Singer/songwriter Alice Merton grew up moving around the world and was strongly influenced by different cultures and the people she met along the way. The German-born, Canada/England raised pop phenomenon caught up with LuisaViaRoma before the chaos of the Venice Film Festival at the JW Marriott Venice to talk about her style, musical inspiration, and the surprising item she can’t live without.
Where are you based?
I’m based in Berlin.
You’ve lived in many different countries in your 24 years. Where do you feel most at home?
I still haven’t found it, but I’ve come to realize home is with people that I love, whether it’s my family or my friends. Because of this, I don’t really get homesick, but I do miss them a lot.
Is Alice Merton the pop star the real Alice Merton?
100% of me is in everything I do. It’s very important that what I do represents who I am and isn’t something that is created out of nothing. Everything always represents my feelings and all my songs are autobiographical. It’s all real.
How involved are you in creating your on-stage looks?
I started working with a designer friend 3 years ago, Susann Bosslau, who is based in Berlin. She’ll show me styles she’s created and we’ll talk about things we like and go off of that. We’ve been working together for a very long time so we have a good thing going.
Where do you draw your inspiration from musically?
Musical inspiration comes from everywhere – people, experiences, places I’ve visited.
I seem to process everything at night, that’s when most ideas come to me.
What’s your favorite venue you’ve played?
One of my favorite venues we’ve played is Red Rocks in Colorado, it’s such a beautiful venue. We’ve played in so many amazing places it’s hard to choose just one. We once played on a mountain in Switzerland while it was snowing which was a dream. We’ve played on a beach in Alabama – it’s all been crazy. It’s always been a big dream of mine to play in Albert Hall in London.
You’re late for dinner with friends and need to get ready quickly. What’s your go-to outfit?
My go-to outfit for dinner with friends is jeans and a t-shirt. If it’s a fun night out I like to wear something more a bit more stylish. I don’t like skirts, so I’d probably wear cool flared pants and a fun top.
One item you can’t live without?
Hand sanitizer. I always have it with me!
Text: LVR Editors
Product Selection: LVR Stylists
Photographer: Rodolfo Nenni
Makeup: Rebecca Leonardi using MAC Cosmetics
Location: JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa
Special thanks to Alice Merton. This interview has been edited and condensed.
