Italian pop and dance artist Alessia Labate continues to carve out a unique space for herself. From performing as a young talent on Italian television to collaborating with some of the biggest names in electronic music, her journey has been driven by persistence, passion, and an unwavering belief in her international vision. Now, she steps into a new chapter with “Not Home,” a deeply emotive collaboration with global electronic star Alan Walker. The track highlights a more atmospheric and reflective side of Walker’s production while allowing Alessia’s intimate vocal performance to bring the song’s themes of longing and emotional displacement to life.
In this interview, Alessia Labate opens up about the story behind “Not Home,” how the collaboration with Alan Walker came together, her experiences performing from a young age, the inspiration behind her songwriting camp Seven Songs, and the dreams that continue to guide her forward.
First of all, who is Alessia Labate?
Alessia: Alessia is a girl with a big dream. Music has always been at the center of my life. My dad is a musician, my mum had a dance school, and I started dancing and singing when I was around two or three years old. I picked up my first instrument at eleven.
Today I’m a professional vocalist and songwriter, and I’m working hard to become the artist I’ve always dreamed of becoming. I was born and raised in Southern Italy, but I sing and write in English. For years, people in the Italian music industry told me I was crazy for wanting to pursue an international career. I didn’t listen. I kept working, and now I’m slowly proving to myself that I was right to believe in that vision.
Congrats on this new release. How did the collaboration with Alan Walker occur?
Alessia: I was in Calabria when I received an email from Alan Walker’s team saying they were looking for a vocalist for Not Home and had thought of me. I recorded a demo almost immediately, and things moved very quickly from there. Within a few days, the track was finalized. It felt natural and aligned from the start.
Can you walk us through the creative process? Did the melody or lyrics come first, and how collaborative was the writing with Alan?
Alessia: The song was already written when it reached me, so my role was mainly about interpretation and emotional delivery. I focused on experimenting with tone, dynamics, and harmonies to make sure the vulnerability came through in a genuine way.
For me, even if I’m not writing the lyrics, I always approach a song as if it were mine. I need to fully understand the emotional core of it before I can sing it truthfully.
The song explores themes of belonging and emotional displacement. What does the title “Not Home” personally mean to you?
Alessia: To me, “Not Home” represents that moment when something that once felt safe and familiar suddenly doesn’t anymore. I relate to it through personal experiences, especially heartbreak. There’s a very specific feeling when your emotional “home” disappears, and you’re left having to rebuild yourself from scratch.
But I also think it’s universal. We all go through phases where we feel disconnected — from people, from places, even from ourselves.
How does it feel to be part of Alan Walker’s upcoming album Rise of the Drones?
Alessia: It’s a huge honor. Being part of a larger artist project like this feels like recognition and trust. After many years of working in music, it feels incredibly rewarding to see my voice living inside such a big artistic universe. It motivates me to dream even bigger.
You started performing at just 12 years old on Io Canto alongside artists like James Blunt. Looking back, how did those early experiences shape you as an artist today?
Alessia: It definitely accelerated my growth. I had the opportunity to work with professional musicians, learn and perform songs that otherwise might have been out of my reach, and share that experience with other talented kids who felt the same passion I did.
I feel very lucky and very blessed to have had that start. It gave me confidence and showed me early on what a professional music environment looks like.
How does performing live compare to creating in the studio?
Alessia: They give me two completely different kinds of energy. The studio is intimate and introspective — it’s where I process emotions and build something from nothing. Live performance is the moment where everything becomes real. You feel the exchange with the audience, and the songs take on a new life.
I need both. One feeds the other.
Any influences?
Alessia: My earliest influences were Michael Jackson and Toto, my parents’ favorite artists. Growing up, my first chosen musical role model was Miley Cyrus and her alter ego Hannah Montana. Later, I discovered Tove Lo, and she introduced me to a new wave of pop that really mesmerized me.
At the same time, the EDM wave from 2012 to 2016 deeply influenced me and the way I think about music. Zedd was probably my favorite at the time. That blend of pop structure and electronic energy still lives inside me.
You co-founded the international songwriting camp Seven Songs. What inspired you to create that platform, and what impact do you hope it continues to have?
Alessia: Seven Songs was born out of a personal need. I wanted a space where music creators could feel free to create however they wanted, outside the pressure of labels and publishing. A space where talent and personality matter more than numbers and credits.
I was lucky enough to find like-minded people who believed in the vision, and together we built a beautiful community. Our goal is to help hard-working creatives expand their network and connect with people who truly understand them. Our job is very social, and being surrounded by the right energy makes all the difference. When the right connections happen, good music follows naturally.
Do you see yourself leaning more into writing for others in the future, or are you focused on building your own artist catalogue?
Alessia: Right now, I’m balancing both. But I would definitely love to have my moment as an artist. At the same time, I know I will always be a songwriter — that’s a part of me I could never deny.
What’s the next big goal for Alessia Labate?
Alessia: Releasing my own solo album one day. That’s the big dream.
Is there a dream collaboration you haven’t done yet but would love to?
Alessia: Martin Garrix would be a dream come true.
If listeners take one feeling away from “Not Home,” what do you hope it is?
Alessia: I hope they feel understood. Even if the emotion is painful, I hope they feel less alone in it.
Message to fans and readers.
Alessia: Thank you for taking the time to listen and to feel. Music only truly exists when someone connects to it. I hope my songs can be a safe space for anyone who needs one.
‘Not Home’ is a song that quietly captures the feeling of emotional distance and the search for belonging
