Embracing My Alternative Soul: A Musical Journey of Inspirations
Music has always held a special place in my heart, shaping my identity and guiding me through life’s ups and downs. From a young age, I found solace and inspiration in the captivating melodies of artists who poured their souls into their craft. In this blog post, I’ll share with you the diverse array of musicians who have influenced and shaped my musical journey, spanning from the funkiness of Michael Jackson to the vulnerability of Amy Winehouse and beyond.
Ever since my dad introduced me to Michael Jackson’s “PYT” during a car ride, I knew I had found a lifelong musical companion. His ability to get lost in his performances resonates deeply with me, inspiring me to connect with my audience as an artist. The raw and real emotions conveyed by Amy Winehouse’s voice, especially during her mesmerizing live performances, have moved me to tears and fueled my desire to write music. The Used’s passion and soul have struck a chord with me, igniting a fire within that pushes me to embrace my authentic self.
Two songs hold a special place in my heart as the catalysts for pursuing my dreams as a musical artist. Amy Winehouse’s “Just Friends” from the album “Back to Black” and her live performances of “Take the Box” from “Frank” awakened an undeniable burning desire within me to create and share my own music with the world.
 
My musical tastes span across various genres, including R&B, Pop, Alternative, and Soul. Growing up with diverse influences, from Stevie Wonder and Billy Joel to Michael Jackson and Earth, Wind & Fire, and My Chemical Romance to Green Day, has allowed me to forge my own unique musical path as an Alternative Soul artist.
While I have yet to attend any concerts, seeing The Used live is a dream of mine. Their authentic performances and genuine connection with their audience inspire me to create similar experiences in my own shows.
With a blend of musical exposure from my parents, I gained a rich appreciation for different genres. My mother’s classical training as a flautist and my mixed heritage have further enriched my perspective as an artist, allowing me to relate to various musical styles and express my identity through my craft.
One artist who has significantly influenced me is Sonny Moore, also known as “Skrillex,” from the band “From First to Last.” His emotional and soulful performances, unexpected for the emo/alternative genre, have shown me the power of pushing boundaries and embracing my true self as an artist.
On gigs, I enjoy performing songs from my inspirations like Amy Winehouse, Michael Jackson, Anita Baker, and Stevie Wonder, as they exude a sense of fun and light-heartedness. While I admire artists like Whitney Houston, Beyonce, and Mariah Carey, their challenging songs lead me to focus only on those that perfectly showcase my abilities.
Michael Jackson’s humanitarian efforts have instilled in me a passion for helping children and making a difference. His upbringing in a large household also allows me to connect with him on a personal level. Similarly, Amy Winehouse’s struggles with addiction resonate with my own experiences. It are those real life experiences that make musical artists like them so relatable and icons for all.
All of my musical inspirations share one common trait: raw, emotional and real. It’s their authenticity that draws me to their artistry and inspires me to embrace my own truth as a musician.
As I grow older, I am finding that I truly relate to an array of musicians. As an artist myself, I cannot be confined to a single musical category. My inspirations are a diverse collection of unique individuals, all of whom possess soul. This is why I proudly classify myself as an Alternative Soul artist—a testament to my multifaceted identity and musical journey.
Throughout my life, music has been my guiding light, and my inspirations have been the stars that illuminate my path. From Michael Jackson’s funkiness to Amy Winehouse’s vulnerability, each artist has left an everlasting mark on my heart and soul. As an Alternative Soul artist, I am excited to embark on a musical journey that embraces my true self and shares my raw emotions with the world.
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