This month, our Springboard SPOTLIGHT shines on composer, songwriter and pianist Alyssa Garcia, one of our 2018 Springboard Grant Winners.
Alyssa Garcia, Composer, Songwriter and Pianist
At what age did you begin performing and what inspired you to do so?
I started playing gigs in local coffee shops and venues at 11. I started playing piano when I was 5 and my teacher was a songwriter and a playwright. He encouraged me to start writing and performing at a young age – and I was eager to play for audiences (other than my parents (ha ha!). Back then, I had big aspirations to be a popstar the likes of Taylor Swift, Sara Bareilles, and other powerful female voices in the industry.
What was the most exciting thing that’s happened to you as you’ve pursued the performing arts?
I think the most exciting moment of my career so far was getting a placement in a major Netflix film called The Starling starring Melissa McCarthy, Daveed Diggs, and Chris O’Dowd. It was a surreal feeling to have a song I wrote years ago find a home in a beautifully told story. The song, “Loved Actually,” has gotten worldwide play at 70k streams on Spotify since it’s been placed. It has motivated me to continue pitching my original music for TV and Movie sync placements.
What are some stumbling blocks you’ve encountered along the way?
My career’s biggest challenge is constantly trying to find a balance between life and music. When I don’t make time to create, I get hit with waves of writer’s block and my performance chops can get rusty if I don’t get to play a show every now and then. In those moments of doubt, I find it really important to check in and remind myself why I make music and what I love about it. These days, I find myself revitalizing my creativity with a new project and artist name to experiment and discover new things about my artistry.
Dream big … If you can envision achieving great success in the performing arts, describe what that would that look like?
For me, great success would be a well-rounded, sustainable career as a songwriter, producer, and performing artist who is able to uplift and provide opportunities for more women in all aspects of the music industry: engineering, touring, musicians, marketers, etc. My dream career would be writing music for movies, TV, and Broadway – anything that involves songwriting with an emphasis on storytelling.
What’s your favorite genre of music and why?
My favorite genre is soul music. It has such a rich history in traditional gospel music and rhythm & blues. The genre has birthed such incredible storytellers and musicians that thrive on vocal variations and musical improv as the highest means of expression. I love listening to the passion and talents of artists like Etta James, Ray Charles, James Brown, and Sam Cooke, who really popularized soul in the ‘50’s and ‘60’s. They paved the way for contemporary R&B and Neo Soul, genres I’ve been leaning into in my own writing these days.
Have you ever met a really famous performing artist and if so, who was it and what was your interaction?
I got to meet the legendary songwriter and lead singer of 4 Non-Blondes, Linda Perry, through a GRAMMY songwriting masterclass. She workshopped one of my original songs, “Running,” and had some really encouraging feedback that propelled me out of a writing rut during the pandemic. It was so cool!
Describe what you think would be the most useful or beneficial thing to you, if given the opportunity to mentored by a successful artist?
I think the most beneficial mentoring experience would be from someone who has successfully built a sustainable career in the music industry. To learn from their work ethic, their artistry, and their ability to stay financially stable and fulfilled by their work would be a huge motivator. Mentoring, for me, is an incredibly useful way to factor accountability into working on a project and intentionally releasing work that I can be proud of. One on One mentoring and spending that time with a successful performing artist would make my aspirations feel that much more achievable.
As a performing artist, what stands in the way of fulfilling your dreams?
I think my own fears and doubts as a full-time performing artist can get in the way. Committing to music full-time can be an incredibly daunting leap. The industry can be a game of chance; success and financial well-being are not guaranteed. On top of that, it has proven to be even more intimidating to “make it” in the music industry as not only a woman in music, but also a woman of color. I think reality often battles with my ambitions.
If you could have lunch with an A-list performing artist, who would that be?
I would have lunch with Reneé Rapp. She is dominating the entertainment industry right now. After her start on Broadway as a Jimmy Award winner and star of the Mean Girls musical, she has released her first album, “Snow Angel,” gone on tour, and starred in several movies and TV shows. She’s an incredible vocalist and performer. She’s honest, relatable, and a big inspiration to me!
How do you get to Carnegie Hall?
I wouldn’t say performing at Carnegie Hall is a goal of mine, but the equivalent might be Madison Square Garden! I think hard work, passion, dedication to my craft, and putting myself in the right rooms with the right people can get me there.
Favorite Musician: Jacob Collier
Favorite Musical Instrument: Piano! My first love.
Favorite Actor: Andrew Scott
Favorite Actress: Eva Noblezada
Favorite Comedian: Ayo Edebiri
Favorite Dancer: Hannahlei Cabanilla
Favorite Movie: La La Land
Favorite Show: Beef
If you couldn’t be a performing artist, what would you like to do?
If I wasn’t a performing artist, I’d probably gravitate toward audio engineering and production, music marketing, or A&R. I can’t see myself anywhere but the music industry!
Biography
Alyssa Garcia is a Philadelphia based singer-songwriter, producer, and creative consultant. Since graduating Summa Cum Laude from Drexel University’s Music Industry and Recording Arts Program, Garcia has been busy writing and recording for new projects such as the movie soundtracks for two upcoming Daniel Roebuck directed films The Hail Mary and Lucky Louie and a new artist project, “Melany.”
Today she also serves as the Pianist and Choir Director at Holy Cross Parish in Mount Airy, Pennsylvania. She has recently accepted a role as creative incubator, REC Philly’s, studio department, collaborating and supporting other creative artists throughout the local Philadelphia area.
