Alexa Ray Joel Teases Upcoming EP: 'It's a Work of Love' (Exclusive)

Alexa Ray Joel is ready to show her fans a new side.

The singer, 37, is gearing up to release a new EP in 2024 more than 15 years after dropping her first one, Sketches, in 2006. 

“It's a real body of love — it's a work of love for me,” Billy Joel’s eldest daughter told PEOPLE at the Rockers on Broadway 30th anniversary concert honoring Melissa Etheridge and Rick French on Oct. 16 in New York City. “I put all my blood, sweat, and tears.”

As she previously teased in an Instagram caption, Alexa Ray says the work is “a little reminiscent” of Fiona Apple’s album, Tidal.  She tells PEOPLE, “it’s a little bit of my darker, kind of my shadow side coming out.”

The singer-songwriter has been “hands-on” with all aspects of the upcoming project and recruited some special guests to help her bring it all together.

“I produced it with my friend Tommy Byrnes,” she shared, noting Byrnes' work with Billy. “You might have seen him at the Garden regularly.”

“And this really amazing mixer, Tony Bruno,” she added. “We're really proud of the project because I wrote everything myself. I play piano on it, I am hands-on with the arrangement and so it's really a passion project for me and I just can't wait for everyone to hear it.”

Alexa Ray last released a single — and accompanying music video — in 2021 called “Seven Years” which she wrote about her relationship with fiancé Ryan Gleason. 

"It narrates both the highs AND lows of my relationship, with an overarching message of hope... and pangs of reeling vulnerability and melancholia throughout," Alexa Ray told PEOPLE of the New York City set music video at the time. 

Of her new music, Alexa Ray says while they’re still “putting the final touches on” the EP, the collection of music should be available early next year. 

“It's going to be available on all digital streaming services, CD, vinyl,” she said. "I really want to make it accessible to everybody. I don't want anyone missing out.”