Review Fix chats with Boston-based singer/songwriter Alexi, who discusses his unique blend of soul, Motown and gospel and who blends into his personal musical concoction. Influenced heavily by Michael Jackson and The Beatles, it wasn’t until much later that he got bit by the Gospel music bug.
Review Fix: What inspires you to perform?
Alexi: I love the connection with the artist and the opportunity to create something meaningful for them and with them. It’s a really big honor and to be up on stage and I am really grateful for every performance opportunity that I have.
Review Fix: Make makes you different from other artists?
Alexi: It is important to me that my music mean something. I think so much of what is on the radio these days is designed purely to make money without any thought of what the music or its messages mean. I hope to always create music that is, on some level, meaningful and connects with my listeners.
Review Fix: What did you grow up listening to? How has it affected your creativity?
Alexi: I grew up listening to Motown, the Beatles and Michael Jackson. Later in my life, I discovered gospel music and neo-soul music and have been listening to those a great deal ever since. I think these influences greatly affect my writing, the style or mood I am trying to create, and the overall feel of the music I try to make.
Review Fix: Where do you expect to be in a few years?
Alexi: I hope to be continuing to write and record, but also be touring more regularly and performing for audiences across the country. I’m not necessarily looking for Beyonce-status, but just be able to fill a small venues in a few different cities across the country, play at some colleges/universities, and just generally have a broader following.
Review Fix: What do you do when you’re not performing?
Alexi: I do a lot of work with kids, teaching at a school during the day, where I direct a couple a cappella groups and gospel choirs. This involves leading rehearsals, arranging songs, and, outside of my musical responsibilities, even coaching the middle school boys soccer team! I really like working with them as they are really inspiring and energizing (most of the time…:-)).
Review Fix: Tell us about a song of yours that you feel connects the most to your audience. What is it about. How was it written?
Alexi: I really like the song “Enough” off of my latest album. The chorus of it says, “enough is enough with ‘enough'” and I think that is a message that so many people, especially living in the US, can relate to–the constant pressure to live up to something, someone, or some standard. I wrote it when I was really feeling that way and was just fed up with this “enough-ness.” I think it came out well on the album and think it is one that many people can relate to.
Review Fix: What is your creative process like?
Alexi: Generally, I’ll get an idea that has some energy behind it. This could be a line or a phrase or just a concept and from there, that will usually become the chorus. I’ll flesh that out as I need to, then I’ll come up with some verses that will complement the chorus (I’ll expand on the idea set in the chorus or more fully explain it). After that, I kind of feel where the song is going and try to not force it into a set format. I might just play the same parts over and over until something strikes me and that’s where I’ll take the song after that. Some songs write more quickly than others. Others never really seem complete.
Review Fix: How do you want to affect your audience?
Alexi: I want my audience to be inspired and to find music they can connect to. I hope they find music that not only sounds good but makes them feel good too.
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