Recently we caught up with New York rocker, Alyxx. She started her career by posting YouTube covers which grew to her making incredible original solo music beginning in 2017. We hope you enjoy this interview!
Interview
How are you today?
Hi! I’m great! How about you?
I’m doing great! Could you introduce yourself to the FemMetal readers and talk a bit about your band?
My name is Alyxx and I’m the lead singer and songwriter for my band ALYXX. I spent most of my life in theater, but was always writing music on the side. Writing and performing has always been a part of me. I started this project back in April of 2017. Prior to that, I wasn’t happy where I was in my life and knew that I just needed to be on stage, singing my own music. Since then, I have released 3 singles, and a self titled EP. The band consists of Frank Bohr on guitar and Zaki Ali on drums. We’ve played at numerous venues throughout the east coast. I tend to write about personal or experiences that are close to me and always try to find the positives through everything.
Who would you name as your biggest musical influences when it comes to both singing and writing music?
Evanescence, Three Days Grace and Breaking Benjamin were huge inspirations growing up. Amy Lee has always been one of my biggest influences vocally. Growing up I never had that raspy voice that I would always associate with rock music, but Evanescence opened my eyes to a whole side to the rock world. I also grew up performing in theatre, so composers like Stephen Schwartz and Jason Robert Brown also had a huge influence on me.
Could you describe how your musical style has evolved from your first release up until your latest release?
My first single “Taking Over” had a lot of pop elements to it. It was the first song I had written for this project. My latest single “My Last Goodbye” definitely sits outside the box sonically. I play piano and love adding strings and synth to every song. I would say my sound has evolved and become more symphonic rock/metal.
You recently released your latest single, “My Last Goodbye”. Can you talk a little bit about the meaning behind that song?
The song is about leaving a toxic relationship. Everyone has experienced some level of toxicity in their life. Could be with a significant other, drugs, alcohol, a friend. The song is a reminder that life is too short to spend it being miserable. It’s about coming to the realization that you would be much happier if you simply said goodbye and moved on.
How did you go about putting your band together?
I had collaborated with my guitarist Frank for years, so when I decided to embark on this project, it was only natural to work with him. When I decided I was going to release an EP and was looking for a drummer, I was introduced to my now drummer Zaki, through a mutual friend. It came together very organically.
If someone has never heard your music, what song of yours would you recommend they listen to first?
I would say, start with my single “Taking Over”. The song was the product of my frustrations and I think it can be very relatable. Singing that one live is very therapeutic for me because it was the spark that ignited this journey. It’s also pretty catchy. If you go through my music starting from the beginning and work your way up, you can really hear the transformation and evolution of my sound.
Have you experienced sexism in the industry and if so, how did you handle it?
I’m fortunate that I haven’t really experienced any sexism at this point in my career.
What is coming up for you in the near future?
I am currently working on another single, which I plan to release this summer. I will also be performing at the Blue Ridge Rock Festival this September! I would love to play more shows, but given the current state of the world, it looks like that will get pushed until 2021.
Shannon Wilk is a Connecticut-based music industry creative; bassist and photographer. She has brought her bass guitar skills to stages all over the country in various bands, most recently The Heartless and Alice Loves Alien. Dubbed the “female Rudy Sarzo”, Shannon has a unique and captivating stage presence in addition to her distinctive playing style. Since beginning her professional career in 2019, she has made waves in both the live music scene and the digital world, playing legendary stages such as the Whisky A Go-Go and the Monsters of Rock Cruise, as well as accumulating nearly 1 million views across online platforms.At 17 years old, Shannon Wilk has become a force to be reckoned with in the rock n’ roll scene. In addition to her blossoming music career, she has continued to showcase her passion for live music through concert photography. From KISS to Foo Fighters to Evanescence to Yungblud and more, Shannon has captured rock royalty through her lens. In 2018, she launched her own publication, Rockin’ Interviews, where she has connected with beloved ‘80s heavy metal artists through her independently produced podcast.
