Music That Left It's Mark
Alexis Strum on Pop Comebacks, Writing for Kylie Minogue & the Billy Steinberg Tribute
Alexis Strum is doing what the music industry told her not to do: making a bold, funny, deeply personal comeback on her own terms. In this podcast interview, the singer-songwriter behind tracks for Kylie Minogue and Rachel Stevens opens up about shelved albums, major-label detours, and how a 15-year hiatus, viral honesty, and a refusal to play it safe turned her from the internet’s favourite “nearly woman” into an actual one. In this conversation, Alexis talks about recording again, rediscovering why she loves making music, and the surprising freedom that comes with being older, more honest, and less obsessed with perfection. She shares the stories behind new projects including a cover of James’ Sit Down and an upcoming Billy Steinberg tribute album featuring songs like True Colours, Eternal Flame, and I Touch Myself. You’ll discover: Why she set a rule to never do more than three takes on any cover How Billy Steinberg’s songwriting shaped some of the biggest pop songs of all time What it feels like to have Kylie Minogue record one of your songs Why she believes the best pop comes from playfulness, silliness, and not taking yourself too seriously How Swim became her most personal song yet—and why it hits harder than a standard pop anthem Alexis also traces the artists that made her, from Joni Mitchell and Pearl Jam to Hole, Outkast, and Charli XCX, showing how her taste runs from grunge to glock-pop without missing a beat. She talks about growing up with appointment-to-view television, taping the charts off the radio, and why music still matters most when it feels communal, strange, and alive. This episode is a reminder of what happens when you stop waiting for permission. Alexis speaks candidly about being a single mum, balancing auditions, recording, and family life, and building a career that’s less about chasing trends and more about making work that genuinely connects. If you love great songwriting, pop with heart, and comeback stories that feel bigger than nostalgia, this one is essential listening. Perfect for fans of pop history, behind-the-scenes songwriting, and anyone who needs proof that it’s never too late to make something brilliant. Guest credibility: Alexis Strum is a UK singer-songwriter who has written for Kylie Minogue and Rachel Stevens, released long-awaited solo albums after a major-label hiatus, and built a cult following through her viral honesty and fearless approach to pop. Listen to Alexis’ song choices and some of here music on Apple Music here- https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/alexis-strum/pl.u-11zBBdbh8bl9PP Or on Spotify here- https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2fKsvEUmLyc87XcJ5N2JUd?si=2sHXjHnrR326PLgbnxOGZg&utm_source=copy-link&pi=o3Hgf9e0RR-YB
