INTERVIEWS PRINT

Interview with Alexander

Jake Craney
Latest posts by Jake Craney (see all)

Dance-pop artist Alexander lives his life around one core belief – that nothing is impossible, impossible “just takes more time…” Alex is blazing a new trail in the music industry with a bright sound and style defined by a sparkling, carefree energy, and fun, sexy beats. GroundSounds recently caught up with Alexander to find out about his journey from Siberia to the US, his music, and plans for 2014.

 

GS: Your story about getting started with music is much different than most. Tell us about your journey from your home country to LA and how you began making music.

Wow that’s a good question! Well I was born in Russia and lived most of my life in Siberia. Believe me, it’s a VERY cold place, especially during the winter.  Growing up, I loved pop music and listened to all of the global pop icons: MJ, Madonna, you name ‘em. When I was in Russia I didn’t pursue a music career, instead I decided to pursue a law degree, but in my heart, ever since I was a little kid I loved to sing and perform. In 2008, with one year left to go in law school, I took a trip to L.A. and as soon as I got here, my passion for music and performing came back.  So I applied to the New York Film Academy and I got accepted. I knew it was an opportunity I could not turn down so I made the decision to leave law school and pursue my dreams. It was a very difficult decision for my family and me, yet it was the best decision of my life.  My first year in LA I really focused on learning English, acting, meeting people and living on my own. So one day I was introduced to my producer Richard Younglord (Notorious B.I.G, Mariah Carrey, P.Diddy and many more) through our mutual friend. When Richard heard my story, saw my work ethic and my hunger to learn and improve, he took me under his wing, and we’ve been working together ever since.

 

What would you say is the biggest lifestyle change you had to make going from Siberia to LA?

Oh, it’s so different, you can’t even imagine!! LOL It’s been a complete 180, I not only changed my path, but everything within it. Once I came to LA, I started living an exciting lifestyle and lost 160 pounds, I’ve been learning English, taking dance lessons, singing and also learning the business side of the music industry too.  

 

How would you describe your music?

Well it’s definitely dance pop with a variety of influences, such as R&B, Electro, Acoustics even Dub Step. I like to keep it high energy, fun, romantic, flirty and a bit sexy.  I want to make people feel good, if they fall in love on the dance floor, then I’ve done my job.

 

What inspired the song “Perfect Stranger?”

It’s funny that you ask about “Perfect Stranger” because I LOVE this song. It’s fun, flirty, romantic and carefree, just like me.  The melody is super catchy and really bright. It was inspired about that one day or moment when you accidently run into that perfect someone. Not thinking about a lifetime together, maybe not even knowing their full name or what they do, but you’re just totally caught in the moment with no doubts or fear of the unknown. I leave it open at the end for the listener to decide what will happen after that perfect day with that perfect stranger. Will they live happily ever after or just enjoy the memory of each other? It’s up to your imagination—you decide.

 

Who do you look up to in the music world? If you could collaborate on a track with any musician, who would you pick?

I think we have so many talented people and it’s hard to just look up to one person. I’ve definitely always been inspired by artists who weren’t afraid of being creative and have grown from one level to another. For example, Madonna, Justin Timberlake, Will.I.Am, Britney Spears, Pharrell Williams and Rihanna. If I could pick one of the artists I’d say Madonna I think she’s incredible.

 

What are you currently working on and what are your plans for releasing new music in 2014?

I’ve been working on many things, recoding new music, dance and vocal rehearsals, also different business meetings, but I’m most excited about releasing my first full album!

 

What are some of your favorite things to do outside of the music world?

I love to do creative stuff like to draw, play piano, learn different software applications like Photoshop and After Effects, or exploring new techno gadgets.  Also, I love to dance and go to the gym. No matter what I do, the most important things for me are to have fun and do my best job.

 

You were in Law School and already had a degree in economics, a path that offers a high degree of financial security. Then you decided to go into the music world, which can be “feast or famine” so to speak. That is not an easy step to take for most people. Where did the confidence and courage to take that leap come from?

It definitely came from my family of strong, independent women– my mom, grandmother and sister. My mom started out cleaning floors, then worked at a hospital, then went on to work as a music teacher. But as a single mom she went on to reach the ultimate feat of becoming a lawyer and then a judge. I’ve seen my mom grandmother, and sister fall and rise back up again all of the time, and that’s what’s inspired me the most.

 

Where is the best place online to stay updated with you?

For now I’ll say Twitter (@alexanderzworld), Youtube (youtube.com/alexanderzworld) and ReverbNation (ReverbNation.com/AlexanderzWorld). I’m still working on my web page – www.AlexanderzWorld.com, but very soon I will have my blog up on my site.

 

At the end of 2014, what would you like to have accomplished and what goals have you set for the upcoming year?

Well, have my web page finished, LOL. Definitely releasing my fist album, record more hit songs, and perform as many times at as many venues as I can possibly imagine!

 

Alexander – “Gone Before You Say Goodbye”

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