We had the good fortune of connecting with MARIE ALEX and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi MARIE, why did you pursue a creative career?
Man, this is is a good one, right?

I feel like I have many answers to this, but I guess they all kind of stem back to the same root of a knowingness. I just knew from a really young age that all I wanted to do was create, and perform. It was involved in my daily routine since three years old, and it completely shaped who I am. There was never ever an alternative for me, I guess. I just remember standing on a crate and lip syncing to Britney Spears in my room at age 6, and I literally never dreamed of a life that didn’t involve performance!

But beyond myself…it literally blows my mind when people tell me my music has changed their life, or carried them through a certain period in time. It’s wild. That’s what drives me even more. For sure.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think I’m most proud of staying true to myself. It sounds a bit cliché, but I’ve seen and experienced the pressure of conformity that the industry can bring and it can be really tough! Especially when you’re trying to establish your work, or build a following of some sort, you definitely have days where you wonder if Genuity is enough.

But I’m always affirmed when I get messages from listeners, and beautiful individuals whom I’ve never met, sometimes even across the globe who share that my songs have touched them. Because I often write about my personal experiences, so to know that my words can inspire or uplift another human is a constant reminder to “stay tru” as the beautiful Mereba would say.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh, this is good! Also slightly tough because I’m the world’s biggest homebody.

Okay, well definitely we’re eating at Sage, and then of course we’re hitting some open mics. The Federal Bar in North Hollywood is stupid inspiring, like the musicians that roll through are just out of this world. I also experienced one of the most beautiful botanical gardens last year, it’s called the Descanso Gardens in Glendale. Highly recommend.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This is so beautiful! Man. Definitely, mama comes in first. She’s literally my number one fan. She nags me for new releases more than I enjoy sometimes (laughs). She knows every word, and she’s also lived with me through the inspirations that I pull from when writing. My grammy. She taught me chords and keys around age 7, and she held me so vocally accountable – it was a challenge. But I owe her endlessly. My dad, of course, he doesn’t miss a show and he’s the ideal “dad-ager.” My brothers are a huge part of my success. They’ve always held me extremely accountable for staying on track, and they’re also never coy to tell me when a song isn’t quite “hitting” enough. My best friend has also held my hand through this whole journey. From every high school talent show to my first headliner, and every track production. My whole family in general, I’m sooo blessed to be surrounded by loving creatives who inspire me to literally go harder in all ways.

Instagram: @mariealexsounds

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarieAlexsounds

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDt7ysuDujs

Image Credits
Images by Sydney Baines

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.