After a Mozart-like start of the piano, Alexa Rae talks about how she ended up majoring in music production at college. In spite of limiting herself to producing a mere two songs, she has expanded music as her own world and an expressive medium of communication. She has ideas about bad; be it men or music.

drummer

Alexa Rae 🇺🇸

How long have you been involved with music?

I started self teaching myself piano when I was 8 years old. Eventually I took piano lessons when I was 15 and that is what improved my musicianship. I joined my highschool concert band; playing percussion. That led me into learning the drumset and snare drum.

Do you play for any bands? Who? Did you join/form them?

I am in two bands. They are called “Sick Sad World” and “Bummer Dreams.” I started “Sick Sad World” with my friend Jackson. Then about a month ago (February 2020) I got asked to join Bummer Dreams because their previous drummer left.

Have you been self-taught or studied music academically?

Both! I started off self teaching piano at 8. I took music theory in highschool and college. I am currently majoring in music production at Berklee College of Music’s online program.

Have you composed any songs/albums?

Yes, I have produced my own music. Only 2 songs. I also write all of the drum parts for my bands. I have recorded, mixed, and produced a band before.

Do you have any near future or further plans for your music? Whether a project on your own or any other music related collaboration? Where are you going with music?

Yes, both of my bands are currently in the recording process. Also, I am trying to gain as much exposure as possible by networking and building my fan page. The music industry is about knowing the right people that will support you into making it big.

“Men would cat call me, not take me seriously, and comment negative things on my posts.„

Tell us about your favorite musicians/bands. Who were your main influences?

My favorite bands are Slipknot, Avenged Sevenfold, My Chemical Romance, PUP, Doll Skin, and Neck Deep. My favorite drummers are Anika Niles, The Rev, Virgil Donati, Joey Joordison, Meytal Cohen, Travis Barker, and Dave Grohl. My main influences are Anika, The Rev, and Dave Grohl. Anika is the best person I learn from because she is an educator. I own a copy of Virgil Donati’s double bass exercises. By practicing the skills they teach, I improve so much.

What does music mean to you and what are your expectations?

Music means the world to me. It is the best way people can express themselves. It has helped me through my darkest times and without it, I would not have a purpose.

How do you get inspired to make music?

I get inspired every time I listen to a song whose style I really enjoy. From there I will practice the drum beats/fills used. I will also jam with my bandmates and create something with them.

How do you see your audience? What do you wanna tell them and what do you expect from them?

I see my audience through my social media platforms and whenever I perform live with my bands. I want to tell them to never give up their passion. I am also a huge advocate for people struggling with their mental health or addiction.

Where do you think rock n’ roll is today and where is it going?

Unfortunately, the younger generations are slowly drifting away from it and listening to EDM or trap. I love most kinds of music. I listen to a lot of smaller artists that are far from mainstream. On a positive note, I believe women in rock n roll are accelerating because of the modern equality movements.

“Music has helped me through my darkest times and without it, I would not have a purpose.„

What are some of the challenges as a musician, especially a female musician?

There are a lot! It can be sexist at times. Men would cat call me, not take me seriously, and comment negative things on my posts.

Do you believe in paying to see an amateur newly-formed band even though you can pay the same money for a much better performance in town?

Yes of course! I always support the local music scene. It is so important to me. I’ve been in it since high school.

Do you believe in paying to see an amateur newly-formed band even though you can pay the same money for a much better performance in town?

Yes of course! I always support the local music scene. It is so important to me. I’ve been in it since high school.

Do you believe in bad music? If so, what is bad music?

Yes I do. I do not like trap music with lyrics degrading women. Music with offensive derogatory, racist, sexist lyrics fall in the bad music category. I would not necessarily consider this to fall along the lines of this question, but I have written weak and cringey music before. As musicians, we are learning how to develop our artistry. Musicians just starting off with their instruments, bands, song writing, etc… probably won’t write the best material. It takes hard work to write a single and master your craft.

When and where were you born and raised?

I was born in 1998 in San Diego, California. I have been living in San Diego my whole life. I love it so much.

“Unfortunately, the younger generations are slowly drifting away from rock and roll and listening to EDM or trap.„

Apart from music, what studies and jobs do you have or have had in the past?

I used to be major in business during my Freshman year of college, but it did not work out well because I was not happy. I have worked as a busser in a retirement home’s cafeteria. I have also interned as an office assistant.

What are some of your hobbies (obviously apart from music)?

I love to go on walks and runs. I do some freelance modeling as well.

Who are your main supporters as an artist and how do they motivate you?

My bandmates, boyfriend, parents, close friends, my mentors, and other musician friends. They motivate me to work hard for my future with my music career. My mom has supported me the most. She believes in me even when I am at my lowest breaking points. No matter what, she will always be there.

Whose concert that you’ve attended has been the most memorable to you?

Blink-182 last August. It was an incredible once in a lifetime experience. They are one of my favorite bands.

Are you the kind of musician who wants to change the world? How?

Yes, I believe so. I am working hard each and every day to make a difference for the women in the drum community. I started a page with my other drummer girl friends called Female Drummers United. We hope it goes far by lifting and empowering other women that play drums and want to take their career to the next level.