Alexandra Fresquez
Interview conducted on February 12, 2021
By Dan Locke
Alexandra Fresquez has been recognized as a “flame” and “truly an embodiment of the wondrous effects of music”. Compared to singers like Ariana Grande. Alexandra’s recent music has had millions of views on You Tube. Fresquez’s music has been featured on multiple MTV shows’ including “Ex On The Beach”, and “Ghosted”
You grew-up in Roswell New Mexico. What is your upbringing?
Yes, I was raised in a small town, by a very loving family, who lived on the outskirts of Roswell. My dad is from Espanola a smaller farming town in New Mexico, and my mom was originally from Texas but moved around quite a bit. She ended up passing away a couple of years ago, after a long battle with breast cancer, but I am so happy knowing she is in a better place. I have a twin sister who I love very much named Elizabeth, and also grew up with many pets!
How did you discover music?
When I was younger my sister and I were always involved in the church choir, as well as trying out many different instruments (not necessarily sticking to them). I was also involved in choir in middle school, high school, and college.
How did you start to write music?
I didn’t realize until I moved to Los Angeles, after a terrible breakup, that I was ever capable of actually pursuing my dream of becoming a singer. I finally was pushed to my limits, and nothing mattered, so what did I have to lose. My friends pushed me and I starting working on my own music and performing. In my opinion, I am not the best at writing, but am working on it daily.
Describe your music.
My music is mostly pop, it can be in the genre of electro-pop as well as, top 40, commercial, indie, and R&B.
How is it to have a twin sister who also works as a singer?
It’s awesome! She is working on country music, and I got to go with her to work on her first few songs this past year, and it was such a cool experience to be a part of something like that, together. She has more music coming soon too!! So, keep an eye out. I love all her songs.
What was your first performance at like?
I met someone who I now really look up to, at Mastro’s one night. He was holding a black-tie MMA charity event, and I had told him about my song that I had just released. It’s called Hero, and it went along very well with the charity they were donating to. I lied and said that I had performed before, and he asked if I would sing the national anthem and my song. It was very nerve-racking, and I didn’t do as well as I wanted to, and EVEN apologized to him after the event. I didn’t realize until I watched the performance, that it wasn’t as bad as I thought, but I now know, if you want something, you just have to keep doing it, and you’ll get better, even if you are nervous or feel like you didn’t do as well as you could have. I very much appreciate the opportunity that Steve O. gave me. So, shout out to him, he gave me an opportunity to spread my wings. J
What makes a good songwriter?
I think being able to relate to other people, and know melodically what people are into at the time. My personal favorite songwriter is Brooke Tomlinson. I have worked with Brooke on multiple songs, and she reads my mind. I just write down my thoughts and ideas, and words, and she is amazing, at helping me turn that into a story.
What is the process of writing your music?
I have worked on songs in all different ways, lyrics and melody first, beat first, lyrics first. I feel like it’s different for every song,
Do you belong to any to songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association, SESAC, BMI or ASCAP?
I belong to ASCAP
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
It’s called Hero. And yes, I did. Actually, my first song, my very first, I don’t remember what it was called, but we actually recorded it, did a music video for it, and the producer just never finished it. We never heard from him again lol. I randomly txt him every once in a while, to ask about it, but NEVER hear back, which is probably fine. I wasn’t that experienced yet, so it’s probably for the best. HAHA.
Your music has been played on MTV Ghosted. Do you think being placed on MTV helps artist. Because many artists feel that MTV (USA) doesn’t play much music any more being on MTV does not help their career?
I think any exposure is good exposure. I do really miss having a channel strictly for music, but I feel like there are so many outlets now. I feel so honored to have my songs on “Ghosted”, and “Ex On The Beach”. Shout out to Activist Music for that opportunity.
How was it to work with Jaway on “Ruins”?
It was honestly great, and terrible. After working on that song, we ended up working on a whole EP!!, which is COMING SOON! Throughout the time of working on that, we fell into a relationship with each other, which for a while was great, but then turned into a disaster. There will be more to come on this, so follow me for updates. It was a very dramatic situation. He has our songs, so I’m hoping that they will be released soon, but we don’t talk anymore, so, it’s hard to say when they will come out. If anything, the story will come out.
How does your singles People Pleaser and Ruins relate to your personally?
People Pleaser is a very important song to me because it’s so personal to me. I am totally a people pleaser all the way around, especially being a nurse. It’s hard for me to separate my caring for people unconditionally, with people treating me terribly, and me just wanting to fix, and please them. I have struggled with this for a long time, which may actually be why I’m a nurse, but I need to learn how to be nice, without giving myself completely.
Ruins is important to me because that song was true to both Jawny and I. We both wrote it about different relationships we were in, that were in ruins because of one or both people, and what you go through staying in a relationship that’s in “Ruins”.
How was it to work over Facetime before going into the studio to record your music?
I actually don’t mind it, obviously, I would prefer to do it in person, but it makes it easy so you don’t have to leave your house, and you can connect with someone from far away more easily.
Why did you release both singles so close together?
I was just so excited that they were both ready, and couldn’t wait to share them. We thought about waiting but wanted to time the rest of the EP, and music videos out.
What is your favorite track on the album?
It’s called “Walls” and I cannot wait for everyone to hear it! It gives me chills, and it’s honestly hard for me to say that about songs that I sing, but I love the idea of it, and it’s so pretty, and despite my feelings about Jawny now, I think our voices sound good together on it.
How do you stay healthy while performing?
I have honestly not been the BEST at taking care of myself, but most recently I moved to NY for that reason, which sounds contradicting, but I have only been here a week or so, and am already taking better care of myself than I have in a while. I am also a true believer, in that, when you work out you just have such a better outlook on life. Also getting closer to God is truly a game-changer.
What are your feelings about streaming music?
Stream Stream stream away!!
How can people forget about the origin hashtag # Sharp in a musical score? Because of social media #sonyrecords vs. F#
Hahah I have never had this thought, but now I’m not going to be able to stop thinking about it.
Digital vs. vinyl?
I think digital is awesome because it’s more accessible. I also think vinyl is super cool and original. I would love to actually create some for my music.
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?
Hmmm. So many. But I will tell you my absolute favorite song is “Beyond The Sea” by Bobby Darin. This song just takes me away from reality, and just feels like it means all happiness to me. Which doesn’t make sense, but does to me.
You are also a RN. How is to work in the mist of the Covid-19 virus?
I have been working in surgery centers this whole time, so we only work with people who test negative or don’t have symptoms, but I think it was hard at first, because we didn’t have many cases, and having to work through all the different issues with that was hard. Also figuring out how to work around that, which I think was hard for everyone healthcare or not.
Both (Pfizer and BioNTech) and Moderna have concluded Phase 3 Study of the Coronavirus vaccine. With both vaccines, it takes two shots. How many people do you think will take it and how many will forget to take the second shot?
I know a lot of people are skeptical, so I think it might take a while for the majority to get vaccinated, but I think the more years and research that go by, more people will get this vaccine, every year like the flu shot. I don’t think anyone will forget to take the second shot, but I could be wrong lol.
To make things a bit more complex, there is talk that people could either mix the manufactures of the vaccines or in the case of Moderna studies have shown you could take a half doses for the first shot and still be alright for the second vaccine. Do you feel that this is right?
Ehhhhhh that’s a hard one. I can really only give my personal opinion, that I don’t’ think people should mix manufacturers’ because some of them work very differently, and I don’t even know that the manufacturers know if it is really helpful to only take half doses?? I don’t think personally that that’s a good idea though, but how would anyone really know until they see results, I guess?
How long before the whole world will be vaccinated against the virus. You have to remember there only has to be a 70% for Herd immunity (Herd immunity occurs when a large portion of a community (the herd) becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. As a result, the whole community becomes protected — not just those who are immune.)
I think maybe a couple years, but that’s only my personal opinion.
If “Video Killed the Radio Star” do you think that the Covid-19 virus has killed live music? Do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
YES !!!!!! so much sadly. I miss concerts and anything without masks for that matter. Who would’ve known that how we lived might be a thing of the past? L
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
I have been working, working on music, I moved to NY recently, and just trying to get through it like everyone else. However, good things have come out of it. I have also gotten a lot neater. I must say, and drink less, surprisingly, with how much is going on.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
Taking care of myself, and working more on music.
95% of people said that they have changed the way they watch television. This includes people who don’t have television and using their computers to do streaming of programs and movies. Which is your favorite streaming channel?
I don’t really have one, I guess. I like Netflix, as well as Disney plus though!
Many artists are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. In October that is going to change at least on Facebook. Facebook is cracking down on livestreamed shows that include recorded music with new terms of service, preventing artists from using the platform for “commercial or non-personal” purposes, unless they have obtained the relevant licenses.
The updated music guidelines state that users “may not use videos on our products [which include Instagram] to create a music listening experience […] This will include [Facebook] Live,” and stipulates that such content should be posted for the enjoyment of friends and family only.
How do you think this will change the landscape of Facebook?
Hmmm. I don’t know, but I feel like, and I could be wrong about this, that people are tired of concerts over social media. Lol. I might get a lot of hate for that one. But I also think that social media should be used how people want to use it, especially if they are an artist, that’s literally why they have social media, to spread their music to more people. I had not heard of that until now, but that’s very interesting, and also rude. But, like I said before, watching a concert online is not fun, compared to live shows.
How can bands keep their fans if they cannot play live in front of the fans and sell merchandise to them at the show?
That’s so hard, but there are so many things you can do online now, like sell merchandise, even though it’s harder than to sell it in person. I feel like if you market it in the right way it’s possible.
Is pay to play still a thing? Now pay to play also means thinks like playlist on the internet and opening slots for a major band on tour.
Yea, it’s kind of unfortunate, because a lot of opportunities are only given if you have a lot of money already. I do think though, that if you put your mind to it, you can figure out a way. It is hard to do music, and advertise well though, if you don’t have a lot of money. My suggestion would be to do songs with other people, that way you can split the cost of those things.
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
HAHA only if it’s Tupac.
Governments around the world are hearing the call of thousands of music creators and included protections for the music community in the omnibus bill. In addition to extended and improved unemployment benefits and small business loans for freelance creators, the package includes several bills which the Recording Academy, its members, and the larger music community advocated for. From the Save Our Stages Act, provided a lifeline to performance venues and promoters, to the CASE Act, which creates an avenue for smaller creators to defend their copyrighted works, Congress has ensured that both music creators and those who act behind the scenes to bring music to life are given the support they need during this difficult time.” .”
Will this help save the industry?
I feel like it might help for a second, but it depends on how you use what you have at the time. I know a lot of music businesses are suffering, which is so sad, however, some look at it in an opportunistic way. If you can find another way to do things, and make money, that’s different than what other people are doing, it gives you an advantage. I think it depends on how you look at the situation, and your motivation to figure out a way to take advantage of the situation set in front of you. I don’t think anyone should give up, just try to find another way for now, until things get back to normal. This is not the time to do nothing, it’s the time to figure out another way. There are so many different routes to take in the music industry.
In the past if a musician stop doing music, they find a new career. For example, David Lee Roth from Van Halen became a licensed EMT in NY for 6 years, San Spitz (guitarist for Anthrax) became a master watchmaker, Dee Snider (Twister Sister) voice over work for SpongeBob SquarePants.. If you can’t do music what would you like to be doing?
I don’t know I would be really sad without music. Lol. I have thought about doing advertising. I feel like I would like to do that, or help manage someone else, or do anything in music.
What is your happy place?
The ocean
Spotify just deleted 750,00 songs, mostly from independent artists. Was your saved?
It was!! I think it’s so crazy though. I also think Spotify buying into distribution companies is a conflict of interest. I’m not sure if everyone’s heard, but they bought into distro kid, and I heard that it was mostly songs through them that got deleted. I could be wrong though. I would love to hear more people’s opinions about that.
Also, a TIP!! I believe if you re-upload your songs with the same ISRC code, it will keep all the plays that you had! But don’t quote me on that.
Sony Music in November and Warner Music Group in December, The Byte Dance-owned video app revealed on (February 8) that it has struck an “expanded” global licensing agreement with Universal Music Group. Now that TikTok is now fully licensed by all three major record companies, will you start using TikTok more?
I used to use it quite a bit, because I worked for a company for them at the beginning, but didn’t realize how huge it would get. I am definitely going to try and use it more though! I just hope it’s not like everything else major labels own though, where they control everything you see, because of money. I love tik tok though, it’s so fun to watch!
Anything you would like to say in closing.
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to speak with you! Also, I am so thankful to God for all these opportunities! Thank you so much for all the support from my family and friends, I don’t know what I would do without you all!! Love you so much! And keep an eye out for new music, news, and merchandise on my website alexandrafresquez.com and my Instagram @zanfresquez.
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