Meet the Los Angeles pop/rockstress Alexa Villa! Her latest single, titled “Own It” about “taking ownership of a situation and taking charge of your life regardless of circumstance or pushback.” It was just released on 11/22 via Sign From The Universe Entertainment.
Alexa has been described as “a cross between Lady Gaga and Joan Jett, grunge pop/ bubble rock with a little blues feel and a whole ‘lotta attitude.” Don’t let her colorful, and unique style fool you, she’s a talented songwriter and classically trained pianist who’s been performing from a young age – playing clubs with her parents’ band and then, her brothers band in San Diego before developing her own sound.
In 2017, Alexa Villa released her debut EP ACT I. Soaring vocals, surprising chord choices and captivating stories within her lyrics are sure to leave you wanting to more. But it doesn’t end there. Her live performance and style match her quirky and eclectic personality.
With her former band Oversoul, Alexa has played Warped Tour and opened for acts like The Darkness, Drake Bell, Mark Ballas and BC Jean of Alexander Jean and Ryan Cabrera to name a few. Alexa also models in LA Fashion week, and for several fashion companies. She has been on set for SpikeTV and various music videos for artists like Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj among others.
Her influences range from Led Zeppelin, to Lana Del Rey, Lady Gaga, Dorothy, Halsey, Deep Purple, The Neighborhood, Heart, Blondie, the Pretty Reckless, Nirvana, Awolnation, and the list goes on.
Connect With Alexa Villa Online Here- Website
Learn more about Alexa Villa in the following All Access interview-
Thank you for your time! So what does a typical day look like for you lately?
My day to day is ever changing. Some days I spend 12-16 hours behind a computer screen working on production, some days I’m at my keyboard writing and rehearsing all day, or at an audition, or top-lining for another project, or at a live show or prepping for a show, or on a shoot. Whatever the case, there are two things I can guarantee, there will be coffee and I will be awake until 3 or 4am!
Now that we are in the latter half of the year, how has 2019 treated you? What are some goals that you have had for yourself this year? How close are you to reaching them or did you already? What are you already looking forward to in 2020?
Is it just me or has 2019 flown by?! This year has been exciting for me. I spent a lot of time writing and creating content and began working with my label. One of my goals was to build my team so I’m really excited to have done that and looking forward to digging into the work with everyone. I’m really looking forward to finishing up these mixes and releasing new music in 2020!
Growing up, how important was music in your life? Can you recall the moment when you decided that you wanted to be a musician? Was it an easy or difficult choice to make?
I grew up in a musical family so music was always present. My parents actually met in a band and so my brother and I grew up going to all of their rehearsals and shows. There wasn’t a specific moment or epiphany, I think it was just inevitable. I didn’t really know any different. I always thought I’d end up doing something creative one way or another. I do remember going to our local music store for my brothers guitar lessons and always tinkering on the pianos in the room. It was probably there that I chose piano as my instrument and ultimately started my piano lessons at age 7. Later, I started singing with my parents band and my brothers band and in recording studios. And the more I started working on my craft the more and more I loved it. I remember realizing one day after a band practice that the times I felt the most myself and comfortable in my skin were when I was talking about or writing music and singing. I often times felt more comfortable on stage than in real life because there, it was acceptable to go wild and be loud and let out all of my energy.
Was there ever a time when you thought about doing something else? If you weren’t a musician today, what else could you see yourself doing? Would you be as fulfilled in life?
I remember making a list as a little girl of things I “wanted to be when I grew up”. That list looked something like singer, painter, designer, writer, actor, dancer, basically if it was creative I was into it. So if I wasn’t in music today, maybe I’d be heavy into one of those, probably fashion. But no, I don’t think I’d be as fulfilled. Sitting down at the piano and running my hands across the keys, there is nothing like it. Crafting a song out of nothing and stringing a bunch of words together. It’s kind like one giant brain teaser or puzzle and the sound just kind of swallows me. Its my catharsis.
What has been the biggest surprise so far about making music your career? What has been an unexpected or welcome challenge to it all? What has been the best part about it all?
There are so many challenges that come with pursuing a music career. As an artist I’m in a constant state of vulnerability and face rejection on a daily basis. I also have this love hate relationship with my music. Like some days I’ll totally love it and the next think its trash, and then totally love it again 5 hours later. I think making any kind of art causes one to become hyper-introspective and think or talk about your deepest thoughts and share them with the world. That may not really be a negative though, rather an opportunity for growth. I think maybe an unexpected challenge I face is finishing my songs. I have a library of at least 400 songs and notice that I get bored with them and will move onto writing the next before I finish producing the last.
The best part about a music career is everything! There’s something romantic about the struggle and the chase. I’m a huge hopeful and I love the uncertainty that tomorrow brings. I love the journey and the community and human connection and the spontaneity, and the highs and the lows. Plus its just plain fun. It’s all part of the process and I feel really blessed to be here doing this!
Let’s talk about your newest single, “Own It.” What was the inspiration for this track? How does it compare to anything else that you have put out?
I wrote this song about taking ownership of a situation and taking charge of your life regardless of circumstance or pushback. It’s also a nod to how much goes unseen behind all of the glamour we see on social media and what we choose to show and it’s about using that to your advantage. I really feel that attitude is everything and can get you far. This song is a reminder to myself of just that.
I was inspired by the Steven Spielberg story and how he supposedly got his start by sneaking into Universal and commandeering an unoccupied office. I think this song is a little bit more guitar driven than my other songs. Its kind of 100 mph the entire time.
Do you have plans to release more new music and a new full collection soon?
I will definitely be releasing lots of new music in 2020 and am very excited about it!
What has it been like focusing on a solo career since your time in he former band Oversoul?
Focusing on my solo career has been explorative and exciting. Being in a band definitely had its perks and there are always pros and cons to both sides of the coin. I really enjoyed the teamwork involved when working with the band but I also really love the freedom I have as a solo artist. I’ve been able to work through all of my ideas and discover new things about my artistry that I might not have otherwise. Having fewer variables has also proven to be easier when planning for things. Without sounding cynical, one thing I have learned ten times over is that the only person you can truly depend on when it comes to your success and career is yourself. That was a big deciding factor in choosing the solo route.
I do perform and record with a regular band though for the most part. These band mates have become some of my best friends and I’m super grateful for them! They are amazing and make the journey so fun.
How do you think you have grown as a musician since you first started making music? What if anything has stayed the same about your music-making process?
I think I’ve grown in many ways since I started making music. My writing and performance has evolved, and I think my confidence has grown which has a huge impact on writing and performance. I’ve been able to be more honest with my lyrics and have become so comfortable with collaborative sessions. No idea is a bad idea unless you don’t try it.
I’ve also grown a lot as a producer. Necessity is the mother of invention so they say. I’ve always been a writer but started producing just kind of out of necessity. I even took recording arts classes but when I produced my own songs I never really called myself a “producer”. I didn’t feel that I really identified that way for some reason. Like “I only do it for the writing process” or because “I know what I want it to sound like” but never gave myself the title. I think that taking ownership of it and fighting that imposter syndrome has been a huge growing experience. But I’m never done learning. There’s always room to grow and so much to absorb! I want to know all there is to know!
How do you feel about social media? What do you think social media has done for your career?
I think social media is great for an artist! It’s a super useful tool and has enabled me to connect with so many people. It’s basically become my business card / portfolio and has opened a lot of conversations for me. I also love having the ability to express myself freely. How do I feel about it as a societal norm? That may have a slightly different answer but its all about perspective and how you use it.
What musicians would you absolutely still love to work with in the future?
I would love to work with Jimmy Page and Robert Plant. They are and will always be my absolute fave. I would love to work with Mark Ronson, Jesse Rutherford, Ed Sheeran, Charli XCX, Justin Tranter, Ryan Tedder, Charlie Puth, Taylor Swift, the list goes on, there are so many.
If you could design your dream music video right now, what would it look like?
Omg, I’m seeing pyrotechnics, dancers, live performance. Maybe a cross between the movie Burlesque and the Big Bad Wolf music video. Somewhere in there.
Where would you love to hear a song of yours played?
I’d love to hear it everywhere! In malls, your car, radio, your moms car, at MSG… Live!
At the end of the day, what do you hope people take away from your music?
I hope that listeners feel empowered and proud of who they are! Growing up I was always the loud one or the hyper one or didn’t quite fit in and I want people to know that they are not alone in feeling different and that their quirks are what make them special. I hope to inspire others to get after what they want and know that they can achieve anything at all!