We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alicia Beck a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Alicia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

This seems like a simple question, but reflecting on an alternate reality doesn’t feel productive for me. The cards I was dealt growing up made my path challenging to navigate, so I’ve tried many different routes to get where I am. Although I’ve been writing music since I was a teen, I didn’t seriously pursue it until my early 30’s.

Looking back, I don’t believe starting sooner would have necessarily improved my path. Every stage of my life brought experiences that have directly inspired the music I make today. Regret and heartbreak are heavy emotions that will arise if I dwell on the ‘what ifs,’ so I choose to believe that everything is meant to happen on its own timeline. If I’d started earlier, I may not have had the perspective I have today.

Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong time to start your creative career path. You begin when it feels good and aligned within you.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hello! :) I’m Alicia Beck, also known as Midnight Prisms, a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and vinyl DJ from Los Angeles. Growing up in a family of jazz musicians, I’ve been immersed in the world of music since the womb. As a teen, I found my voice singing jazz standards at family events and on my parents’ gigs around town. Once I picked up a guitar, I started writing my own songs and experimenting with different instruments, eventually developing a passion for creating music that combines a variety of influences.
My music blends the dreamy tones of the ’80s with synth pop and disco, using vintage keyboards and analog synths. In my songs, I believe my vocals stand out the most, but what truly sets me apart is my ability to merge genres in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh, while exploring themes of identity, queer love, and transformation.
I’m a bit of a jack of all trades when it comes to music stuff. As a vinyl DJ, I spin at venues and private events across LA, curating fun, eclectic sets. I also create all my own fliers, compose custom songs, and produce music videos. Plus, I’m always open to lending my vocals to other artists’ projects.
What I’m most proud of is committing to the path of being an artist. It’s a journey that hasn’t always been easy or clear. After exploring many other paths, I realized music is the one thing I always return to because it speaks loudest in my heart.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

To best support artists, especially us musicians, we need to start by changing how society views our work. Pursuing this type of career is just as valid as pursuing a more traditional one, and should be valued equally. Musicians earn very little from streaming services, which is devastating for independent artists like myself. Until that changes, it’s crucial to support us in other ways. Go to your local shows, buy music directly from platforms like Bandcamp, and push for legislation that advocates for fair pay! Most importantly, be kind to one another. During these uncertain times, it’s necessary for artists to build each other up. Sharing the work of your friends and favorite artists can create a powerful ripple effect, benefiting everyone in the community!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I think the most rewarding part of being an artist is that magical moment when my work is truly seen and felt by others. There’s something totally indescribable about feeling my energy reflected back in the audience at a show. When my music resonates and creates a shared experience, that’s when I realize why I do what I do, and why all the hard work is worth it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midnightprisms/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midnightprisms
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/midnightprisms
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/midnightprisms
• Other: https://midnightprisms.bandcamp.com/album/new-age-disco

Image Credits

David M.
Elise Mesner
Jessica Christian