Ferocious sister duo ALT BLK ERA are redefining Alternative stereotypes while delivering anthem after anthem that are perfectly built to get crowds bouncing a high-octane live shows. The riffs are big, the beats are even bigger and the chorus' are infectious.
Ahead of their highly anticipated debut album 'Rave Immortal' (Out January 24th), they are embarking on a series of stripped back album launch shows (including a date at Rough Trade Liverpool on Jan 27th) that will show their tracks in a whole new light. We caught up with the duo to chat about the new record, generating unforgettable live shows and battling chronic illness while rising up the Alt scene.
Q. How was 2024 as a year for you? Can you tell us some of the highs, lows, and the things it taught you?
A. "2024 was a whirlwind! We performed at major festivals like Download, 2000 Trees and Boomtown Fair which still feels surreal when we think about it. We’ve had another MOBO nomination for ‘Best Alternative Music Act’ and we attended the Heavy Music Awards after earning a nomination for ‘Best UK Breakthrough Artist’. We also spent 2024 working on our debut album ‘Rave Immortal’ which will be released in just a few days time!".
Q: Has the debut album release felt like a long time coming or do you feel like now is the perfect moment to release it?
A. "It honestly feels like the stars have aligned! At first we weren’t keen on a January release at all, but to start 2025 in this way is really exciting and it’s the perfect moment to share our story".
Q: Can you explain the concept behind the album title 'Rave Immortal'?
A. "Rave Immortal is actually a personal story that we both experienced and are still figuring out how to manage today. It’s sharing my (Nyrobi) struggle with a chronic illness that has left me with a hidden disability, where I am in constant pain. The album shares how my sister looked after me for years whilst I was bed-ridden but then it shifts gears into an album of defiance and rebellion. We hope it’s an album empowerment for anyone who has ever felt lost or alone".
Q: You are known for the intensity of your live shows, and the album is packed full of high-octane anthems - what has always drawn you to this BIG and BOLD energy?
A. "Our music is an extension of our personalities. My personality (Nyrobi) is BIG and unapologetic, whilst my sister Chaya, is just as fierce but is more reserved in nature. The album reflects both moods and we think that’s good because we all experience different levels of emotions. Even I have my quieter days!".
Q: You manage to create these unforgettable high-energy live performances despite dealing with a hidden disability and chronic fatigue - could you explain a little more about this hidden disability and how it impacts all elements of your career as an artist?
A. "I (Nyrobi) became really ill during lockdown and was eventually diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and other illnesses, which left me bed-ridden for about two years. This happened during my teens and I just felt constant exhaustion and constant pain. This condition has been challenging. I’m able to manage the pain much better now but it still affects everything I do on a daily basis. As a family we have to plan everything so carefully, my daily routines to performance schedules. However, music became a lifeline when I was ill, and with Chaya's support, and the support of our band, we've adapted our processes to ensure that we can still deliver even when managing health needs".
Q: Do you feel like your hidden disability has given you extra motivation to succeed and not let your chronic fatigue hold you back from being the artist you want to be?
A. "I’ve always been determined to make it in music. My fire has always been there. I just think that with or without my disability, I’m doing what I’m doing! It might mean that I have to change how I approach things but this disability is coming along for my ride, not the other way around! I’m making music and I’m performing whenever I can".
Q: A lot of the lyrics on the new record explore how your disability has impacted you and those around you - why did you feel it was important for you to discuss these topics in your music & have you ever felt vulnerable in writing songs about such personal issues?
A. "Sharing these personal experiences was essential for authenticity. When we first started making music, I hid my disability because I thought I would be held back from opportunities. Sharing made us both feel vulnerable, but it has opened up a dialogue about disabilities and the importance of inclusivity. We’re taking that message as far as we can and we’re happy to learn more about the challenges that people face with the different types of disability. We’ve got a growing platform and we’re using it to speak up for people who can’t advocate for themselves".
Q. Are you excited to perform your album tracks acoustically at your album signing shows? What extra dynamic do you think it'll bring?
A. "We’re so excited to perform our album tracks acoustically at the signing shows!
It allows us to strip back the songs and share them in their most raw form when we were first writing them. This album is a piece of our hearts and it’s really special to be able to share our vulnerability to connect with our audience in this way.
We can’t wait to share that side of our music with everyone!".
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