Music Q&A with Alexa Villa
Photo by Emma Jenkinson
Alexa Villa is an out-of-the-box "bubble rockstress"! Her latest single, "Call Me Crazy” is an anthem for the outsiders and dreamers. Her music influences include, but are not limited to Yungblud, Led Zeppelin, Gwen Stefani, and Alanis Morissette, and has opened for acts such as The Darkness and Ryan Cabrera! Alexa recently took some time to talk about her latest single, her musical upbringing, how it’s okay to be yourself, what she has missed about touring, Joan Jett, and more!
Congratulations on the release of “Call Me Crazy”! What is the story behind that song? Is there a specific situation that led you to write it?
Thank you so much! I have an ex that used to tell me all the time that I live in a fantasy world and my head was stuck in the clouds. I think that was what prompted the idea and then it morphed into what it is. I didn’t “fit in” with the “in crowd” growing up. I was loud, hyper, clumsy, and definitely did not look like the pretty girls.
I ate lunch in the drama room many afternoons. I didn’t have dates to school dances and even skipped a few to stay home and play music. I wore knee socks and suspenders and big billowing tops to hide the body I was teased for.I was as rebellious and unapologetic then as I am now. But my insecurities got the better of me.
I wrote “Call Me Crazy” about overcoming those doubtful thoughts. It’s not crazy to be different. It’s not crazy to dream. In fact I’ve learned that my quirks are my super powers. And the more I leaned into my passions the more I felt like myself.
Your “crazy” is your magic.
My dream is to make music that inspires you to be exactly, unashamedly, tirelessly, whole heartedly who you are. And well, Call me crazy but I’m going to try.
When was the first time you fell in love with music?
I have always been in love with music! Music was my first love. It was the calm in the chaos. My parents were in a band so there was always music in the house and on weekends we were at shows or at the local music shop going to guitar and piano lessons. I just remember it always being there.
What was the first song you covered on piano?
I started with originals. I always loved writing poetry and melodies separately and then when I found out I could put them together it was a huge lightbulb moment. And then when I started taking piano lessons I learned classical music. I think my first cover might have been “Lights” by Journey if I had to guess. I liked singing and playing together.
What’s one thing you’ve missed about touring?
The people! I miss that irreplaceable connection. The spirit and energy in the room that you can’t always capture behind a screen. I feel I connect best with people in person and I truly love meeting everyone that comes to the shows. It's so special and important to me that we build a community together. Even if it's just for one night.
Being a Warped Tour alumnus, what would you say you got to experience on the tour, that you wouldn’t have experienced otherwise?
The camaraderie between bands. It was awesome to see how it all works and how bands can really support each other.
If you had a chance to interview any of your musical heroes, who would it be and why?
I would interview Robert Plant because he’s my favorite. Or Joan Jett because she’s such a powerful woman in music! And the fact that an iconic song like “I Love Rock n Roll” was rejected by 23 record companies, I’d want to know more about it and how she overcame such a harsh rejection to then become what it is now!
What is one artist or band that you haven’t seen in concert, that you hope to see someday?
I would love to play with Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones, again because they’re my favorite. Or see the Rolling Stones. Also Dua Lipa would be awesome to see! There are so many honestly!
What’s your favorite thing about making music?
I love the freedom in making music. I love the high that comes from creating something out of nothing. I love that in music, my wild, crazy ideas are valid and actually have a place. I love that everyone has a different ear and their own way of interpreting the same sound. I love that it brings people together. I love that I can be myself and feel heard all at the same time. I feel the most myself when I’m making music.
How do you stay positive? What helps you?
Generally speaking, I’m a pretty positive person. I try to begin each morning in gratitude, even in the little things and truly be present (which is hard for me). I’m always thinking way too far ahead so that's a big one for me. I pray all the time and call my family. Life can be tough, so for me it's important to know what keeps me grounded.
Any last words or final message for the readers?
You can do anything you want to in this world! You have the power within you despite what anyone else thinks. Chase your passions and never be afraid to look ridiculous doing it. Everyone has a purpose.