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

Hi Alex, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk is scary and my fear of rejection runs deep. As a result, it’s taken me much longer to start taking risks necessary for personal and professional development than would be ideal. Hence my artist name, Sloe Learner.

Like many, I deal with relatively severe mental health issues. When the anxiety is firing on all cylinders it’s near impossible to send out a review request or ask out a woman. For this reason, I didn’t start really dating until my mid-twenties or start sharing my music with even the closest of friends until around the same time.

What changed? I finally found a medication regimen that works for me. It allowed me to grow by leaps and bounds over the last ~5 years and continues to facilitate my growth to this day.

Bringing it back around, risk is the key to growth. The key to risk, is getting into a mental state that allows you to take calculated chances when appropriate. Having both the guts to take the risk and the acumen to know when you should, are what allow you to grow.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is, above all, a way for me to process and make sense of the things that happen in my life. Writing and recording can be very cathartic experiences. Even if the lyrics aren’t 100% literal, each song is a snapshot of my emotional state at the time. I believe emotional honesty is central to my music’s appeal and is one of the things i gravitate towards in other music. I want to take listeners on a journey both musically and lyrically. I want them to relate and find solace in my songs.

Career-wise I’m at my start so I don’t have a ton to say. I have ~30 demos that I’m looking to record myself or with others. I plan on continuing to write regardless of success. I don’t always feel this way, but at my most serene, I’m happy to just add to the body of created work in this world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Visit/Activities: Getty Center, Malibu hiking, Walk the boardwalk at Venice, Dance Yourself Clean, Sunset in Santa Monica, Avalon for the nightlife.

Eat: Tour de Sushi for sure, Arts District has a ton of good food options, WeHo Bistro for the mushroom soup and cocktails, mix in some awesome ceviche and we’re good to go!

Overall: Everything must be done at an acceptable SoCal pace. If you’re rushing, you’re not doing it right.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, my Aunt Stacy who helped make this recording possible, so a huge shoutout to her.

My parents and sister for always being there for me.

My amazing girlfriend who describes herself as my biggest fan.

My friends who have been listening to my home recordings for years now.

Instagram: Instagram.com/sloelearner

Other: https://gate.fm/rg0UqW7

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