Alexa Villa began her music career very early on in life. At the age 7 to be exact. But there was never that “Aha!” moment that this is what she wanted to do with her life. “It just always felt right to play music,” she said. “I feel the most like myself when I’m behind a piano and mic or writing and performing.”
She first started taking piano lessons and playing at her school talent shows. Then by 16, she’d started her own band, Oversoul, with her older brother and together performed all throughout Southern California, which culminated in a spot on The Van’s Warped Tour. This past year, Alexa has gone solo, releasing her debut EP titled Act 1, and today releases her video for “Madhouse” that can be found below.
She managed to squeeze some time out of her busy schedule to talk to us about what her goals are with her music, how she manages multiple careers (yes, she’s an actress and model too!), and what she draws most of her inspiration from.
For people not familiar with you, how would you describe your music and what you’re trying to accomplish with it?
My music is somewhere between Gaga and Joan Jett. It’s a hybrid of genres. Its an organized picture of all the mess that goes on in my head. I hope that my music encourages people to be themselves and know that anything is possible in life. I want my listeners to know that they are never alone and whenever they feel crazy I’m right there with them. I want it to empower my listeners to go for their dreams, or get out of that unhealthy relationship, or stand up for themselves and just overall live their best life possible.
What are some of your main sources of inspiration?
I’m so inspired by everything around me. I’m inspired by the vastness of our universe and the wonder it holds, by strangers and human connection, love and heartbreak, my insecurities, new adventures, memories, God, colors, growing up and learning that’s it’s okay to be lost, or a phrase I read on a T-shirt while shopping at Ross. I try to see life as art and that way it’s always beautiful. There are no wrong answers.
Who has been the most positive influence both in your career and life?
My parents have definitely been the most positive influences in both my career and life. I grew up in a very musical family. My parents met in a band and always brought my brother and I to their gigs and rehearsals so right off the bat I never really knew any different. I remember my dad paying me to learn keyboard solos just to give me that extra incentive and always making time to rehearse my vocals with me. He’d jump on guitar and I’d sing “Heaven and Hell” at like age 9. My mom is the same way. She’s so supportive and always keeps me going.
Besides music, you’ve also done some modeling. Can you tell us a little bit about how that came about?
I was really just trying to put myself out there as much as possible for my music’s sake. I wasn’t with an agency or anything. I would just spend a lot of time hunting for castings and go. I love being on the stage.. any kind of stage.. or runway and it was just natural. I didn’t really feel as tall or beautiful as other girls but I knew I had attitude. And after my first runway show, I fell in love with it!
Who inspired you to become a model?
I’d probably have to give that to America’s Next Top Model. I would binge watch that all day!
As if that wasn’t enough, you’re also an actress. What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve encountered so far in the field?
Getting cast. LOL. I was always in drama class and love acting but one thing is you never really know how the gig will turn out. I spent all day on set once for a TV show and by the time the episode came out I was only in from like waist down and for 15 seconds.
You started the band Oversoul at age 16 with your brother and had quite a bit of success with it. What made you decide to go solo?
I loved my old band but I was ready to evolve and try new ideas. I wanted more creative freedom to be myself. Also, the transition was kind of easy. One of the guys went off to college across the country and another got married so it seemed like the right time. Kind of a blessing in disguise.
You began her music career at the age of 7 when you started taking piano lessons and playing at her school talent shows. When did you decide that this is what you were going to devote your life to?
I can’t recall a specific “Aha!” moment. It just always felt right to play music. I feel the most like myself when I’m behind a piano and mic or writing and performing. It almost feels more comfortable to be on stage and in a wig than not sometimes.
If you could share the stage with anyone. Who would it be and why?
Gaga…No, Robert Plant…no…the Rolling Stones…I don’t know. that’s a tough one. There are so many great performers that I look up to.
What’s one thing that most people would be surprised to find out about you?
I eat ice cream for dinner.
