An Interview With Up and Coming Singer and Actress, ALEXA FRIEDMAN!

Photo Credit- Nirvana Studios Hollywood

At just fourteen years old, Alexa Friedman began her career as the spokesperson for her parent’s small business, being featured in print, TV, and radio. Friedman has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry as a hardworking, relatable, and talented singer and actress. With her outgoing personality, beautiful voice, and creative ideas, there is no doubt that she will soon take the world by storm.

Friedman prides herself on creating and performing her own original music. She recently released her single “Enraptured” about heartbreak and betrayal in a friendship. The punk inspired music video has been getting praise from her fan-base with over 100,000 views on YouTube. She won the award for “Best Independent Music Video” at this years Hollywood Music in Media Awards. “Meant To Be” is the name of her latest single. The song is inspired by her growth from her personal experiences being bullied and is meant to help other teens in similar situations. The single is available now on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon.

No stranger to the acting world, Friedman can be seen in the 2012 drama Sarah Smiles starring as Sarah, a young girl who gets kidnapped. Her other credits include the documentary Being George Clooney.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing with her dogs, and volunteering with the Make a Wish Foundation.

Here is her video for “Meant To Be”:

Learn more about Alexa Friedman in the following All Access interview:

1. Thanks for your time today! Where does this interview find you? Is there music playing in the background? If so, what is it? What music gets you instantly out of a bad mood? What is a song you are loving these days?

I’m here in my small town in New York. I’m listening to “Wolves” by Selena Gomez. The song that instantly gets me out of a bad mood is “Havana” by Camila Cabello. I really enjoy Selena’s new music releases.

2. Growing up, did you always want to be a musician? Can you recall your earliest musical memory? Was there a time where you thought of doing something completely different?

I originally wanted to be an actor. My earliest musical memory was working at my local theater. I wanted to quit singing and acting when I was younger because I was spending so much time away from my father. My mom and I would spend 4 1⁄2 months in LA while I pursued my acting. I really missed him. He kept encouraging me to keep going and never gave up. It’s because of him and my Mom that I’ve expanded into music.

3. Overall, how do you think 2017 has been for you and music career? What are you most excited about for in 2018? Do you think you will make any New Year’s Resolutions?

2017 has been insane: I’ve had two songs released, “Enraptured” and “Meant To Be”. I won “2017 Best Independent Music Video” at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards this month. For 2018, I have plans to record 2-3 more original singles with music videos to follow. My New Year’s Resolution is to eat healthier, (I love pickles.)

4. I always like to ask artists about where they came from and how that city or town has influenced them as an artist now. So how do you think your hometown and current home has affected you and your music today? 

It is definitely affected me in my music today. I come from Buffalo which many people know for the cold and snowy weather. Many people out here are into theater or stage acting, but that’s not me. I would rather be singing at the staple center. Being from such a small town, my peers do not understand why I want to pursue acting/singing. I get teased, mocked and even bullied over it. They feel I am trying to be better than them. The truth is, I’m just trying to be better than “Me”. I know I have a lot to learn. And, going through all these issues helps me relate to my music. That is why I love the saying, “Practice make progress, because no one is perfect.”

5. Let’s talk about your single called “Enraptured.” Where did the inspiration for this track come from? What was it like making the music video for it?

Inspiration came from my old best friend. The video was super fun. I met my LA family, my vocal coach, video director, my producers, choreographer, all from the making of that video. There are so many supportive people and I’m glad I still talk to today. I could not have asked for a better experience. Oh yes…it was freezing in the desert when we filmed.

What was it like to win a Hollywood Music in Media Award for Best Independent Music Video for “Enraptured”?

It was absolutely insane. I was not expecting to win it all, but when I did I was so grateful for everyone that was around me. I had my complete LA family with me and we all celebrated the win as a group. Without anyone of them, it would never had been possible. At the award show itself, there were so many influential people there that I spoke in front of. It was a dream come true.

7. How different or similar do you think your single “Meant To Be” is then “Enraptured”? How do you think these two songs prepare listeners for who you are an artist?

“Meant To Be” is very different from “Enraptured”. My Pop side is shown more in “Enraptured” because it has a strong dance beat. “Meant To Be” is more of a pop ballad. The first song describes a betrayal of a friendship. We’ve all had that special friend we thought we would have through adulthood, and sometimes it just doesn’t happen that way. My newest release is more about following your dreams and not letting other people get in the way.

8. When do you hope to release more new music and a full-length album of new songs?

Very, very soon. I have another song coming out in the distant future called “Take Me Down” and I hopefully will be recording two or three more in 2018.

9. Has it been challenging balancing your acting with your music career?

Not necessarily, they go hand-in-hand. When I achieve something on the acting side, it affects my singing. When I achieve something on the music side, it affects acting.

10. What do you think of social media today and the importance of it for artists now? Do you find that it’s hard to keep up with it all?

Social media is very important because it can bring together a group of people many positive ways. Your singing/acting can reach people from all over the world. But with that, there are some negatives to social media as well. People can be very cruel on posts and comments. It’s very easy to do because they can hide behind online names. I found a lot of kids in my school were very cruel in this way. They never acted or talked to me like that in school or class. But, when they were online, their comments can really cut deep. Overall, I still think it’s a very good platform. You just have to learn to hang on to the positive and learn from the negative. I like posting little things everyday because it makes me feel close to my followers.

11. How do you hope to be a good role model to your younger fans?

I hope to inspire my fans to stay strong and stay positive. Everyone is beautiful and valuable. We all have a purpose and should never give up on reaching for your dreams.

12. We are living in a crazy and at times rough world right now so I am curious how you think being a musician gives you the most joy in life today? How do you think that new music being created today is going to reflect these difficult times? 

Music today is really going to relate to our world because it talks about important issues: bullying, death, war, forgiveness, anger, dreams, hope and love. Most songs that come out today are meant to inspire or tell a story. Some stories have happened recently, some have happened in the past. But, they were still going to be subjects that will affect my life.

13. Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? What musicians would you absolutely still love to work with in the future?

Selena Gomez is a huge inspiration of mine. She so interactive with her fans, so sweet, and so caring for the people in her life. I would love to work with either Taylor Swift or Selena Gomez. To be honest, I would just love to be in the same room with them!

14. What do you hope your fans take away from your music? Do you think there is a greater music in your songs?

I hope my fans can take away how important it is to help people who are going through a tough time, to show them they are not alone. I used to feel like the outsider, alone. I don’t anymore. Music has given me a voice. They need to know they can dream big dreams and not be afraid to reach for them.

15. What advice would you give to a young person who is thinking about becoming a musician one day?

If someone wants to be a musician, just do it! I’ve learned so many new things about myself. Through music, I have been able to experience things I’ve only dreamt about. If it’s your true dream, go for it because “Practice makes progress.” It’s your life. You write your own story, you’ve got this.

16. Would you like to share anything else about yourself or your music with our readers?

I have been seriously bullied in the past and it has affected what I wanted to do with my life. But I finally learned to stand up for myself, and you can too. Don’t let the people that bring you down write your life story! Don’t give them the power because they don’t deserve it. You’re all going to love my next single “Take Me Down.” It puts everyone who ever doubted me in their place!