Artist Spotlight: ALEX BACH

Official Site: www.alex-bach.com

Bio

Despite speaking four languages, when asked to describe her music, 22-year-old, Alex Bach is at a loss for words. She says simply, it is pop with an attitude. After hearing her music, though, you can understand why it is so hard to define. Labeling it as pop belies the insightful, cutting lyrics that are so characteristic of her songwriting. It underestimates her graceful melodies that will transcend the ever-changing trends of the music industry. Nor does it do justice to rhythms that have been undeniably influenced by her international background.

Alex Bach comes by her international flair quite naturally, in fact, genetically. Her father is from French Tunisia and her mother is American. Alex was born in France, raised there and then later in Abu Dhabi, Germany, and finally, the U.S. She grew up speaking French and Arabic, and in quick succession, picked up English, German and then Spanish.

While Alex may be heard singing in any language, her emotional and evocative songs speak of life in its most personal and honest form.

"I love to write lyrics that shake people up and force them to re-examine their lives. The ability to write music and sing it in a way that touches people is an awesome power. If I can get just one person to take an honest look at themselves, then I will feel like I have used that power of music wisely.”

Our Interview with Alex Bach

Q - How did you get started in this business?
A - One day, I woke up and realized that I had only one chance to pursue my dreams. So I went from studying International Business on full scholarship, to living in my car and financing my musical career with a few, low-limit, credit cards. It was a huge risk, but I felt like I had to do it. Luckily, it paid off big!

Q - What projects are you currently involved with?
A - I’m currently touring the country doing performances at all the colleges. I’m really excited about all the new people I’m meeting and places I’m getting to see. I was asked to sing the National Anthem for the NY Mets on opening day at Shea Stadium in NYC and I’m flying out to Los Angeles to open for one of my favorite artists, Sophie B Hawkins.

Q - In your opinion, what makes you stand out from others in your field?
A - I’m the “Anti-Diva.” I try to treat everyone with respect and courtesy, and I am extremely grateful for all my blessings. I never take myself too seriously and I try to approach performing from an entertainer’s perspective. I love to tell jokes onstage, get the audience involved, sing, play guitar, dance (or at least try!).

Q - What is your most memorable moment as a musician?
A - My most memorable moment was when I was able to quit my day job and pay my bills solely through music.

Q - Is there anything about you people don’t know that may surprise them?
A - I have no tonsils. Never had surgery. They just disappeared when I was about 8 yrs old.

Q - If you had to describe yourself in 3 words, how would you do it?
A - Honest, Sassy, and Eccentric.

Q - What do you consider your best quality to be?
A - My perspective on life. I am able to prioritize, appreciate beauty, and experience gratitude. Oh, and I make a mean salsa dip!

Q - What do you do for fun when you are not performing?
A - If I’m not performing, there’s not much fun to be had! No, but seriously, this lifestyle doesn’t really afford you much free time, but that’s a small price to pay to live your dream.

Q - What inspires you the most in life?
I am most inspired by everyday people and current events. There is beauty everywhere and I’ve been truly blessed with the ability to see it.

Q - What is your favorite food?
A - I love my French-Tunisian grandmother’s couscous… Everytime she comes to visit, I beg her to make it for me. She spends hours preparing the grain, and when she’s done, it melts in your mouth!

Q - What’s your favorite place in the world?
A - I have several… Costa Rica. Washington DC. The South of France. And of course, my music room. (That’s where I write my songs)

Q - What kind of kid were you growing up?
A - The Ugly Duckling. I was the loner, the one who kept to herself. Some of the kids made fun of me because they didn’t understand me. Plus I lived all over the world, so I never got to make any lasting friendships until my adult life. I believe that’s where I get my introspection from.

Q - Growing up, what did you think you’d become?
A - I always thought I’d become an international business lawyer, up until my sophomore year of college when I dropped out to become a musician. That decision took everyone by surprise, including me!

Q - What advice would you give someone interested in your field?
A - If you want to make a career of this, don’t let anybody stop you. There will always be someone telling you that it’s an impossible dream and to try to pick something more practical. Oh, and of course I’ve heard a lot of, “You need to have a plan ‘B’ in case this one doesn’t work”. I never had any backup plans so I guess I had no choice but to make it!