Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Alexandra.
Hi Nicole, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer originally from Boston, Massachusetts, now based in Los Angeles, California. I fell in love with music when I was 4 years old, playing songs by ear on a mini keyboard after hearing a family friend play on her grand piano. To this day, playing by ear and improvising is my favorite; it allows me to lose myself in that moment and always create something new. I love transcribing songs by ear on the violin; it keeps me sharp and always growing.
When I was 10 years old, I saw a local orchestra and immediately knew I had to learn the violin. I was drawn to its similarity to the human voice. Loved the tone and expressiveness.
I began writing songs in middle school. It always began with chords on the piano and lyrics would follow with a melody simultaneously. I recorded my first album ‘Still Dreaming’ at Dave Matthew’s Music Resource Center Studios in Charlottesville, VA.
My songwriting led me to attend Berklee College of Music, where I recorded ‘Dark Moon.’ This EP was R&B, soul, pop, and folk-influenced. My talented band played on the EP, and it was a joy being part of the live-string quartet.
Since moving to Los Angeles, I’ve opened for the iconic group En Vogue, appeared on NBC Sports, collaborated with artists such as G Herbo, Kosine, Jaylien, Joelii, Keith Murray, Post Modern Jukebox, and performed alongside comedians like Sarah Silverman.
I just dropped my new single, ‘Unapologetically Me,’ dedicated to everyone staying true to themselves because this world will try to change you if you let them. I’m here to say you can be 100% truthfully you and life improves 10 times fold once you make this choice.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve dealt with many challenges, including health issues I’ve had to navigate when even doctors had no idea what the issue was. Chronic pain hasn’t been understood well enough by most practitioners, and I was given the same exact answer every time, “We don’t know what to do, and here, take this medicine.” (which none offered any relief)
I learned I had to take matters into my own hands if I really wanted to get back to my music career, which was my everything at the time when this hit me in 2018. I have been fighting to get my life back ever since. But the more doctors, massage therapists, and chiropractors I saw, the further away my goal seemed of being happy and healthy.
I knew there had to be a way. A way back to my life.
I even had one doctor tell me that I would live with this for the rest of my life because I am a cancer sun sign in astrology, born in July. That was the day I said enough is enough. I refuse to listen to this nonsense. I will heal, and I will do anything and everything I have to figure out how. I had pain in 7 parts of my body for 5 years.
Today, as I am typing this, I can say I have absolutely zero pain. I figured out specific exercises I created what I couldn’t find anyone suggesting, not even my physical therapists, that healed me.
I hope my story offers hope to anyone struggling. Just know there is a way, even if it takes time to find what you need. Never ever give up. Tomorrow may be the day you win.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My songwriting blends chill, soulful melodies with brutally honest lyrics. I always incorporate string arrangements in my production.
I livestream on TikTok and Instagram every week, taking song requests and improvising on the violin.
You can book me for your private event or party by emailing me or visiting my website.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Special shout out to JAYLIEN for co-producing my single ‘Unapologetically Me.’ We have more songs on the way this year.
Thank you to Katsuya over at Studio 81 for mixing and mastering several of my tracks, including my violin remix of ‘UNAVAILABLE.’
Appreciative and excited for all the new collaborations coming this year.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thesingingviolinist.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/thesingingviolinist
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Nicole-Alexandra-The-Singing-Violinist/100090785472139/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesingingviolinist
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesingingviolinist/featured
- Yelp: https://www.gigsalad.com/the_singing_violinist_los_angeles
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/thesingingviolinist
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesingingviolinist
Image Credits
Zuleyma Kassandra
Carrettini Andrea
Lynne Skane
