November 27, 2018

Meet Al-x of Al-x in the Valley

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Al-x .

Thanks for sharing your story with us Al-x. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started out in a small town in rural Ohio. As a kid I wanted to be a successful creative-artist and performer. Art in its many forms had always spoken to me. I worked hard at developing different facets of my abilities and as soon as I could, moved out to LA where I’d dreamt of living.

I had strengths as a dancer, actress and singer/musician. I found the one I could be most proactive with in LA was music. I started to write my own songs, book my own shows, produce my own music – and I completely fell in love with it! With music I was able to combine some parts of the real me with some acting and exaggeration. That suited me quite well. Through songwriting I found a wonderful and satisfying outlet for my creativity and for exploring myself. I started building up a fan base, worked with amazing people who I’d dreamt of working with, including members of Madonna’s music team, performed at historic venues, etc.

After a few years, I got signed to an indie label, which was very exciting. We spent a year recording a strong, polished EP…but the label ended up folding, leaving me back on my own…

I took some much-needed time for myself, then returned with a new energy & EP. People responded when I put more of my pain and perseverance into my music and songwriting. I developed a much bigger fanbase that spanned worldwide, produced professional music videos, got my music placed in TV shows and movies, toured, built a great social following, had my videos picked up by hotel chains, etc.

As time has gone by, causes such as equality, sexual assault prevention and veganism have started to become more important to me. And to help people understand how much the power of ART can change a life. Using art and self-expression to truly find my voice, discover who I am and overcome my pains and challenges has made all the difference for me. The idea of helping other people do the same became imperative to me. And that is where I am today.

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?
Definitely not a smooth road! But I don’t think anybody’s is.

I mentioned losing the label and my work there, which was very difficult. I got knocked down. And then I had to come to terms with some things within myself and find a new way to continue pursuing my dreams.

And all along the way there have been plenty of rejections. I got used to the concept that in this industry you get a ton of no’s before you get a yes. Not a fun lesson to learn, but you’re much better off when you do!

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Al-x story. Tell us more about the business.
My overall brand stands for inspiration, self-expression, fearlessness and celebrating who you are. Defining life and success on your own terms.

I have a blog associated with it called Zandra’s Zone where I’ve written (what I hope are) inspiring pieces. Its Instagram page instagram.com/zandraszone focuses on art and using it to heal from pain and grow. And how when we find – or rediscover – our voices, the world opens up and we become empowered to achieve bigger things. I’m developing a program that will take that a big step further! The program will mainly focus on women, and I’m aiming to get it running in 2019.

I also help other artists and creative entrepreneurs use Instagram to help grow their business, as I have done with my own business.

What I’m most proud of is perseverance and continuing to expand my brand and its reach in a positive and empowering way. And that I (like other artists & entrepreneurs) continue to push into territories that are scary – but do it anyway! It gets easier and more second-nature as you do it.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
That’s hard to say. I don’t think there’s a way of totally knowing.

I know I have always been very driven and worked very hard. But my guess is that luck has aided me at times.

Pricing:

My singles and albums available on iTunes, Bandcamp & other digital retailers, ranging from $0.99 to $10.
I recently passed half a million views on YouTube! To celebrate, I made an “Al-x: Best Of” CD that VoyageLA readers can get 15% off of using code: voyage. alexmusicsite.bandcamp.com

Contact Info: