What began as years of reimagining songs by bands she grew up loving ultimately shaped the philosophy behind the EP. Rather than building tracks from layers of production, Alexis challenged herself to focus on what remained when everything was stripped away. “If you can take a song and strip it back and do it acoustic, I feel like that’s what makes a really good song,” she explained. “I kind of wanted to try that on my own stuff and really just focus on the songwriting of it.”

That approach proved more difficult than it sounds. As a multi-instrumentalist who handles every aspect of her music herself, Alexis is used to hearing complete arrangements in her head. Resisting the urge to add more became part of the creative challenge. Instead, she concentrated on the fundamentals: melody, lyrics and emotional honesty. That honesty became one of the defining themes of ‘Mirrors and Smoke’. Rather than crafting elaborate metaphors or chasing clever lines, Alexis has increasingly embraced direct, confessional songwriting. Many of the songs were never originally intended for public release at all. They were written simply to process whatever she was experiencing at the time.

One of the clearest examples is “Don’t Tell Me To Breathe,” a song born from frustration, anxiety and emotional overload. What began as a private reflection unexpectedly became one of her most relatable songs. “When I wrote that, it was more so like, why am I getting so worked up and overwhelmed over little things?” she recalled. “The most annoying thing someone could tell you to do is just calm down and chill out.” As she started sharing the song online, she discovered that countless listeners recognized themselves in those feelings. The connection became even more meaningful as Alexis herself gained a deeper understanding of her own experiences. After recently receiving an ADHD diagnosis, many lifelong struggles suddenly started making sense. “It wasn’t until I got older where I realized it really affected a lot more than just doing good in school,” she said. “Once I got diagnosed, I was like, ‘Oh, everything makes so much sense.'”

That willingness to discuss topics many listeners quietly struggle with has helped create a particularly engaged audience around her music. Yet being independent means those moments of connection come with a unique set of challenges. Alexis writes, records, produces, films content and manages her project largely on her own. “It’s definitely a little bit of both,” she said when asked whether that independence feels empowering or isolating. “It’s cool being independent because I can do whatever I want anytime I want. But it would be nice to have a team where they’re able to support in ways that I’m not really able to do.”

The conversation also touched on her years working as a producer and songwriter for others, particularly after moving to Nashville. Surrounded by an overwhelming amount of talent, she initially found herself trying to fit artists into established boxes rather than fully trusting her own creative perspective. Over time, she learned that the very reason people seek collaborators is often because they bring something unique to the table. That lesson has become increasingly important as she continues carving out her own artistic identity. While she loves a wide range of music, Alexis frequently finds herself returning to the alternative, pop-punk and emo records that first inspired her. What still fascinates her is how many of those songs remain timeless because of their emotional directness. “I feel like they were so confessional in the lyricism,” she said. “It’s not like they were really trying to force anything.” That connection to the music she grew up with made her appearance at Warped Tour particularly special. After years of covering songs by many of those artists, suddenly finding herself backstage among them felt surreal.

Looking ahead, Alexis already has new material waiting in the wings. Some songs originally intended for ‘Mirrors and Smoke’ were ultimately held back because she felt they deserved their own spotlight. Alongside plans for more live performances, they represent the next chapter in a project she sees as constantly evolving. In many ways, that ongoing evolution may be the central message behind Nicole Alexis‘ journey so far. As she put it herself while reflecting on her advice to fellow musicians: don’t put yourself in a box, don’t create according to trends, and keep discovering what you truly want to say.

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