Older and Wiser also comes at a transformative time in McAlpine’s career, a period that’s seen her take creative risks and make space for collaboration. Her latest single, “Pushing It Down,” captures a raw vulnerability, a reflection of a recent breakup. “As soon as we heard the first mix, I knew it needed a music video,” McAlpine says. She collaborated with directors Nema and Ethan, longtime friends, to bring her vision to life, even recruiting artist Role Model to feature in the video. “We brainstormed together, and Tucker [Role Model]  was the first person that came to mind. We had to rush it, but everything fell into place, and I’m so glad it worked out.”

For McAlpine, this dive into visual storytelling has been a natural evolution of her creative process. She’s even stepped into the role of co-director, ensuring that her artistic vision shines through in every detail. “I love being in charge of my own art,” she admits. “It’s empowering and fun, especially working with people who respect each other’s vision.”

Now, with a tour spanning across the UK and Europe following sold-out performances in New York and Los Angeles, McAlpine has experienced a profound shift in her relationship with her music and fans. “This tour feels so different from my last ones,” she shares. “We’ve structured it in a way that prioritizes my mental health, with more breaks and a smaller crew, which makes it more sustainable.” McAlpine’s setlists have also allowed her to revisit older songs, bringing them into the spirit of Older in new and meaningful ways. The tour, she reflects, has become a space where she can reconnect with both her music and the fans who have embraced it so wholeheartedly.

Recording Older and Wiser at the iconic Electric Lady Studios in New York was another defining moment. “It was a dream,” McAlpine reveals. “We recorded a song a day, which was intense, but being in that space was incredible.” The experience left a lasting impact on her creative process, infusing the album with the same magic that has made the studio legendary for countless artists before her.

McAlpine’s growth since her debut album, Give Me a Minute, has been palpable. With each project, she’s found a newfound confidence in her choices and her art. “I feel like a completely different person,” she says. “I’ve definitely gotten more comfortable doing things that I know will make me happy, rather than worrying about what people think. I still worry because I’m human, but it’s easier now to make decisions…This album really solidifies that for me, especially in the choice to record with a live band.” McAlpine’s journey has been one of self-discovery, and with Older and Wiser, she shares a piece of that journey with her listeners.

Despite her breakout hit “Ceilings” earning platinum status and charting on the Billboard Hot 100, McAlpine isn’t letting fame dictate her art. “The success of ‘Ceilings’ was amazing, but it also made me question my goals,” she admits. “Now, I just want to make music that feels true to me. I’m grateful for the exposure, but It turned me off from having another viral moment”

For McAlpine, songwriting is a form of therapy, a way to process life’s ups and downs. “I don’t overthink it; I just write what I need to,” she says. This approach has become a hallmark of her work, with fans resonating deeply with her candid reflections on love, growth, and self-discovery.

Her creative process was on full display in Older: The Making of the Album, a documentary that chronicles her journey in crafting the album. “Having Nema there filming everything was really special,” McAlpine recalls. “ I was a bit worried initially, but he captured so many moments I’m grateful for, like the entire process of writing Older. That footage is so special to me, and it’s a pillar of our friendship now.”

At just 24, McAlpine has already achieved so much, but she’s not done yet. As she looks to the future, she remains committed to authenticity and creative exploration. “I’m leaving it open for whatever comes next,” she says. “I’m writing again and just trying to do things that excite me. I have so many passions I want to tap into, so I’m just waiting to see what comes.”

When asked for advice for young artists, McAlpine offers simple yet powerful wisdom: “Be yourself. It sounds cliché, but that’s the only way to stand out in this industry. You’re the only you, and that’s what sets you apart. Authenticity will always resonate.”

With Older and Wiser, Lizzy McAlpine is carving out a space all her own, and as she takes her next steps, her commitment to honesty and artistry continues to captivate her ever-growing audience.

Photographer: RCA