Meet Cesar Alan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cesar Alan.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
First and foremost, thank you Voyage for having me on such an amazing platform and giving me the opportunity to share my story. I’m an award-winning songwriter, producer, musician, artist & purpose activist. I was born in Maywood, CA and currently live in LA. As a first generation Mexican American born of immigrant parents, I was raised in a Spanish speaking home. I grew up listening to a lot of Latin music – cumbia, romanticas, salsa, rock en español, as well as a lot of Motown, 80s/90s pop & alternative. Growing up, I was teased a lot in school and dealt with domestic violence at home, which led me to the creative arts as my outlet. My parents did the best they could, but eventually split up when I was 10. I had no siblings to commiserate with, so my escapes when things were bad were drawing, painting and music. I picked up the guitar at 14 and never put it down. I took a few lessons, but then started teaching myself and soon I was playing in punk rock bands in garages and backyard parties. By late high school I was playing out at a lot of clubs and eventually started headlining LA mainstay venues like The Yesteryears and BB Kings (sucks that they closed down!) After BARELY graduating, but having a high scoring art portfolio, I was accepted into several prestigious schools for art/graphic design. Unfortunately, I couldn’t afford those schools, so I decided to attend community college, working every odd job you can think of while pursuing music. While in college, I met some really talented friends, we started to come up in the game together, one of which got me a gig playing with Kanye West. Talk about a dope way to get your foot in the door! I soon started touring with major and indie artists on guitar and bass, playing as a session musician and musical director. I did that for almost a decade when I realized that I needed to think about my future and the longevity of the game. I started focusing my efforts on production and writing for a few years. My first placement “Comfortable” by K Camp went platinum and lead me to winning the 2016 Sesac Pop Award for my contribution to the record. Since then I’ve been blessed enough to have had several more placements, been able to work with some of the biggest artists and best songwriters in the world, as well as launch my own artist career. Outside of music, I recently started my nonprofit “Hybrid Latino” which encourages and  helps at-risk, minority youth from low-income communities find their purpose and calling, as well as evolve their mindsets and inspire entrepreneurship.

Please tell us about your art.
Most of my success has been in Pop & Urban realm. As of late, I’ve had the opportunity to venture into the Latin market, writing and producing songs for myself and other artists who have already made waves in the Latin industry. It’s been exciting to tap into my cultural identity while working on these projects. Whether I’m writing, producing or performing, I live by the mantra of adding value to people and creating art that leaves someone better than they were before. Music to me has been an outlet that has gotten me out of some dark times and given me a sense of belonging and purpose. I strive to create music that has messages and frequencies that are inspiring and uplifting and I love for the listener to experience the transformative power of music the way I do. Trust me, I’m not supposed to be “here” or even be alive! LOL. I can’t tell you how many near death experiences I’ve had… Coming from humble beginnings, music has given me an opportunity to make something out of myself, see the world and have a real impact. I love the idea of innovation and pushing the boundaries when I create. I want to leave a legacy, so I always think “how can I make timeless records?” or “what would it sound like if Quincy & MJ were making tunes in their prime NOW?” You feel me? I want to make music that will make someone feel as if it was the first time they heard Marvin Gaye “Distant Lover” or “What’s Going On.” Honestly, I’d die happy knowing I’ve created music that inspired people to discover their “why.”

What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
Man, there is so much that I’d like to touch on as far as where the entertainment industry and artistry out now! I think the conditions are crazy due to the constant evolution of our culture, the business, technology and even mental health. It has definitely become easier for artists to create, get out there, be seen and heard in this digital era. With so many streaming services and platforms, there are a lot of opportunities and you no longer need a major label like back in the day to create a following, which is great. However, because of the access to so much information, in my opinion, there’s a lot of noise out there and it has affected the quality and integrity of music. To break big enough to make music your only job nowadays, you virtually have to  be your own publicist, manager, videographer, director, writer, producer and on and on. Also, with major labels being on quick ROI business models, there’s no more artist development, which also has diminished the quality of the music. Not to mention the questionable rates artist get paid from streaming services. Another huge issue in the music community right now is declining mental health. A lot of people are dealing with anxiety from the false perception of success that’s praised on social media. I feel as there is a unspoken genocide of the artist’s spirit due to the negative messaging and glorification of unhealthy behavior in pop music. Recent deaths and apparent suicides of artists, some well known, some not as known, is becoming a cultural norm and it needs to change. Since so much of what makes a successful artist is sex appeal, It would be dope for our community of creatives to redefine “sexy”. We need to start glorifying self-awareness and intelligence, healthy mindsets and living, instead of pill popping and alcoholism, we need to show respect for someone’s body instead of the objectification that is brought upon women. Really, just creating content that promotes LOVE is the move. It would be amazing, especially in LA, to see more community rather than competition. You look at the game in cities like Philly, NYC, CHI, artists like The Roots, Badu, Jill Scott, Mos Def, Common and so many more, they all have incredible and ever-evolving careers, even 20 years later, simply because they’ve supported each other. So what it comes down to is creating a supportive and healthy cultural atmosphere in our communities and artist applying a smart, undeniable work ethic – I believe this mindset will create opportunity for the arts and artists to thrive!

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can check out my work and show schedule on my website www.cesaralan.com, my IG: @cesaralanmusic as well on all major platforms, Spotify, iTunes, Tidal, Youtube, etc. I recently dropped my first single “STIGMA” and would love for everyone to support! If you’ve ever been in a toxic relationship or struggled with addiction or depression, this anthem is for YOU. Or if you just need a dope banger to work out to – I GOTCHU!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cesaralan.com
• Email: cesarramirezmusic@gmail.com
• Instagram: @cesaralanmusic

Image Credit:
Chris Enloe. Josh “OPTX” Levine

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.