Bob Lefsetz- The Doors of Perception Are Open
Current mood: hopeful
Category: Music

A lot of you are wanting to know what's going on with me or what's new.  I'm still forging ahead with my music and working on getting booked for some shows in the LA area.  Also, I've been reading Bob Lefsetz blogs about his thoughts on the music industry.  One of the articles I read moved me to write to him.  I wrote Bob Lefsetz an email in response to all he writes about the music industry executives that seem to think they are in touch with what is 'in' with music today.  Bob is the author of "The Lefsetz Letter" (http://lefsetz.com/wordpress/) and I suggest that if you haven't subscribed yet, you need to.  He speaks the truth and is the most 'in touch' person out there when it comes to music.  He is OUR pulse and understands the conflict of what artists are going through today in this electronic day and age.  Below is the letter I wrote to him, which I wanted to share with you and know you will relate ....Love, ALyX!

"Hi Bob, You are absolutely right about a lot of the things you write about. My name is ALyX!.  I am an avid reader of your columns.  I love to read them over breakfast and have heeded your advice several times.  I can tell you first hand that what you say is true.  I am so sick of these record executives dictating what we, the world, will like in terms of music.  There is so much good music out there and the thing is that it is not 'undiscovered.'  It is discovered by us the artists and fans and we spread the word amongst us.  Artists are banning together and what I call 'cross-fanning' with each other.  We have no choice because it's not about getting 'discovered' anymore...it's about making great, quality music that people LOVE and that's exactly how you'll get 'noticed.'   So, yeah, I don't like that those executives control what's out there for the masses, but what they don't realize is that good music is finding its way back to the masses and we don't need 'them' to tell 'us' what good, quality music is.    I have a dream.  I am going to bring back Monterey Pop.  It's about artists, music and the masses of fans coming together as one.  And every time I read your column you inspire me.  Don't stop Bob...you're right on.  Music delivers a message.  That's what makes it so powerfully legendary.

Do you really think these record executives understand that??? 

Love, ALyX!"

11:11 AM - 6 Comments - 6 Kudos - Add Comment

Wasting No Time
Category: Travel and Places

I got up at 11:24am.  Took my shower, got ready and walked to The Coffee Bean to get an iced Green Tea Frapachino and a cinnamon roll.  Then, walked across the street to Trader Joes.  I got sushi, vitamin water, and smoothie stuff. Walked back to my producer's house and ate. Yum! Yum! 

Roger couldn't find his keys so we couldn't leave the apartment to go to the studio so we ended up working in his room on the songs until Damian (of Death of a Dancer) showed up and took us to the studio!  My songs are good…60's vibe with Motown production, Rolling Stones and the Kinks infused all together, with vocals that sound like Hope Sandoval and Patsy Cline. I stayed up till 12:00am listening to the old Beatles Demos and the latest Kaiser Chiefs songs.  OH! And there was a little Etta James, LuLu, and Dusty ...Too excited!! Love, Love, ALyX!

Currently listening : At Last! By Etta James Release date: 27 July, 1999

1:30 AM - 11 Comments - 9 Kudos - Add Comment

Finally In The City Of Angels
Category: Travel and Places

I'm finally in LA where I belong!!  I didn't get in until midnight and then, didn't go to bed until 3 in the morning. We listened to music. I don't want to waste a minute.  …I want to live and breathe my music.  I love it and so will you!!!

Love, Love

ALyX!  

5:00 AM - 5 Comments - 6 Kudos - Add Comment

SXSW Personal Diary Pics!!!
Current mood: excited
Category: Parties and Nightlife

I just got back from SXSW and I had so much fun!  I went with Roger and Anita.  SXSW is an annual music industry event by invitation only.  It is held on 6^th Street in Austin, Texas.  It's a music event that showcases new up and coming acts.  Music industry journalists from all over the world attend to see the performers in an intimate setting.  Here is my personal picture diary of the event. 

The Fader Mag Party was held at the Levi Warehouse.  You had to have a special band to get in.  Even though I was on the guest list, one of the door people came up to me and said "There is no way you'll get in there.  You have to be 21."  I told him I was "ALyX!" and he said, "I don't care who you are! You have to be 21 to get in." My manager told me not to worry about it and that I'd get in, so I stood behind her, put my shades on, and waited until we moved up the line to the front door.  She pointed to my name on "The List".  I saw it.  It said "ALyX!" and then she pointed to her name, held her wrist out, for the band, grabbed my wrist, I got banded and we walked in.  No questions asked.  That was cool!  The Fader shows were good.  We hung out there for about three hours and realized that we had just missed Amy Winehouse.  But guess what, caught her at Brush Park, got stopped again, BUT…. I was on "The List."  I talked to her for a bit.  She did an acoustic set which included one of my favorite songs which was "Back to Black." Her hair makes her look voluptuous!  Here we are after her show:

I spent the rest of the day meeting and greeting industry  peeps.  The next day, I went to see Cold War Kids.  The line to get into the club stretched to across the street, however since I had the pass and I knew I was on the list, I walked right up to the front dorr.  Of course the bouncer takes a good look at me through his shades, with the look of "I don't think so!"  Yup! You guessed it!  I had to be 21.  BUT I was on "The List." I told the bouncer "I'm ALyX!" then the owner checked "The List" and sure enough I was on it and he led me in right up to the stage. I had to see Cold War Kids because I had heard so much buzz about them.  They were really good live.  After their show, I hung out with them for a while.  They were all so nice.  Check out my pics below:

Saturday I woke up late and starving.  I made my way to the BMI Brunch and ate like a pig.  While I was eating I noticed MIKA was there.  So I went over and chatted with him for a few minutes. Mika is so tall.  I think he must have been about 6'2" or somewhere around there.  I knew he was tall, but I didn't think he was that tall.  MIKA was the nicest person.  We chatted a few and then took a few pictures.

I also went to see The Shy's show that was hosted by SPIN Mag.  I got to the club early and decided to go outside to pass out flyers with Damian from Death Of A Dancer.  I didn't realize how fast time went by so we got back to the club, but they wouldn't let us in!  Yes, you guessed it… you had to be 21!!!!  This time I wasn't on "The List."  Later I learned my manager had a conversation with the bouncer at the back door of the club.  I don't know exactly what she told him, but when I got to the back door, she stepped outside, took my hand and walked in thanking him.  The Shy's had a really good show.  Kyle's voice sounds even better live. I also had seen them the day before.  I sat upstairs in the VIP section.  Guess who was sitting right next to me.  The Redwalls.  Check out my pics!

Kyle from The Shys

The Shys

The Redwalls

I continued to go from one event to the other meeting so many industry people.  I told them a bit about myself.  I was so busy I'd forget to eat!!!  But there's always room for a bit of fun!

That's Me with The Screening from the UK.  We hung out a lot together…

Steven from Death Of A Dancer there to rescue my poor feet!!!

Silver is the new black…that's me with Damian of Death Of A Dancer

And finally, I had to say goodbye to everyone BUT not without taking a few more pictures.  Thank you Anita, Roger, and Nadine…for making sure I didn't miss this great event!   I'll be there next year…performing for sure.  Make sure YOU are on "The List"….I love you all. ALyX!

That's me with VJ Matt Pinfield from MTV and Sirrus Radio

Group picture with The Beautiful and Damned and their friend (far right)

Currently listening : Back to Black By Amy Winehouse Release date: 13 March, 2007

12:40 PM - 30 Comments - 34 Kudos - Add Comment

Memphis Audition!
Category: Music

Last week, a friend of mine sent me some audition information for the upcoming Broadway show "Cry Baby."  Originally, the 1990 film "Cry-Baby" cast Johnny Depp in the title role of a motorcycle riding "bad boy" who falls for a debutante named Allison, who was tired of being a "good girl."  Think "GREASE."  I looked into it and decided to submit my information.

Two days later, I got an email from one of the casting crew asking me to audition in Memphis, Tennessee.  Memphis is about 7 hours from Dallas.  There was no way I was going to pass up this opportunity! I knew they were looking for an singer/actress about 18 or so, but I didn't care. I never mention my age unless I'm asked "the question."  I mean why not try out for stuff that comes your way.  You just never know where it leads, and no way was I going to have a "what if." 

I define "what if" as events in my life that if I were to look back on and say things like "what if I would have said this or that etc."  I can't have those!  And so everything I do, I do it to the best of my abilities so I don't ever look back and have a "what if." 

A short email with the audition information for the part of Allison followed along with the script and the sheet music to "I'm Infected."  There were three scenes for me to memorize.  One scene was a conversation between Allison and her Grandmother over how silly she was for falling for a "two-timing" guy (Cry-Baby).  The second scene was between Cry-Baby and Allison regarding a romantic night in a junk yard.  And the third scene was Allison getting a gold plated guitar pick from Cry-Baby. 

The audition day arrived and I was prepared.  I even dressed the part.  I wore my black and white poke-a-dot dress (the one on my profile) with short socks and checkered vans.  I was a little nervous because I've never auditioned for anything having to do with Broadway before.  But I did it.  I walked in there and did my own thing.  While I heard the beltings of these girls sing their hearts out to "I'm Infected" I decided to do my own rendition of a soft spoken, madly in love, Allison.  I acted the song out in front of the casting crew. 

     "WOW! ALyX!  that was wonderful!"  Exclaimed one of the ladies sitting next to a table.  I could only hope she really meant it.

     "How old are you?" she asked.  There was the dreaded question!  Why!  Why! Must you ask????

     I told them my age. 

     "Sing us the song you brought with you."  She stated. 

I sang "Leavin' On Your Mind."  My performance was followed with more exclamatory remarks.  I smiled.  I knew I had my lines to do next.  I was asked to do the scene with Cry-Baby in the junk-yard. 

The entire audition took less than 15 minutes.  But that audition might have just opened the door to other opportunities as I they wanted to talk to me about some kind of show they put on in the summer time having to do with Patsy Cline. (After all I was in Memphis!) 

It was worth it.  And so we drove back to Texas, seven hours in the car.  I don't have any "what ifs."

Currently listening : Littlest Things By Lily Allen Release date: 14 December, 2006

1:34 PM - 21 Comments - 15 Kudos - Add Comment

Bluest Skys...
Current mood: artistic

I can't tell you what time we started recording "Bluest Skys," because I wasn't supposed to be working that late. The recording room was filled with burning candles, and I was on my second wind.  We played the music and I stood there feeling the guitar, piano, and drum beat.  Roger, my producer, sat on the couch in the other room doing something on his computer.  He was ready to hear me sing "Bluest Skys."  I stared at the bit of candle wax on the podium that held my music notes.  I had just come from sneaking into another room where the original KINKS mixing board was.  It was such a long and big mixing board that it was brought in through the second floor window as to not dismantle the whole thing.  I touched it.  I wanted a piece of that history.  I couldn't stay long in the room, and so I left with dreams of mixing my music on that mixing board one day. 

I went back into the recording room.  I straightened up my music notes and prepared myself to sing "Bluest Skys."  I thought about Jim Morrison and wondered what went through his mind when he sang his songs.  He had recorded in the very same studio I was in at the very moment. I felt the vibe….I could hear the music through my ear phones…the Pink Floyd intro to the song…. It was perfect. 

"Open up your eyes….." I imagined me saying goodbye…  "We're sailing onto bluer skys…."  And so I let my voice float on the notes, as I felt the music move my soul.  I was jamming to the music.  We all were.

            "ALyX! It's wicked!"  I heard Roger exclaim.  I could see him put his hand on his head, telling my mom how unbelievable I sounded.  It made me happy because I always try to sing so that those who listen to my music actually feel it. 

            "Try it again, ALyX!"  Roger wanted me to try different things with my voice, but I sang it the way I felt the music and what you hear on myspace is the actual result.  I continued to sing the song even thought I was really tired.  I was determined to finish it!  It was now, well, very, very late. We were almost finished.  THUMP! (that was me falling to the ground)

            "ALyX!, ALyX! are you ok?"  Roger asked.  I could hear his voice through my headphones.  "ALyX!"

            "Yeah, I'm fine.  I have to do it again.  It's not perfect.  It's not quite there…. Soooo, let's do it again!"  I replied back to him as I pulled myself off the ground.  I stared at the candles, got back into it, and redid one part of the song for like the 10^th time (I think) the part where I go "…when you're around…." and do that thing I do with my voice.  It had to be my voice wrapping itself around a staircase.  That's what I pictured in my mind.   There was no way I was going to let any machine touch my voice. NO WAY!  Finally, close to the break of dawn, I got it right!  It was a take!  Yeah!  I was done.   

All my candles had burned out except for four of them.  I listened to a full take of the song and had Dany burn me a CD.  "Bluest Skys" is a sound that hasn't been heard in a long time and I'm bringing it back.  It's part psychedelic and part L.A. mid 60's rock.   I wanted to listen to it in the car.  On my way back to the hotel I could see the sun coming up.  I turned to my mom and said, "I swear I think I was channeling Jim Morrison when I sang Bluest Skys."  I was.  It's like his spirit was there in the room with me… and I could hear him say, what I often said at the beginning of my shows, "Are you ready to rock?"  Love, ALyX! 

9:18 PM - 13 Comments - 11 Kudos - Add Comment

On The Line...
Current mood: hopeful

The day before I recorded this song, I went to an audition for a really big music project.  There were lots of people there.  The scene was anxious.  We were all there for one reason and that was to win a coveted spot for this really big music project.  You had to be 17 to audition, so I quickly did the math.  Yes, I fibbed my way through because I wasn't about to let this opportunity slip by.  I walked in, filled out my paper work and waited until my name was called. 

I brought two CDs with me to sing to…. "Leaving On Your Mind" by Patsy Cline and "Zombie" by the Cranberries.  I sat on a stool and waited for my name to be called out.  And just when you think you're prepared to hear your name, you realize you never really are.

     "ALyX! you're up."  The gentleman said with the English accent.  I quickly walked towards the door where he stood and handed him my two CDs.

     "Pick one." He said.  I thought for just a moment and then replied, "This one."

     "Zombie?"  He questioned.

     "Yes."  I knew why he questioned me on that song.  Zombie is a hard audition song because of the lows in the song.  Most people when they sing this song, get off pitch after hitting the lows, and that is if they ever hit it! 

I took my position on the stage and adjusted the mic.  I looked out in front of me.  There were a few people huddled together on bleacher-like seating.  There was a camera pointed at me.  The man with the English accent asked me to speak my name and song selection into the camera.  I did so.  Next, I took off my leather jacket, and waited for  "Zombie" to begin.  The moment I heard the music, I imagined myself singing to a crowd of thousands!  (There is a video of me singing "Zombie" on my page that was recorded back in Texas.)  I did my thing.  And when the song was over, I was asked to sing another one.  And so I sang my Patsy. 

After the song ended, a man, sitting up high on the bleacher asked me a question.  He asked, "What kind of music do you want to do?"

I answered, "I want to do music that lasts forever, that people want to hear over and over. I want to do music that mixes my influences all in one sound."

     "And what sound is that?"  He asked.  I didn't even have to think about my reply.  I was so sure of what I wanted to do there was absolutely no question in my mind.

     "My sound will be a little bit of The Doors, The Beatles, The Clash, The Kinks, with a bit of White Stripes and Patsy."  I replied. 

And so, the very next day, I got busy with Roger in the studio.  We knocked out "On The Line" in no time.  It was great!  I nicked named it "the i-Pod" song. 

I did exactly what I said I would do.  Five songs in three days.  "On The Line" is one of them.  So, go ahead and take a listen.  There's more coming…..Might want to subscribe to my blog… it's free and it's the only way you won't miss a thing……Love, ALyX!

8:32 AM - 64 Comments - 49 Kudos - Add Comment

If You've Got Leaving On Your Mind......
Current mood: busy

I know I'll meet a lot of people on this incredible life journey I'm continuing to travel on, but none so far have influenced me and supported my career the way my dad has.  It all started one day when I was 6 or 7.  He was playing a Patsy Cline tune and I was standing there watching him.  He asked me to sing along and I did.  That's how all the magic started.  And so I began to sing all the Patsy Cline songs and fell in love with an artist that has influenced my voice ever since. 

The trouble back then was I didn't know how to incorporate Patsy Cline in the music I wanted to do.  I tried to sing different styles of music, but always came back to my Patsy Cline roots.  I started incorporating one of her songs in my shows.  Imagine the scene….hard core rockers, punk rockers, pop-punk, screamos, and then me..singing my rock songs and a Patsy.  It didn't matter to me because I knew I could go up there with the best of them.  And I did and I ended with Patsy song…and then they caught on.  The next gig would go up, do their set, and end with a song and say something like, "And this next song is our version of country."  Music is music. 

Then, came the recording of my songs.  I wanted to record a Patsy Cline song, but some of the producers I worked with didn't really want to record it for me.  So I went two years without recording Patsy but I kept on singing her songs and she continued to influence my voice. 

All this changed when I met a really wonderful producer and song writer named Roger, who by the way, incorporated my love of Patsy in all my new songs.  I asked Roger if I could record a Patsy song for my dad.  I explained my story and that my father loved her songs.  So there I was, warming up my voice, at a studio in Hollywood.    I explained that I would sing it straight through and that I wanted no one to touch the vocals and he agreed.  We recorded the third take of the Patsy song, "Leaving On Your Mind."  I sang and dedicated the song to my dad.  

Thank you Roger because it was one of the best Christmas present he ever got and it will always be my way of saying, "Thank you dad…..for always being there for me.  I love you."  ALyX!

8:07 PM - 13 Comments - 6 Kudos - Add Comment

BEST WEEK EVER!!!!!
Current mood: accomplished
Category: Music

I had the best week ever in LA.  I did it.  Roger and I knocked out some pretty cool Doors, The Clash, The KINKS, and a little Patsy Cline sound.  I cannot wait for you all to hear it.  We worked some pretty long days and nights.  I love long nights.  I met the best band people ever.  There's Dany.  He played guitar on some of my music and he mixed the music.  Then there was Stephen.  He's the drummer.  He's way cool and plays some of the best drums I have EVER heard.  Then there's Mike.  Talk about some kick @#$%! Strumming.  It was great!    Then there was Roger.  Yeah….he got it CAPitAL AMAZING.  At the Sony audition I was asked what I kind of music I was going to do. I created a sound.  I did exactly what I said I would do.  Five songs in three days.  I'm loving it!  I'll keep you guys posted.  Love, ALyX!

12:28 PM - 18 Comments - 14 Kudos - Add Comment