Meet Alexia Rev | Singer and Songwriter

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

Hi Alexia, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
A successful music career is based on risk. For me, leaping into a career that is not stable with unknown trajectory is quite scary. I decided to cancel my applications to graduate school because I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t live up to the potential as a songwriter and artist. I was so afraid of failure but once I took the step, there was no stopping me. I couldn’t do things half way, and I think that’s a big part of risk. You have to put your all into your goal without any expectations. I also think that with music, you are risking damaging your ego with every song release. I have no idea how people are going to react to my music but I take the risk despite fear.

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 am a singer and songwriter. I don’t think I fit into any specific genre, which I think that’s why my voice transcends generations. Each song that I write has instruments, melodic structures, lyrics etc inspired by different eras, which I think that’s why it speaks to so many.

I grew up in a family full of musicians: violins, pianos, and constant singing(good and not so good). I grew up doing classical ballet, so dance was so important to me. Now, the marriage of music and movement inspires my music because to me, there is nothing better than feeling something in your body.

Growing up, I always sang, wrote poetry and performed. But I put that on the back burner because after I quit ballet at 16, I thought my life was over. The love I had for that art form was unmatchable. I lost my identity, and I rejected replacing ballet with another art form. This changed quite quickly because I had a friend who was a songwriter and I would listen and think: wow, I can do that. I sing and I write and thought that it wouldn’t be so hard. So, I began studying music, I learned song structure, piano chords etc all through videos. Once the technique was formed, I began to find my voice. It was hard because at some point I wanted to write hits etc, but I wasn’t creating honest work. So, I stopped having expectations and allowed myself to play more with structure etc. During quarantine, I had time away and music flowed out of me. It was incredibly healing and fun for me to just be without the stressors. I released my first song: Lemonade and something clicked. I really said: I’m never looking back. Ever.
I am so proud that I took the leap and decided to pursue music full time. I have a hard time leaving my comfort zone and this was definitely difficult to give up stability. I’m so excited to perform more and gain new fans. I cannot wait until I heard people singing my songs:) I think that will really be mind blowing.

The number one lesson I learned is that if you do not serve the music, you won’t make good music. If go into a songwriting session and say: let’s write a hit. That is serving your ego and it will not work.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
So, I am obsessed with Pasadena. So let’s start there. The Huntington Gardens is incredible.

Union- restaurant with incredible homemade pasta

Walk around Old Town in Pasadena and got to Vromans bookstore
If you’re looking for really great donuts go to: Randys

There is also the Rose Bowl flea once a month that is massive.

I would say don’t miss the Getty because the grounds are beautiful.

There’s a really delicious brunch place close to The Getty called: Blue Daisy

If you are in Santa Monica, I would just go to the beach and hit up this great crude place called: crudo e Nud0.

There’s also a lot of good shopping. If you want to feel like an influenced go to: Bungalow

Next stop is hiking!
Head to Griffith and there are a tons of good hikes.
You can also visit the observatory.
I would head to lunch in Los Feliz.
There’s a good spot called: All Time

For incredible omakase go to Sasaboon. It is not fancy but the best sushi that I’ve ever had!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Yes! My parents:)
They have supported me and believed in my art. They allowed me to flourish and they gave me space to explore my creativity. I would be in a very different place if they didn’t accept my career path.

Website: https://alexiarev.com/

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

Twitter: Twitter.com/itsalexiarev