Beyond the Red Tie: A Conversation with ‘Oh! Alfie’

W: Mandy Morgan

NEW SINGLE: 'HIGH' OUT NOW

Meet the man in the red tie. At just 21 years old, Oh! Alfie is on a mission to inject a long-lost sense of charisma back into the modern music landscape. With a background that spans the creative hubs of Los Angeles and New York, he has returned to his roots in Liverpool, England, to build a global brand that defies the constraints of traditional genres.

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with the rising star to discuss his influences, his technical prowess, and the story behind his latest single, "High."

How would you describe his sound to a new listener, Alfie points toward a blend of nostalgia and modern energy. "I write sort of nostalgic, alt-pop music," he explains. "I put a spin on the likes of Justin Timberlake, MGMT, and Frank Ocean in my own fashion. I like to make music with equal parts energy, emotion, and soul."

It is this refusal to be "pigeon-holed" that Alfie believes is his greatest asset. He views his music as a wide-open space—niche enough to be unique, yet accessible enough for a global audience to get behind.

For many, the music industry is a grind, but for Alfie, the vision of the finish line keeps him moving. "It’s cliché, but playing those massive stages—the thought of Coachella or Governors Ball—keeps me from ever stopping," he admits.

However, his motivations aren't purely centred on fame. There is a deep-rooted sense of gratitude in his ambition: "Another inspiration is the thought of being able to one day repay all the people who have helped me along the way, and to treat fans how I always want to be treated by my favourite artists."

While some artists rely on stage antics, Alfie relies on his instrument. He identifies his voice as his greatest strength, noting that his specific mixture of influences and tonal accents sets him apart from others in the space.

This dedication to his craft even dictates his pre-show ritual. Don't expect "diva" demands for exotic snacks; expect silence. "I prefer people not to chat too much to me," he says. "My main asset is my voice, so I prefer to nurture it with light warm-ups rather than chatting away."

When it comes to the studio, Alfie collaborates with acclaimed producer Tarek Musa (formerly of indie giants Spring King).

"I like to mess around with MIDI and create demos. I take them to Tarek, who brings songs to life like no one else. Surrounding yourself with a team that allows everyone to elevate is key."

Behind the Single: "High"

Alfie’s latest release, "High," is an exploration of the volatility of modern romance. Inspired by the relationship between Kim and Daniel from the cult classic show Freaks & Geeks, the track captures the "toxic nights where nothing feels right" and the contrasting moments where everything clicks. Fans can expect a journey of highs and lows, packed with movement and infectious hooks.

The road hasn't always been smooth. Alfie recently navigated the gruelling process of rebranding his entire online identity and DSP alias—an "obstacle" that required untangling deep-rooted professional ties to emerge with a fresh persona.

From power failures at festivals leaving his instruments out of tune to the "nerves" that come from wanting to give the audience a perfect show, Alfie has faced the growing pains of a rising artist with resilience.

With influences ranging from the song writing of Tyler, The Creator and Drake to the vocal textures of Jeff Buckley, Alfie’s dream collaboration is a high-energy powerhouse. "I think Timberland or Pharrell would cook up something crazy for me and The Kid LAROI to sing on," he says. "That would be an absolute dream."

As he continues to scale the ladder from Liverpool to the world stage, one thing is certain: Oh! Alfie is a name you won’t be able to forget.

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