Meet Alexx Calise | Musician, Publicist, Writer & Industry Consultant

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

Hi Alexx, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized just how much you need balance in your life. When I was younger, I felt like I constantly needed to be busy, or that I always had to occupy my time with things related to my career. Everything had to be for “the greater good,” and I always felt guilty or like I was playing hooky if I watched a movie or did something that wasn’t musical. What I’ve learned over time is that you need to have a healthy mix of fun and play in your life in order to perform at full capacity. If you don’t have balance, everything in your life is going to suffer, and you certainly won’t be able to produce what you could had you just gave yourself a little time to enjoy life, and take a step back so that you can really approach everything with a clear head later.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a musician first and foremost, but over the years, I’ve added a few more things to my title, including writer, photographer, publicist, and music industry consultant. As a musician, it’s been a long and sometimes arduous road that has taken up a good portion of my life. I’ve been really fortunate in that I’ve had a lot of music in TV shows and films, I’ve performed my original music on national television, and I’m in a lot of ways “living my dream” (or at least some semblance of it). I’ve learned a lot of lessons, but I’d say the most important ones have been learning to enjoy the journey rather than just trying to get to the destination, celebrating the small victories and little wins, and doing what makes you happy most importantly. If you’re not happy, then what’s the point? What I want people to know about me is that I’m not just a musician. I’m an artist. While music is my main passion, I also have so many other creative outlets and expressions; photography, videography, acting, directing. So long as I’m doing something artistic and creative, I’m happy and at peace.

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?
We’re lucky enough to live in a city rich with culture, awesome food, and great entertainment. We could eat at some great places like La Fogata in Sherman Oaks, Trejo’s Tacos in Hollywood, or Chio’s in Van Nuys. We could hike one of SoCal’s many trails like Tree People in Sherman Oaks, Eagle Rock in Woodland Hills, or Point Dume in Malibu. We could catch a show at Hollywood Bowl, the Viper Room in Hollywood, The Mint in LA, or the Moroccan in DTLA. There are always great exhibits at the Paley Center in Beverly Hills, LACMA, Getty Center or the Huntington Library. There’s really so much to do; it all depends on what your interests are!

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?
My story wouldn’t be what it is were it not for my business and songwriting partner, Dennis Morehouse. Though we don’t share the same blood, he is still my family. He is also one of the few bright lights I’ve encountered in this sometimes dark and unpredictable business. Dennis has been there for me when no one else has, he has mentored me throughout my career, and he has always pushed me to be the best musician I can possibly be. Most people go their whole lives without meeting someone who can anticipate their every move, have their back no matter what, and willingly follow them to the end of the earth, no matter how precarious or risky the situation. I’m lucky enough to be able to make music and create every day with my best friend of over 12 years. If that isn’t a gift, I don’t know what is. I love you, brother!

Website: www.alexxcalise.net
Instagram: instagram.com/alexxcalise
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/alexxcalise
Twitter: twitter.com/alexxcalise
Facebook: facebook.com/alexxcalisemusic
Youtube: youtube.com/alexxcalisemusic
Other: Batfarmband.com

Image Credits
Anabel Dflux and Daniel Corey