Alexandra May has been performing on stages since she was 11 years old and has made quite an impact on the local pop industry. The singer released her smash hits ‘Amazing’ and ‘Highlights’ last year and has dominated radio charts around the country. This week, I sit down with the singer as she opens up about her music, her love for performing and gives some advice to up and coming musicians.
You burst onto the scene with your debut single ‘Amazing’ earlier this year. How has life changed since you dropped the single?
It’s an incredible feeling to have my music out there! I guess my day-to-day life hasn’t really changed because I still continue to write and make music. But, I think in the greater scheme of things, life has changed dramatically! My music is finally out and that gives me great joy and confidence.
The song was a radio success. What do you think it is about the song that people enjoyed so much?
I think people are enjoying ‘Amazing’ because it’s fresh, uncomplicated and easy to jive to.
The song appears on your brand new EP. Tell us more about ‘One’.
I am so proud of ‘One’! Both ‘Amazing’ and my new single ‘Highlights’ appear on the EP. A song called ‘Breathe’ is close to my heart as it was a song of healing for me!
Many artists are releasing EPs these days. What is it about an EP that is attractive to an artist?
I think the fact that online stores are the easiest way to buy music makes a huge difference. Most of the time, people only want a few songs off of an album, so an EP is exactly that – a few songs that the artist loves. However, I will be bringing out an album in 2017!
You have been performing on stage since the age of 11. Tell us more about your early days and where your passion for music began.
I grew up in a musical family and started singing when I was seven. I started doing competitions around the same time and developed my skills as a performer and singer/actor. In my mid-teens, I started acting in theatre productions at the Peoples Theatre. Music has always been a part of my life. I’ve also sung in church my whole life.
What is one thing about the music industry you wish you knew before your career started?
When ‘Amazing’ was released I suddenly felt that I had done something right and that my music was good enough. I had previously doubted myself. As an artist you put your art out there and hope that it’s liked and until that’s done you just don’t know how the song will be received. Even though I would like to have known this before, I guess I will always have this tension.
Many young musicians look up to you. What advice do you have for someone wanting to get into the music industry?
I’d say trust yourself and only put out there what truly represents you! I also believe that surrounding yourself with a team that believes in and support you is important. Checks and balances in life are very important too. Oh, and a strong work ethic.
Feel free to comment, share or tweet @ElBroide
