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

Hi Alexandra, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
“Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.” ― Roy T. Bennett

I like this quote because it is a reminder that, no matter what or who you are surrounded by; you are the one and only author of your life. It is also a personal reminder to always take a step back, remember that material success is irrelevant if there’s no humanity, attitude and passion within it.
As humans, we have the beautiful capacity of choosing who we want to be, but our actions are the pure essence of the impact we make in this world… that’s why we have to make sure to choose wisely and never forget our core values.

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.
My music has been born from many years of me finding myself in my own skin. That might be the reason why my music merges different genres and styles of writing in order to create a sonic representation of who I am; a Salvadoran that has found home in different people and places. Writing music for Film and TV has been my perfect medium to do so, to tell my story and to help others tell theirs, always with the belief that music should serve a greater purpose than just it being played.

From orchestral to acoustic sounds, to the inevitable merging of pop and hip-hop; these combinations of distinct elements make my music scores a full representation of what’s constantly ringing in my head and what moves me to do what I do. Trying to fit into a mold defeats the purpose of being one of a kind and it is exciting to know that people in my field respect my creative decisions and encourage me to embrace crazy for the sake of art.

Getting where I am hasn’t been easy. Coming from a third world country, I knew pursuing an entertainment career was going to be a decision people would talk down on. I knew the world was going to comment negatively on it and judge me.
I know this should never be a factor in decision making, but somewhat it used to feel discouraging.

The way I overcame judgment was through meditation. And this is very important, to meditate and love what makes you you. And music is that for me.
Sadly, the sense of being proud of our individuality has been lost. We live in a world in which we want to fit in, live to impress. The problem with fitting into a mold is that we lose the sense of loving the crazy in ourselves in the attempt to fulfill someone else’s expectations.
Through meditation I’ve learned that in order to be a leader, I must be comfortable in my own skin and love my craft unconditionally; that’s when people’s judgement becomes irrelevant.

Self-love outside of a comfort zone is key in order to take the next step.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting the area, I would plan a day trip to Brooklyn, specially Williamsburg and DUMBO. I would hang out by the riverside and enjoy a good cup of coffee. I would also take them to thrift stores and flea markets in both Brooklyn and Chelsea and then I would get dinner at a Thai Restaurant in the Upper West Side.

Another place I’d love to take them to would be the Chelsea Market, since it doesn’t just show a variety of stores but also a great diversity in cuisine.

If it’s the right time, I would plan to go to a concert in Terminal 5, the Blue Note or Brooklyn Steel, since I consider music venues to be a fantastic part of New York City culture.

Last but not least I would plan to go to the American Museum of Natural History, the Little Island at Pier 55 and the MET.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am thrilled and grateful to know that I’ve made it this far as a musician and as a person. But let’s remember that success is not easily achieved…it takes time and it’s tiring. My success would not have been possible if not for the people I’ve met throughout my life; for their encouragement, trust and unconditional love. They are truly the reason why I am here now.

That being said, I would love to dedicate this shoutout to my parents, since they have taught me to be kind, optimistic

and fearless. They have also loved me unconditionally and supported me in every decision I’ve made about my career. If it was not for them believing in me, I wouldn’t be half the person I am today.

I would also like to mention my college mentors, Mila Abbasova, Benjamin Brooks and Darrell Bledsoe. Not only they mentored me in composition and songwriting, but they also treated me like family and helped me grow as a musician and as a professional. They encouraged my love for music and storytelling and made sure I was not alone in the process of discovering my voice.

Last but not least, my mentors and friends in New York City. Thank you for believing in my future and for pushing me to run after it; for encouraging me more than I encourage myself, and for loving me the way that you do. You’ve been my home away from home .

Website: https://www.alexandrafunesmusic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexandrafunesmusic/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-funes/

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/29x7lYNnJsr0kJrebBUDjX?si=03MEjOcgQSGlfRk-_s90xw&nd=1

Image Credits
Wilfredo Urbina Nelson Calderon

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