L.A based Alexx Calise gives a quick insight into her life and music in the build up to the release of her second album.

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ND: What are the album details? When is it out, what’s it called and where can we get it?

AC: My new album, “In Avanti” is slated for release in early April. It will be available at alexxcalise.com, and on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, and most major online music retailer websites.

ND: You recently toured through the US, what’s been your favourite place to play and why?

AC: There are actually 2 places in LA that I absolutely love to play, The Viper Room and The Cat Club. Both clubs have always been so good to us, and the sound has always been great (which is more than you could ever ask for).

ND: Is there any possibility of some UK tour dates in the near future?

AC: Yes, I’m in talks with some promoters out there about it. I’ll have some more concrete answers for you when the album is finished.

ND: If you were to come to the UK, where would you most like to play and why?

AC: I’m not entirely sure, but hopefully at a venue near you!

ND: Your debut album was out in 2007, how do you feel your music has progressed in the past 3 years?

AC: My music is definitely more mature and insightful now, and it is also a bit more electronic in sound (I’m a big fan of groups like Archive, Apollo 440, and Boards of Canada). I’ve grown exponentially as an artist and a human being in those 3 years as well, and I’ve really learned the importance (and advantages) of doing most everything yourself.

ND: Are there any bands/artists in particular that you feel influence your song writing?

AC: Well, I’m a huge fan of silverchair, Our Lady Peace, Stone Temple Pilots, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Johnny Lang, and Archive. I’ve always kind of marched to the beat of my own drum when it came to songwriting, but I think my chord choices and the themes I tend to write about could have been influenced by my grunge/blues roots.

ND: You’re in another band, Sound Of Cancer, is there an album release coming up for that?

AC: Yes. We will be releasing our debut album in the upcoming months. We’re currently in the mixing stages.

ND: What would you say makes your solo music different from that of Sound Of Cancer?

AC: It’s drastically different. My solo project is more rock/pop with an electronic edge. Sound of Cancer is much darker, and more haunting—lyrically and musically speaking.

ND: I’ve only heard good things about you, how does it feel to have so many rave reviews about your music? Did you ever think you would be this successful when starting out?

AC: It feels pretty awesome, and it’s very reassuring to know that so many people are grabbing on to it. It really makes it all worthwhile.
I’ve always known that I was going to be successful to answer your other question. However, it’s hasn’t been without struggle. It’s taken a lot of hard work and blood, sweat and tears to get where I am today.

ND: You live a pretty hectic lifestyle; writing, owning your own business, playing with Sound of Cancer and your solo project. How do you manage to do it all? Or are there hundreds of Alexx Calise clones running all over the place doing your bidding?

AC: Well, I don’t sleep a whole lot, that’s for sure! A lot of it is careful time management and prioritization. Every minute of every day is planned out; otherwise I’d be running around like a chicken with its head cut off. I dedicate a certain amount of hours to songwriting, another few to practicing, and another few to promoting. It’s the only way to do all the things you need to do in a day as an artist. The only thing I still need to fit into my schedule is relaxation. I haven’t quite figured that one out yet, haha…

ND: Do you think it’s difficult to be a woman in a pretty male dominated industry?

AC: Not particularly. In a lot of ways, I think it’s advantageous being a female in a male-dominated industry. Being of the fairer sex (haha), I find it’s far easier to be noticed and get things done.

ND: Let’s say you have magical powers. Your magical power is the power to create a super band with yourself and anyone else past and present. Who would you choose and why?

AC: Oh wow. That’s a tough one. I’d probably have to go with either Kenny Wayne Shepherd or Stevie Ray Vaughan on guitar, Les Claypool or Jaco Pastorius on bass and Dennis Morehouse on drums. Now that would be a sight to see.

ND: If you could give any advice to a musician trying to start out in the business, what would it be?

AC: I would say that you really just have to be in it for the love, because the fact of the matter is, you may never make any money, you may never get a “break”, or you may never reach the level of success you hope to reach. There are no guarantees in the entertainment business. If you’re okay with that, and you truly just love making music and that’s all you know how to do, then by all means, go for it! Reach for the stars!

There we have it, a quick chat with Alexx Calise who looks set to make it big in the US and hopefully come across the pond and play a few shows for us.

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For more information visit the Alexx Calise website.