It is hard to believe that a 15-year-old girl could have what it takes to make it in the music business these days, but Alexes Aiken is proof that it can be done. A New Orleans-based country artist who sings about following dreams, Alexes is doing just that and breaking into the Nashville music industry.
Alexes Aiken is a frequent performer at such establishments as the Hard Rock Café and the Nashville Palace Restaurant. She commonly records songs covered from artists such as Sara Evans and Miranda Lambert, but she is becoming better-known for recordings of her original songs. Her tours are mostly focused in the South, especially around New Orleans and Nashville.
Alexes realized she wanted to pursue a professional singing career about two years ago and began joining groups such as Georgia Country and Gospel Music Association and Louisiana Kids, which helps kids develop and showcase their talents. Before this, Alexes had been singing from a young age. Her grandfather, a singer and guitar player, used to sing and play for her and tell her stories about how amazing it was to be part of a band and perform music. When he was diagnosed with throat cancer, she felt a responsibility to return the favor and carry on the tradition of music. Alexes joined the school choir and got a voice coach. Though her grandfather has since passed, she feels he is there when she is singing, and she knows that she sings because of him. “My grandfather inspired me to do many things,” says Alexes, “but music is the best thing that ever happened to me. That is all thanks to him.”
Alexes has the support of the rest of her family and close friends, as well. She describes her mother as her driving force and her everything. Her mother is also a co-writer of many of her songs and joins her for every tour and performance. Her voice coach also travels with her and performs with her on certain occasions. Alexes is thankful for her help in developing her voice. Alexes’ father and brother are there for logical support. Her father helps her stay realistic about her goals and encourages her to take advantage of her education, while her brother is always there to give her advice. Her grandmother is what she calls her biggest fan and helps make the costumes for her shows. Alexes knows that she must sacrifice attending parties and other high school events, as well as miss days of school; she also experiences people who put her down or act jealous of her, but she knows she has the full support of those who care about her. She says, “It's tough but with friends and family like mine I manage the sacrifices.”
Alexes’ voice is not her only musical asset. She also showcases her talent on the guitar as well as her favorite instrument, the piano. “When I play the piano my mind just wanders. I feel that no matter what I play, the music that comes out of the piano is always beautiful,” says Alexes. Her enjoyment of music is always obvious when she performs on stage. She has such a passionate and excited presence that compliments her strong voice. It is likely her love for the music that brings out her talent. “I wish I had an unlimited amount of time to sit there with my music and just write, sing and play,” she says. “I love music so much that I would love to share it with the world.” And with so many people supporting her, it is clear that the world enjoys the music she shares.
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