Meet Kira Alexi

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kira Alexi.

Kira, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am an American/Filipina born and raised in Hong Kong. I grew up visiting my family in both the US and Philippines but I had always envisioned myself one day moving to Los Angeles to pursue my career in music. I graduated secondary school at 16 years old and promptly moved to Pasadena, California. I didn’t want to waste any more time not turning my dreams into reality.

My passion for music has been a part of me since I can remember. Pretending everything was a microphone or an electric guitar, I would put on “concerts” for anyone (or any cat) who would listen. Growing up, I never felt like I fit in anywhere – whether it was from being a third-culture kid, being a little shy, having a passion for sports but not being taken seriously as a young girl – I would often find myself feeling happiest creating and working towards something alone in my room.

Having my own space to explore my creativity helped me in so many ways. I would film and edit my own videos, practice singing, songwriting and guitar, or escape into the fantasy world of MMORPGs and I was happy. Having access to the world of online gaming introduced me to a lot of music that quite honestly changed my life. It was the first time I realized that even though I had never met these people, we have shared experiences of pain, and through all the ugliness, there is beauty in that connection through the platform of music. Bands like Three Days Grace, Flyleaf, Breaking Benjamin and Paramore just to name a few, made me feel less alone during the months that I would avoid going to school out of sheer terror of being humiliated and bullied by other students for my differences.

That time of my life made me realize that music has a purpose and impacts people in beautiful ways. I was set on learning how to play guitar properly so that I could accompany myself to the songs that touched me. Eventually, learning other people’s songs wasn’t enough for me and I wanted to tell my own story, find a way to express the chaos inside my head. To transform the bad into good. To make sense of all the mess in my life. I needed a reason, I needed to know that all my pain was worth something in the end. Music has saved my life in more ways than I can count, it is one of the most beautiful things to experience as a human being on planet Earth.

I am beyond grateful to be able to do what I love for a living. To be able to work alongside my band who devote their valuable time to me, they constantly remind me to believe in myself even when I can’t. They are a huge motivator for my success. 2 out of 3 of my bandmates are from overseas, so being able to be the person they can count on to live and work in the US is important to me. I am grateful to now be in a place in my life where I can write music and share it with people who understand me. I no longer feel alone, and that’s all thanks to music.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I briefly mentioned a few of my struggles along the way previously, but to name a few more I would say never feeling a sense of stability, struggling to maintain healthy relationships, witnessing and experiencing traumatic events from a young age and fighting self-doubt.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am Kira Alexi and I write my own music & lyrics, sing and play rhythm guitar for my band of the same name. I would say that I specialize in creating, performing and recording alternative rock music with my band for people who want to feel, or at least know that they are not alone in their feelings. I’m known for being passionate, emotional and loud (musically speaking!)

I am most proud of the fact that we maintain our authenticity regardless of being told to stay within a box. We provide the experience of music for people who miss the times of loud guitars, no barriers and vulnerability in subject matter.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My dad has always inspired me to be the best version of myself and to persevere even in the darkest of times. He is my biggest inspiration and my hero.

Also, as I mentioned previously, my band consisting of Aldo Vidal (Lead Guitar), Juano Argüello (Bass) and Enrique Gomez (Drums) play a huge role in my success. They’re not only my band but my dear friends who are just as invested in my music as I am.

I met Juano in 2015 and he taught me so much of what I know about being a professional in the music industry. His knowledge in music tech/gear and music theory has helped me so much along the years. He is my co-pilot and plans everything with me, he inspires me to be the best version of myself and sees the best in me. I have never met someone more determined to be the best musician they can be. He is an incredible bassist. I met Aldo in 2016 and he has inspired me to pour my heart into guitar, his musicality and knowledge of guitar is unrivaled. Lastly, I met Enrique in 2018. His positivity and work ethic lighten up the room and I’m so lucky to have him as a drummer who plays tastefully and knows how to rock.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kiraalexi.com
• Phone: (626) 362-3632
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: kiraalexi
• Facebook: kiraalexi
• Twitter: kiraalexi

Image Credit:
Jason Puma, Alex Stone, Jeff Liu-Leyco

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