Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Isley.
Alex, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Music was heavy on both my Mom’s and my Dad’s side. So the love I had/have for music is natural, and really pre-determined. I always knew I wanted to perform. R&B is my foundation, but I fell in love with jazz in high school, and really discovered J Dilla in college. I think those three elements really shape me as an artist, a writer and a producer.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There’s always something to work through. Growing up, I was extremely shy, and as much as I loved to perform, I really had to push past any shyness or nervousness. Right when I was graduating from UCLA in 2009, it seemed like the music industry had a pretty dramatic shift, mostly in part to new technology and the rise of DIY and already having a buzz in order to get attention from labels. I remember feeling discouraged at times because of that, but I also remember that my love for creating and performing is what fueled me to not give up. That’s what always drives me. I really love this, and I’m reminded of that in tougher moments.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I write, produce, arrange and record, and have done so for most of my solo work. I have five solo projects out, and a joint project with Jack Dine, an incredible producer who I admire and trust. He’s one of one. I’m finally starting to collaborate again and step outside of being solo. I NEVER had the vision of producing my own music, but my mother, who has supported me since Day 1, suggested that I start, and I’m so glad I did. I’m grateful to be able to create alongside my peers and those who I admire, but I’m also grateful to know how to be able bring my ideas to life on my own. With that said, I’m still learning; I’ll always be a student.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I’m honestly open and looking forward to what God has planned for me. I’m still early in my career, and I’ve already been able to realize things I’ve only dreamed of and some things I had never dreamed of. I’m grateful for that and confident that everything will only continue to get better and brighter.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @lovealexisley
- Facebook: /lovealexisley
- Twitter: @lovealexisley
Image Credit:
Lauren Desberg (color photo), Aya Mac (B&W photo)
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