Alexa

The singer from rock band Oversoul hit the stage in an acoustic set last night to promote her upcoming solo EP at Station Unplugged, courtesy of the W hotel in Hollywood.

Based in San Diego, Alexa Villa, known on the music scene as “Alexa”, is a singer-songwriter, talented pianist, and model. The young artist spends her time between San Diego, where her band Oversoul is based, and LA where she ventures for meetings, shows, and model calls (LA Fashion Week and the spread of Women’s Wear Daily, to name a few).

Last night, Alexa left her band at home, calling only on the guitar and background vocal talents of her brother, Ryan, also a member of Oversoul, to accompany her in her first solo show in Los Angeles in a while.

Promoting her upcoming EP (release date TBA), Alexa appeared behind a full weighted keyboard, armed with black leather and spidery fish-netted legs that mean business.

Her rock background was apparent, but if the audience thought her looks were stunning, they soon found that there is more to Alexa than meets the eye. The moment Alexa starts singing, the world stops to listen. The 20 year old’s wailing, powerhouse vocals, perfect for the rock scene, are surprisingly well-suited for her own compositions, which detail the power struggle in relationships and the sometimes difficult task of accepting things the way they are. Alexa’s chant sections bring the listener to the party, while her chromatic melodies catch us off-guard, showcasing her musical expertise.

Alexa highlighted the show with the leaked track from her upcoming EP, “Do What You Do To Me” – a playful number, if not somewhat masochistic, as love almost always is. Joining the ranks of popular rock voices Amy Lee (Evanescence) and Hayley Williams (Paramore), Alexa’s vocals soared from rock party song to the intense solo ballad, “Hope”, which was recently recorded at the legendary Jungle Room studios in LA.

With a voice built to fill out larger venues, it is no wonder Alexa is finding success in the rock world as front woman of Oversoul, but she also has the important ability to stand alone, without the support of a rock band behind her. As her vocals brought people pouring into the popular night spot from the train station and the street, catching mere musical phrases and wanting more, it became clear that Alexa’s solo venture has just as much promise as her rock career, if not more.

This young lady has it all – the look, the voice, the writing ability, the musical talent. The only way to describe Alexa: simply stunning.

Alexa’s new track “Picture Perfect” has gained critical acclaim and airplay in San Diego. You can catch Alexa at a free show at The House of Blues – San Diego on August 5th, at 8pm.

For more on Alexa, and to stay up to date on her solo EP release and shows in Los Angeles, follow her on instagram and twitter @thealexavilla, find her on Facebook, and listen to her music on soundcloud. - According2Drea

What do you love most about playing music? There are so many things I love about playing music. I love that there are no limits or rules when it comes to creating and that I am able to completely be myself. I also love being able to connect with people in a way that I can't do verbally. Playing music is my therapy!

What two things did you most want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a rockstar and an artist.

Who inspired you to pursue music? My family inspired my to pursue music. My parents met in a band and my brother and I grew up going to their rehearsals. They worked really hard and did it for the love of music and made it clear to me and my brother that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

Which of your songs is most important to you? Although it's kind of hard to choose because all my songs are personal, the song most important to me is probably off my first album available on iTunes called My Miracle. I wrote it for my aunt after she passed from cancer.

What was the first album you bought with your own money? The first album I bought with my own money was probably the american idiot album from Green day. Its kind of hard to remember though because I had so many CDs!

What comes first – music or lyrics? Then what happens? When it comes to writing, my process is never the same. It depends what I'm inspired by at the moment. If I'm sitting at the piano and find a chord progression or melody I like then I will start with that and start mumbling words and rhythms until I like whats happening. Sometimes I have specific events or feelings on my mind and the words start flowing so I pair them with a melody that feels natural and sometimes I push myself to sing melodies that are out of my comfort zone and end up having fun challenging myself. The key though, for me, is to be open minded and not think too hard.

What’s the one thing that listeners would never guess about you? One thing that listeners would never guess is that I was a drama geek in high school and played a fork and a townsman in Beauty and the Beast!

If your fans had to write a sentence or two to describe your music, what would they write? I think my fans would describe my music as energetic and poppy with an edge. I think it covers life experiences for a person my age finding out who they are and what they want and having fun while doing it! - Listen Local SD (102.1 KPRI)

We’re joined by members of ALEXA, a local San Diego-based band (www.AlexaMusicNow.com), who talks about their current musical endeavors and share their hit single, “Do What You Do.” - Smarter San Diego

Published in SD Magazine - Tonight in San Diego

Live on FM 94.9 - The Local 94/9 with Tim Pyles featuring Alexa

Q:How long have you been making music?
A:I have been making music for 14 years. I started taking piano lessons at age 7 and grew up around a musical family before that as well.

Q: What do you take away from music?
A: Music feeds the soul! I literally can’t explain what music gives me. It’s medicine and healing and fun all in one and brings so many people together!

Q: Where do you see yourself career wise in the music world?
A: I see myself taking music all the way. My goal is connect with and inspire others to do what they love and in doing that it would be a plus to make a living as well! I plan to tour and travel and share music with others around the world.

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I grew up in San Diego county, born and raised.

Q: What inspires you?
A: I’m inspired by everything around me whether it be: people, the weather, love, adventure, art, God, a really tough day, or a phrase I read on a T shirt while shopping at Ross. I try to see life as art and that way its always beautiful!

Q: What are some of your limitations/obstacles do you have with your music? How are you overcoming these limitations?
Q: Some limitations that I have are finishing music. I tend to get distracted with “idea overload” and it takes me a bit longer than it should to get in and out of the studio. As Da Vinci said, “Art is never finished, only abandoned”. It’s just kind of hard to walk away!

Q: Are you involved with your community? If so, how?
A: Does playing shows and supporting other artists around SD count?? ;p
8: What are some of your major accomplishments you have acquired in you career?
A; I’d say some major accomplishments I have acquired in my career are playing at Warped Tour, being on the radio and inspiring my fans. Playing Warped was probably actually one of my favorite days ever and hearing my music over the air is so weirdly awesome. It’s such a great feeling to work hard for something and actually accomplish a goal. And on the other hand, simply moving my audience is part of the reason I want to make music so hearing that it has a positive influence a person is an achievement for me in itself!

Q: What is your biggest fear?
A: I don’t think Ive ever really given my greatest fear much thought. Maybe watching Pretty Little Liars while home alone with the lights off. Pretty scary.

Q: Whats your favorite thing to do with your time off from life?
A: My favorite thing to do with my time off, aside from song writing, is probably going to the beach with friends or painting. I really enjoy anything creative or involving nature.

Q: If you could perform at any festival or venue, where would that be?
A: I would LOVE to perform at Coachella. I’ve never actually been so to perform there would be an incredible experience.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world where would that be?
A: I love traveling. Its hard to pick one place but if I could travel anywhere in the world I would either go to the city of Petra in Jordan and then to the Dead Sea, or to Greece, or Spain.. Maybe Costa Rica. Too many cool places in the world.

Q: If you could have coffee with one celebrity who would that be? and why?
A: If I could have coffee with one celebrity, the first person that pops into my mind is Robert Plant. He is such an inspiration to me. I’m pretty much in love with all of Led Zeppelin’s music and would love to learn from him.

Q: What trend would you like to set or have set?
A: I would love to bring back some rock n roll. I try not to think about genres too much because I love all types of music and don’t want to limit myself but nothing beats some good ol’ fashioned rock n roll. But then again, funk is pretty awesome.. hmm..

Q: Who are your role models?
15. My role models range from Michael Jackson, to Plant, to Jessie J, to Gaga. Musically, these artists are great influences for me but even just as a person I see Jessie J as a role model. She seems so down to earth and humble but also just super confident and fun!
Q: Have you always felt comfortable on a stage?
A: I’d say I’ve always felt a certain ease on stage, probably because I grew up watching my family perform. I don’t remember ever thinking too hard about it, however; it has been a growing process. Starting out, it was definitely more difficult and nerve-racking than it is now (even though I still get butterflies at times).

Q: Why do you want to make music?
A: I don’t just want to make music.. It’s who I am. I pretty much have to for my sanity. Its my passion and one of the only things that remedies my troubles. Even if I wasn’t pursuing music as a living, I think I would still play everyday.

Q: What do you do to stay fit and healthy?
A: I try to eat fruits and vegetables, and run a couple times a week. Although, somehow ice cream takes over my fridge.

Q: What do you do to stay calm and focused?
A: To stay calm and focused I say a prayer, or write lyrics. Somehow getting everything on paper and out of my head is soothing!

Q: What are you limitations?
A: My limitations include myself at times as I tend to over think things, and also probably Netflix.. I can’t turn it off sometimes! - Dgaray Magazine