Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alexa L. Borden. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alexa L., 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?
The thing about being an artist is that it’s terrifying. I think the vast majority of us have to face our worst fears each time we create something; whether that means imposter syndrome, wondering if all this is sustainable from a financial standpoint, just plain not feeling good enough, worrying that people won’t like our art/music… it’s a lot of hurdles to jump. But in spite of all that, being a creative is also one of the most satisfying, fulfilling things in the world. I absolutely love it. I love the people I meet and get to work with (including my frequent co-composer, Connor Cook, who makes every project we tackle together a little less intimidating and a little more inspiring), how each project feels different and new, how I’m always learning. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to do what I love.
I’ve had “regular” jobs before–I’ve worked as a restaurant server and bartender, and I have no qualms about doing those things again if the gigs become scarce. There’s never shame in an artist having a day job to support themself. But I am and always will be a composer first and foremost, and when doubt inevitably sneaks in every so often and I find myself considering a career change, I always land back at this quote: “You can fail at what you don’t want; so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love.” So that’s what I’m doing.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Alexa L. Borden–I’m a composer for film and live theater. I’ve wanted to write film music since I was a kid and realized that was a job that existed. As a film & theater composer, I write and produce music for a wide variety of projects. My main goal as a composer is to help the filmmaker find where their film lives musically and create a score that compliments the film, whether that calls for a minimal, unobtrusive score or something complex and with a character of its own. I’m a multi-instrumentalist with a particular passion for combining analog synths with acoustic instruments, vocals, and sometimes more unconventional sounds like harpsichord and theremin. Above all else, my job is to help tell the story of the film and realize the filmmakers’ vision.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I had to unlearn overwork culture. You know, that “if you’re getting a full night’s sleep, three meals a day, and aren’t constantly busy you’re not trying hard enough” culture? For a long time my industry really pushed that ideal, and holy cow is it toxic. I was neck deep in that belief system a few years ago when I suddenly got hit with health issues and wound up in the hospital. It changed my whole view on what’s important. After I healed I really started prioritizing a healthy work-life balance and taking care of my physical and mental health first over work. And you know what? I’m way happier, healthier, and as a bonus–it actually made my work better.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
At this moment in time, the best way to support us is to continue hiring us, budgeting for our work, promoting our art, and to keep standing up for artists and our rights. We’re competing for work against AI right now, which is cheap and devalues what we’ve trained years to do. Opting to use AI-generated “art” just because it’s cheaper is unethical and hollow. Films, music, visual art–it’s all about human connection, and if you’re not using humans to help tell your stories, what’s the point of creating anything?
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alexabordenmusic.com
- Instagram: @alexabordenmusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexalborden/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7tW5Fmwp-cpINoIgQOyBNg
Image Credits
Daniel Bompadre