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

Juan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

When I was 16 I found out about punk rock from a friend from school when he showed me Blink 182. Before I discovered Blink 182 I wanted to be a marine biologist and had ambitions to study at University of Florida. It was like a chain reaction that blew up in my head and I was dead set to become a successful artist or die trying. I had doubts like “Am I just crazy throwing my college opportunity for music?” Then that night I read an interview some guy had with Travis Barker. He said how he purposely failed his classes and tattooed himself so he couldn’t have a normal life and had to become a successful drummer. No plan Bs no safety nets. You fall you get back up and keep going. That’s exactly what I did I started to purposely get C’s and barely pass my AP classes and decided not to go to college. Theres not a day that goes by with me regretting my decision. Im seeing progress as the years pass. I’m a better lyricist than when I was 16 and make better music. I learned to use raw emotion such as a breakup or something like that to craft something meaningful that speaks not only to me but everyone. So taking that risk has definitely shaped my life into something I’ve always wanted. People will tell you otherwise but only you have the idea, imagination, and plan of how to get there. It’s hard but at the end it’ll be worth it.

Juan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I started out like every 16 year old asking everyone in school if they wanted to start a popping band with them. Unfortunately I wasn’t lucky, in 2012 people where into hardcore and didn’t like popunk. One day my neighbor Brandon came over and told me to try craigslist. I was like “bro I’m 16 ima get kidnapped and killed. After not having any luck in my area I took his advice. Then I met Austin probably one of the best drummers I’ve had the privilege to play music with then later on Jamal amazing bass player. Eventually we started to grow up and the 2 left the band to pursue other goals. I kept going cause I deeply love what I do and will go at it till the day I die. Im proud of our progress! I’m Fortunate to have a band that’s invested and loves the music and its in their bones just me. I’m fortunate to have met Evan, Mauricio and Conner. Without them I would just be Juan Alvarez. Together we make 54 reasons.

What do you find most rewarding about being creative?

the most rewarding aspect would have to be the friendships you build along the way. The amazing people you meet. Whether they’re fellow musicians or people telling you they love your music. I met a girl in San Antonio that came up to me and told me that “There’s No Way Out” has helped her a lot because she could relate to that song and that made feel great. Knowing I can make a positive thing in someones life from the stuff I make is heart warming and makes me want to keep doing it. Also another thing is that you’re able to express yourself in a song and lyrics. I’m currently going through some deep stuff in life so not in the best position. But the stuff I’m writing right now is the only way I can take my mind off of it and it’s raw from the soul and heart. Always allowing me to find the positive in a negative situation. No matter how bad it is.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Yes my goal is to be able to make a living making music and be able to dedicate myself 100 percent to the craft. At that point its not a job its something you love with all your heart and soul so you wake up ready to go at it with everything you got. Not saying I don’t but it’d be nice to wake and just going to the studio to make bangers to release for people to enjoy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.54reasons.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/54_reasons/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/54ReasonsOfficial/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/54reasons?lang=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGeM_P9OfGjnX83za0kMDIw
• Other: https://linktr.ee/54reasons

Image Credits
Jean Velez Ty Smith