Alesia Lani talks versatility in her music
Midwest-born, Austin-raised, Alesia Lani is here to stay. The versatile artist uses her soulful voice to cross musical borders miles away from each other, proudly jumping from R&B to rock to hip-hop to wherever else she wants. Her recent album, Self Titled, reflects her ability to maintain a distinct sound all while spanning different genres. On March 8, she’ll release a lo-fi EP, Love Like Lo-fi, and is performing at the SXSW Showcase Gig at the Saxon Pub on March 12. Find more information on her future performances here!
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Scroll down to read our Q&A with Alesia Lani
Q: You’re not a native Austinite, but what was it like growing up here?
A: Oh yeah, my mom moved us out here to Austin when I was four, so it’s been a journey. I appreciate growing up here. I had a very adventurous upbringing and experiences. I wouldn’t change a thing.
Q: Who got you into music?
A: Honestly, it was my mom and family’s taste in music that got me so pulled in. I grew up listening to a lot of R&B, blues, funk, rap & hip-hop. From there, my mind was opened and the evolution began. I recall reading the CD pamphlets of all the credits to every song. Ah, the times when real albums were consistent. I got into my alternative black girl phase in middle to high school, listening to No Doubt, System of a Down, Coldplay, Green Day, Radiohead…I can go on. Music was everywhere for me and in almost any activity I was in. Coming home after school, I used to love listening to LBJ’s marching band while they practiced. I could always guess the song.
Q: As such a versatile artist, how do you navigate all these different sounds?
A: I just go by my feelings and what I hear. I didn’t plan for Self Titled to be so different within each song and vibe; it kinda just happened! I’ve never really sat down and curated a themed project until recently with my “Love Like Lo-fi” EP, but I love how it all came out and came together. Some people didn’t understand my direction with Self Titled while most saw and accepted it for what was given. It also was fun to pass the vibe checks on the versatile sounds; I’m still working on some more sauces.
Q: Is there a local Austin artist you’re loving?
A: Love seeing my musical peers doing their things and continuing to make moments for themselves, and the new and emerging artists as well! Lani got love for everybody!
Q: Do you have a favorite Austin music experience?
A: When I was younger, I grew up on Springdale and 183, and me and my friends would take 2-3 buses to go to “Jump On It” at Doris Miller Rec Center. Acts from Immature, 2 Live Crew and all Texas legends would come perform for the community like a block party during the summers. From there, with time, I began to be a part of the live music scene. My first official SXSW year and performance, I had Bushwick Bill try to get me for $50. He just showed up while I was getting ready to go on next, so I’m in my zone, and he comes out of nowhere and was like “Ahh who am I introducing on stage? It’s gonna be $50.” It was the comedy relief I didn’t know I needed.
Q: Anything exciting coming up that we need to know about?
A: Yes, there is! I’m dropping another project as mentioned previously on March 8th, an R&B/Lofi EP entitled “Love Like Lo-fi”. I’m really excited about this one. It just felt so good to make. I do have a few shows lined up from now till the next few months! Check out all my info at www.alesialanimusic.com!
Musicians: Kendall McGill – bass; Chris Spivey – keys; Cameron McGill – DJ
Credits:
Producer: Deidre Gott; Production Assistant: Confucius Jones; Audio Engineer: Rene Chavez, Reyna Sevilla ; Audio Mix: Rene Chavez; Cameras: Michael Minasi, Lorianne Willett, Renee Dominguez; Edit: Renee Dominguez; Host: N/A
