Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alisha Reid. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alisha, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Since I was first asked what I wanted to be when I grew up in the third grade, I knew the answer was to be a singer. However, in my grade school days, I was too shy to admit that deep down, my purpose was a much greater risk than the common career choices I would hear about. As I improved in my craft, I would constantly hear, “You’re going to be a star,” “Remember me when you become famous,” and I even won a superlative stating “Most Likely to Be on American Idol.” Timidly, I still didn’t outright say I would be a singer. Things shifted in college when I participated in a pageant with the theme “Dreamgirls,” one of my favorite musical films. In my introduction, I was assigned to tell the audience my dream. I announced, “My dream is to be a vocal recording artist.” Following the pageant and winning “Alto of the Year” in my school’s illustrious fellowship gospel choir, I asked myself, ‘If I can stand before people, perform, and articulate who I am, why can’t I take my dreams just as seriously?’ Two months later, I wrote my first single, “Get Out,” and released it in August 2023. I’ve never looked back since.

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

Hi, I am Alisha, a multi-talented vocal recording artist with concentrations in R&B, Soul, Theatre, and Gospel. As an independent artist, my relationship with the industry is unconfined. I make all decisions with the assistance of my team. I love my career because I create music that I feel and songs that everyone can relate to. With my range and diversity, you may hear sounds that take you back to the 90s while others make you fall more in love with contemporary R&B. But most of all, I am proud of my work ethic, persistence, and ability to never limit myself. I want to inspire others to be passionate about their craft, and to persevere no matter how many no’s or failures they face.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn is that my value lies in how many successful outcomes I receive. As someone with a competitive background in sports and singing competitions, I love to play, and I love even more to win. My parents would also describe me as a perfectionist. This may partially explain why my work ethic is so profound. When I really want something, I do everything in my power to get it, even when I don’t feel like practicing. But this is only what I can control, and sometimes you just can’t. I’ve had various experiences where I’ve had a solo and my voice was not in the best condition I would’ve liked due to small colds. Still, I would rehearse every day. As a result of my voice or simply not being what the judges were looking for, I would lose. This is a perfect example of doing all you can to prepare, and things still not working in your favor. Therefore, I had to learn to seek the result of trying my hardest at something and taking note of the lessons I learned along the way rather than an award or prize indicating that I am worthy. Does that mean I’m untalented? Absolutely not. The more losses you get, the more lessons you learn, and it only prepares you to appreciate it more when it’s finally time to win.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding thing about being an artist is the freedom to share your creativity unapologetically. I have found a deeper love and respect for myself while doing what I love. While it is the best decision
I’ve ever made, it’s also the most risk-taking. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit releasing an art piece without knowing what others were going to think or say was intimidating. But it’s important to realize that there is a crowd that doesn’t receive you and a crowd meant just for you. Opposition doesn’t take away from the fact that you were made to be an artist. The more I show up as myself through my work, the more comfortable I become with myself. Isn’t that what life is about?

Contact Info:

• Website: https://alishareid.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foreveralisha_/
• Twitter: https://www.threads.net/@foreveralisha_/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@foreveralisha_/videos

Image Credits

Sierra Johnson

Sani Mohammed

Jadecus Watts

A.R. ENT LLC