Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Venegas.
Alex, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’d say my musical background really started with my parents, being half Colombian and half Mexican, I grew up listening solely to Latin music. Immediately latching on to the rhythms and melodies heard throughout acts like Juanes, Bacilos, and Carlos Vives. My first live concert was Shakira so I’d say my parents did a good job raising me.
It was my freshman year in high school when I really started to learn and write music. An ACL tear left me permanently unable to do any of the sports I’d grown up with, so with so much newfound free time I picked up learning piano and guitar from Youtube videos, then once I got comfortable enough decided to start singing along as well. It all started with Coldplay then soon enough into next year. I was introduced to Indie music and fell in love with it. Inspired by bands like foster the people I started a band and began writing my own music. Soon enough, a hobby that I picked up on spare time became everything I wanted to do with my life so the next step from there was going to college for it, and I picked the Berklee College of music. Going in fully self-taught was definitely a struggle as I got a crash course in jazz harmony, ear training and music production, but I really think I made the right choice as I learned so much and quickly befriended some great musicians who I still work with today.
Once I’d graduated, I joined the great migration west to Los Angeles with a good amount of people in my graduating class, which formed a great community to come up with. Since then, I’ve really fallen in love with the process of songwriting and treating it as a career, having 6-7 sessions a week and learning more and more each day about the industry and the art of music. I’m looking to continue on that path pursuing success along with all my peers for doing what we love.
Has it been a smooth road?
Definitely not, self-doubt has got to be the biggest enemy of the songwriter but probably the thing you’re going to get to know best. Coming out, I already had friends in established publishing companies getting their first cuts and it was hard not feel like I was behind. It gets hard not to compare but every artist and writer needs to accept that everyone has their own path.
Can you give our readers some background on your music?
I’m a songwriter that specializes in Pop, Alternative, and Latin music. I’d say what sets me apart from other writers is the fact that I come from a Latino background, and am fluent in Spanish. This has really helped diversify my portfolio and work with writers from all over the world. I am known for my unique melodies and bringing interesting lyrical concepts into the writing room. I am most proud of the community of writers and producers I have been blessed to work with.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Overall, LA is the best city to be in as a songwriter. It has a huge community and plenty of opportunities to go around.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 214-668-2007
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexvenegasmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlexVenegasmusic/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlexVen93162761
Image Credit:
Holy Smokes Photography, Isabella Grossling, Emma Ruchefsky, Caitlyn Thornton
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
