 Q. Name?
A. Alexx Calise
Q. Hometown and current location?
A. Fort Lauderdale, FL but currently in Los Angeles, CA.
Q. Occupation?
A. Musician
Q. Tell us a bit about yourself...
A. Well, I'm a singer, guitarist and songwriter. I've been writing and
singing for as long as I can remember, and I've been playing guitar
since age 11 (mostly because I've always really admired my father,
who's also a talented musician). I grew up on a steady diet of grunge,
blues, rock, jazz, and world music, and I spent my mostly introverted
childhood writing furiously in the pages of a notebook. Naturally, I
began putting those writings to the melodies I heard in my head, and
voila!
Now, my music is currently enjoying heavy rotation all over the world
(especially in Australia/New Zealand, where my single, "Pull It
(Bullet)" is being played extensively) and also on several of MTV and
VH1 Networks' reality shows. I've appeared in Blender magazine, Guitar
World magazine, and in the nationally distributed method/how-to book
"How to Succeed as a Female Musician" alongside such notable artists
as Lisa Loeb and The Donnas. I'm also recording the follow-up to my
critically-acclaimed DIY debut album, "Morning Pill."
Q. How did it all begin for you?
A. It all began early on in my childhood. I would watch in awe as my dad
played guitar for my little brother and I. I wanted so badly to be
just like him because he's such an amazing individual and he's also
incredibly talented. I remember going over to his guitar in the corner
of his room when I was 5 and strumming it like I knew what I was
doing. I think the first song I ever wrote was back then, and oddly
enough, it may have been about a lizard I saw on the wall.
Q. Where do you find your inspiration?
A. I'm always really inspired by the metaphysical, the self, religion,
social issues, and the existence of god and man. Recently though, I'm
most inspired by my recent move from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles.
I've experienced a lot of mental and spiritual growth since being out
here, mostly because I think you have to. The competition is fierce,
the hours are long, and the constant instability and unknowingness of
this place would drive most people crazy. The upside is, you're in a
place that thrives on creativity, and there are so many people, places
and things around you every day that you can draw inspiration from.
Q. Describe a normal day in the life of Alexx?
A. Well, that depends on your definition of normal :) A lot of scrambling and running around usually ensues.
I'm always in a
meeting, closing a deal, writing, recording, practicing, being
interviewed, or on a photo
shoot. I also just took up volunteering recently, which has been
extremely rewarding and
a whole load of fun. I don't sleep very much, but I don't really mind
because I'm doing
what I love to do.
Q. What other talents do you have besides singing?
A. I'd say my biggest strength and greatest talent is definitely writing.
Sometimes I feel my words scream louder than my actual voice. I'm
actually really adept at sales and marketing as well. Can you tell?
Q. What makes you unique from other singers?
A. Well, there are a few
things I feel that really separate me from other singers. First of
all, I'm not a pure vocalist. I always have a hand in the
songwriting. I need to at least write the lyrics because that's what
I'm best at, and that's what gets me off. If not, I feel like I'm
just singing a cover song.
Another thing that's different about me is the tonal quality of my
voice. It's not quite Norah Jones or Pink or Kelly Clarkson or Alanis,
but you can definitely tell that the influence is there. I also
listened to a lot of blues and Broadway growing up, so that's where I
think I developed my crazy vibrato.
Q. In your opinion, how has the music scene changed throughout the
years?
A. It's definitely
changed drastically. Whether it's been for the better or the worst though is
questionable. In the past, major labels were the gatekeepers; the
be-all, end-all. Now,
indie artists have the ability to break into the mainstream with
internet services like
Myspace or Youtube. It's made it a lot easier and a lot harder to be
noticed on so many
levels. Because everyone's on the same playing field right now,
there's so much more to
sift through than before. The ones who will make it through though are
the innovative
thinkers; the ones who really know how to sell and market their
product better than
everyone else. I just think that what worked before won't necessarily
work anymore. So,
bring it on. Out with the old and in with the new.
Q. If you could change one thing about it what would it be?
A. I say we go back to the days of
artist development. Years ago, artists had several chances (and even
albums) to prove
themselves and find their sound. Now, you have a single. If it doesn't
make it on the
charts, you're done. You're not going to find your next Aerosmith or
Fleetwood Mac unless
you give the artist a chance to cut their teeth and get some dirt
under their fingernails.
Q. What was the best event you've played at/put on?
A. I think the most fun I had onstage was a few nights ago when I played
at The Joint in Beverly Hills with a few friends I have from New
Jersey and Virginia. They're all child prodigy musicians (Anthony
Wagner, Grant Austin Taylor, Joe D'Antuono) ages 12-18, and they play
like people twice their age. The night started off a little rocky
because the club didn't like that they were minors, but after they saw
how they could play, they quickly changed their tune and invited us
back that very same Sunday. It was the best time I've ever had
babysitting. Just kidding guys!
Q. What advice would you give to up-and-coming vocal artists?
A. Yes. Sing! Everywhere! In the car, in the shower, in the nude,
whatever! There's always room for improvement, and you can't expect to
get any better without practicing and honing your craft!
Q. Do you have any upcoming projects that we can look out for?
A. Yes. Be on the lookout for my follow-up CD, coming soon!
Q. What question do you wish we had asked you?
A. I don't know, don't you think you've asked quite enough? :)
Q. What is your answer to that question?
A. No, you can never ask me too much. I love talking about myself. Who doesn't? :)
Q. Final thoughts on our site or what's on your mind?
A. Yes. What's with the Braille on drive-up ATM machines? Isn't that just asking for trouble?
Oh yeah, and please check out alexxcalise.com and
myspace.com/alexxcalise for all the AC news, views, shows, pics, and
merch you can handle. Peace!
>> Visit Alexx's Profile
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