it was almost like we were dancing a little duet. I had to really focus to keep the wigs from falling off, so I was definitely in a trance.

Katharine: What kind of “character” did you become during this photographic spectacular?

Alexa: Before hand I thought I was going to channel Marie Antoinette, but it was more like Virginia Woolf’s Orlando came out to play. Orlando as a woman, that is. I thought the styling was brilliant: tough, minimalist contemporary clothing and jewelry and then this thing on my head…so I didn’t feel old-fashioned. I felt very modern.

Katharine: If you were to don one of Kate’s wigs on an ordinary Alexa Wilding day, what would you wear it with?

Alexa: I tend to be extreme in how I dress; it’s always one way or the other. I’m either in a very feminine dress by my friend Paola of Ivana Helsinki, or I’m dressed like a little boy.

Katharine: What was this experience like in comparison to playing a show?

Alexa: It was very similar, except I was mute. Therefore it was a great challenge for me: How do I tell a story and keep my mouth shut?

Katharine: And last, but not least, where can we find you?

Alexa: On iTunes. My EP—mixed by Television’s Fred Smith and featuring Tim Foljahn—is now available for download.