We had the good fortune of connecting with Alfie Lucero Canaan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alfie, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
The reason I pursued a musical career can be summarized into a simple love for music itself. Ever since I was young I was fascinated by music. However, I did not have the resources and will to actively start in music, even as a hobby. I loved listening to music, especially rock and metal music. I finally decided to pick up classical guitar as a hobby at first. Then eventually switched to electric guitar (I was and still am a huge Jimi Hendrix fan). Unfortunately, I did not have the discipline or the drive to dedicate to music beyond a fun hobby, When I grew older and more disappointed in my lack of guitar technical growth and talent, I decided to switch gears and try out bass guitar. Since then I fell in love with the instrument and the low end. I grew fascinated by the process of practicing, learning, and studying music full time. Since then I have treated the bass and my music passion as what it is, a career. I have worked hard on my craft and dedicated a lot of time and effort into what it is my style and work ethic of today. My passion for music kept expanding beyond my fascination with rock and metal into jazz, afro-latin, funk, blues, reggae, etc. I wanted to absorb and perform any style and genre of music with confidence and with my own voice. I guess the short answer to why I pursued a musical artistic career is because music allowed me to express my thoughts and emotions. I was always a quiet and shy kid, and through music, I can sing, groove, and feel the pulse connecting my bass to the audience. Nothing like being in the zone on stage. Music is pumping, people are dancing, and the weight of the downbeat is felt across the room. Anyway, I sought out happiness, and music does that for me. As a listener to a creator and performer, music has always been a wonderful magical thing to me personally.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I got here professionally through a lot of dedication and determination. And definitely stubbornness. I practice every day, I listen to music (anything), and I try to be better every day; both for myself and anyone that requires my expertise. It was not easy; being a professional musician takes time and effort, as well as lots of sacrifices. I am proud that it was not easy or a walk in the park. I believe that through struggle one can create true artistic expression and peak enlightenment. I focused on improving my technique, my theoretical knowledge, as well as absorbing as much music as I could, Dedicating days or weeks to a single concept or style, to fully immerse myself in the study. In addition, exposing myself to stressful real-world situations in the studio and on stage are the best lessons I have acquired throughout my career. Making mistakes is okay and not the end of the world; in fact, it is a new opportunity and/or path that was not explored before. Through this long and difficult road, I learned many things. To accept mistakes as happy accidents; to be less demanding and lightening the pressure on myself; to stay focus and professional; to always look at the bigger picture; and of course, removing my own ego from everything. Pacing myself. The take away from my journey is that through hard work and perseverance, I truly believe that your destiny is in your own hands. I am responsible for all my actions and feelings, and I should not be afraid to seek for help and happiness. The world may seem large but it really is a small place. Just do what you want, and if you believe in it, fight for it.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
I would like to show them around Tijuana; my hometown. Checking out El Potrero for authentic Mexican cuisine, as well as showcasing the nightlife of La Sexta. Doing some barhopping and enjoying cheap beers and different atmospheres.

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?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to everyone who has influenced me and taught me everything I know, both as a human being and as a musician. First of all, my family for always supporting and looking out for me. Mom, Dad and my two sisters have been nothing but patient, understanding, and caring for me. For that, I am eternally grateful. To my mentors and instructors at both Musicians Institute and Cal State LA to fellow classmates and colleagues that have grown alongside me. All people who I have shared studio space, a rehearsal space, the stage, a work station, a practice room, or even a green room. Everyone in my life that has helped me and guided me, I am truly thankful for your aid. One last shoutout will be Victor Wooten’s “The Music Lesson.” Every musician and artist should read this and open your mind to the endless world that music encompasses.

Website: https://www.alfiethebassist.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alfie.thebassist/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfredo-lucero-canaan-6056541aa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Alfie.theBassist/

Image Credits
Beatriz Bustamante Cirilo Rios Nicole @nicolethirtyfive Alex Scott