We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alexa Ray a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alexa , appreciate you joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
Am I happy? Absolutely! All the time? uhhh no…
Being a musician is one wild ride, and I’m sure every artist will agree.
For me music is more than a passion, it’s been a therapy. It’s gotten me through the lowest points in my life and from it, it’s given me some of the greatest joys. It’s allowed me to meet and work with some of the greatest people from around the world. It’s taken me on adventures to Europe, UK, South America and allowed me experience red carpets, tours and perform for thousands of people in addition to gain incredible accolades.
True I’m romanticizing a lot of it. When it’s hard it’s HARD, and I’m not just talking about the working hours or unsteady pay. Always being ‘ON’ always being watched; what you look like, what you say, what you represent ( or don’t). The burn out… the mental health. It’s an industry where you really need to set boundaries and take care of yourself and protecting yourself because everyone wants a piece.
I’ve thought about what life would be like with a regular job, you know, stability, set hours, all that jazz. Because most days it would be easier. But I know regular. You name it I’ve probably done it; cashier, realtor secretary, printer/color specialist, framing, hostess, equestrian centre, florist. Every time I picture my life in a 9-5 cubicle, it just doesn’t fit. Music is in my blood, and I can’t imagine doing anything else. Sure, it’s a rollercoaster, but it’s one I wouldn’t trade for the world.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Absolutely! Music has been ingrained in my soul since I can remember but start with the basics: I’m Alexa Ray, cinematic pop singer, topliner, lyricist, and songwriter from Toronto creating music for media. Now, no relation to Billy Joel’s daughter, Alexa Ray JOEL – just to clear that up! I’m a coffee addict and mother to my 2.5 year old Great Dane, Winston.
My musical journey began around the age of 8, delving into the world of classical music. Throughout my academic years, I immersed myself in the intricacies of opera, eventually carving out a niche as a classical crossover artist. It wasn’t long before I released my debut album in 2013, which made waves in the UK Classical charts and led to a thrilling collaboration as a guest soprano on G4’s ‘Back For Good’ tour.
A pivotal moment occurred a few years back when I transitioned from opera to the realm of cinematic and trailer music. I was drawn to its fusion of electronic and classical elements, and found a canvas that allowed me to showcase all aspects of my creativity. Since then, I’ve contributed to numerous trailer albums, collaborated with incredible composers and have had the honor of releasing with esteemed industry giants such as Position Music, Warner Chappell, Crucial Music, BMG Production Music, Atom Music Audio, and Phantom Power.
My music has found a home in the mainstream media landscape, a few highlight sync placements on hit TV shows are ‘Love Island’ (Australia & France), ‘Germany’s Next Top Model,’ and ‘Married At First Sight’, Australias Survivor.
Exploring the breadth of musical genres has been one of the most exciting parts about what I do. I’ve had the honor of collaborating with DJs for some of Europe’s most iconic music festivals, including the 2023 anthem ‘Path Of The Warrior’ for Defqon 1 with SubZero Project, and Intentz’s 20th-anniversary end show with Aftershock, featuring ‘Stars Of Destiny.’
Beyond music, I wear another hat as the proud owner of Stage 9 Secrets ( www.stage9secrets.com) – an online store dedicated to providing artists with bespoke branding solutions for events, music videos, red carpet affairs, and beyond. It’s all about empowering fellow creatives to shine in every aspect of their artistic endeavors.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Receiving messages from listeners sharing how my music helped them through tough times or lifted their spirits is incredibly rewarding. It’s those moments that remind me why I’m in this game. Of course, I want my music to reach a wide audience so seeing it in TV spots or commercial campaigns is always fun, but what truly drives me is creating something that will connect with people on a personal level, offering comfort, motivation, and a ‘Ray’ of sunshine when they need it most.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
As mentioned my journey in music started with classical training and studying opera until I graduated university. Every lesson, every coaching and examination was focused on technique and what felt like this obsession for perfection; not only in how you moved and performed, but also alignment, tone, and control. While the allure of performing at such a high level of artistry was gratifying, it felt like I was chasing some unattainable idea of perfection only appreciated by classical peers. It was this limitation that propelled me to explore alternative sonic landscapes and search for avenues to connect with a broader audience. As I transitioned into the realm of recording, I underwent a profound realization: technical perfection, while essential, pales in comparison to the emotive power of authenticity. Let me preface that for young singers by saying vocal hygiene is ALWAYS important- I am not promoting blowing out your vocal cords. However, after years of laying the foundation of ‘good singing’, it needed to stop being my soul purpose when making sound).
I started exploring different sounds and styles, breaking away from everything I’d learned as a classical singer. In the realm of recorded music, where the listener’s perception is solely auditory and all people have is your voice in their ears, they want to feel something not just hear something technically perfect. It’s about letting them hear YOU – raw, unfiltered, and straight from the heart. It’s not about being flawless. It’s about being relatable and the ability to evoke genuine reactions through the unaltered expression of one’s truest self that resonates most deeply with audiences and, if nothing else, I hope that’s what people can walk away with after listening to my music.
Contact Info:
- Website: [email protected]
- Instagram: @alexarayofficial
- Youtube: YouTube.com/alexarayofficial
Image Credits
FOH Photography ( performance and Laying down shot) Dortas Photography (neon night shots)