A meeting with Alexandra Stréliski

Remember this name: Alexandra Stréliski. In 2014, one of her pieces was playing when actors Matthew McConnaughey and Jared Leto walked on stage to receive an Oscar. On the various online streaming platforms, her works have accumulated more than 15 million plays.

The Montréal pianist just launched Inscape, a highly anticipated second album that reminds us that there is always sunshine after rain. A few years ago, Alexandra Stéliski was making a living by penning advertising jingles, a stimulating but very demanding career. The pace finally caught up with her: while suffering from depression, she had to take a step back and take stock. “I was running at full speed, but for other people, and that’s what ended up burning me out,” recalls the composer whose pieces often appear in director Jean-Marc Vallée’s work. “I had to slow down and ask myself some important questions.” From this inner journey came, first, a professional reorientation: from then on, she would either compose for herself or for films, namely with Jean-Marc Vallée, a collaboration she cherishes.

Then, from her fingers emerged the luminous Inscape, an album of solo piano pieces, soothing melodies evoking emotional landscapes that are sometimes filled with melancholy, sometimes with hope. “The album’s title refers to that unique place that lies inside each of us. Writing it was a journey towards that place, to find myself,” she explains. “Now, things are picking up speed again, but in the right direction, in my direction.”

Alexandraʼs favourites: Café Larue & fils, Harbin Dumpling, East-Asian restaurant Jiep Jiep, and Jarry Park