Band of the Moment: Alexx Calise

Our second band of the moment is definitely a switch from last month's band, but we think you'll enjoy her just the same. Read on to learn more about the amazingly talented Alexx Calise!

BD: Bandictionary
AC: Alexx Calise

BD: How did you get started in music?
AC: Well, first and foremost, I've always been a writer. It wasn't until I picked up the guitar at eleven though that I started fusing my poetry and writings with music. From that point on, I was unstoppable. I entered every talent competition that I could and played as many shows as possible. The rush that I got from performing was unlike anything I'd ever experienced. As a very introverted and (I think) misunderstood kid, I'd never felt more at home and accepted. That's when I knew I'd never be able to do anything else.

BD: Who are your biggest musical inspirations? What about non-musical inspiration?
AC: My biggest musical inspiration has always been my father. He would play guitar for my brother and I all the time when we were little kids, and I wanted to be just like him when I grew up. As far as bands go, I've always been a huge fan of Silverchair, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Johnny Lang, The Toadies, STP, Soundgarden and Our Lady Peace. When I was first starting to learn how to play guitar, I'd hole myself in my room for days just jamming out Silverchair or Stevie Ray Vaughan riffs.

I'm inspired by a lot of different non-musical things, such as existentialism, paradox, secular humanism, pop culture, societal trends and behaviors and the human psyche. If it's dark and esoteric, it's right up my alley.

BD: What is your favorite song that you've written?
AC: It's hard to say because they're all very close to my heart, but I think my song "Out of Sight" is probably one of the most personal, emotive and expressive compositions I've ever written. I just knew that it was going to be one of those special songs as soon as my producer, Luigie Gonzalez played me the chords for the first time on the piano. It literally rocked me to my core, and I knew that if I didn't write a fantastic melody and lyrics to that song, it would have been sacrilege.

BD: You have a very unique sound, but what one aspect of your music do you think sets you apart from all other artists?
AC: I think what sets me apart are my lyrics. I don't write them for the sake of writing them and I feel they're just as important as what's going on musically. I usually like to explore the darker sides of things, but I always offer some sort of resolution or sense of calm at the end.

I'm also a lover of irony and paradox. For example, one my new songs, "Anything Goes," is a very danceable, up-tempo, club-friendly track. If you didn't pay any attention to the lyrics, you might say to yourself, "Okay, another freakin' dance song. So what?" But, in fact, it's a social commentary about the "me generation," and how a great number of people my age have unrealistic expectations and a certain sense of entitlement.

BD: If you could go back and change anything on Morning Pill, would you? What would you change?
AC: I would change some of the production. The songs are definitely there, but the sound isn't as cohesive as I would have liked it to be. I think a lot of that had to do with the fact that I was young and didn't have a concrete idea of where I wanted to go musically yet, and I've always been kind of quiet and non-confrontational, so I didn't speak up as much as I should have during the recording process. That's not to say that I'm not proud of that record though, because what I wrote was truly heartfelt. I just think my new record, In Avanti, will be a bit more representative of who I am now.

BD: What kind of mark do you hope to leave on the music world?
AC: A big one, I hope! I really believe in my music, and I think it has the potential to be bigger than I could ever anticipate, so let's all cross our fingers and hope for a home run with this next album!

BD: What is your ultimate goal in music?
AC: My ultimate goal in music is to be able to tour and perform on a much larger scale, and reach as many people as I can. So long as I'm able to do what I love for a living without having to find alternative ways to supplement my income, I'll be happy. More than happy - ecstatic, even.

BD: What is the best part about making music for a living?
AC: The best part is that you have the opportunity to do what you really love to do. Not many people are given that chance, so I feel extremely lucky and grateful.

BD: What are your views on downloading music illegally?
AC: I have actually blogged about this topic on many different occasions. While I don't believe in illegal downloading in any way, shape or form, I know that it's inevitable, and there's really nothing we can do to stop it at this point. As artists, we unfortunately just have to find alternative ways to generate income (touring, merch sales, endorsement deals, etc) so that we can continue doing what we love to do.

Something has to give at some point, however, because if things keep continuing along this trend, there won't be any new music. Major labels and recording studios are going under, and it's extremely costly to put out your own music if you want to do it right (unless of course, you just so happen to be adept at audio engineering, marketing and advertising, and graphic arts).

I don't really know what the answer is, but I think if people really knew the costs involved in making a record (whether it's on a big or small scale), they'd probably change their tune. All I can say is, if you like an artist, go out and support them. Buy their record or their t-shirt. If you want them to keep creating the music you enjoy, then don't be afraid to show them a little love.

BD: If you weren't making music, what would you be doing?
AC: Honestly, I've never been able to picture myself doing anything else. My heart just wouldn't be in it.

BD: Anything else you'd like to add?
AC: Yes! Be on the lookout for my new album, In Avanti, which will be released in the next two weeks! The album will be available on my official site [see below], Amazon, iTunes, CDBaby, and many other major online media sites. I'll also be releasing the debut album with my other music project, Sound of Cancer in the upcoming months! ★

To learn more about Alexx Calise, go to alexxcalise.com.

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