The Story Of The Rise of Musician Erwan Alexis

Erwan Alexis was born in Florida in 1995 to French parents Carole Alexis and Laurent Albert. Carole Alexis has a long and successful career in classical and modern dance, having under some of the greatest instructors and choreographers of the 20th century. She also did much work as a background vocalist as well as forming her own bands,

singing lead and releasing studio albums. Erwan’s late father, Laurent, was a percussionist as well as trumpet player. His son still cherishes his father’s trumpets as a testament to his musical pedigree. The life of his parents in the performing arts and songwriting led to Erwan’s early involvement in piano, singing, choir and poetry and short story writing. Growing up in studios, so to speak, as a child the singer could be found crawling under a piano learning the variations of ballets, studying intently the precision of a dancer’s steps or tagging along to a recording studio, where his mother would record music, meeting legendary drummers, jazzmen and musicians. The young boy was taken along on international tours and backstage at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and other venues. This extensive exposure to music and dance together with his own curiosity and creativity contributed substantially to his formation as a bold and sincere musical artist.

Erwan believes that an artist must be a vessel, completely emptied when receiving the message, but ready to deliver it to the audience with generosity. He regards this receiving and giving as the purpose of his arrival on a stage that has seen so many great women and men, artists such as Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, Billie Holiday, Marvin Gaye, Sade. These are some of the iconic singers that delivered their message, made us dance and gave us escape, for a moment, from the human struggle. Erwan Alexis understands that movement, and dance specifically, allows human beings to connect to each other. It is a space in which color, class and creed cannot divide us, but can only accentuate our common ability to love and be free.

Erwan is also a urban storyteller. Leaving home at an early age, he faced many hardships that come with living in NYC. His music showcases internal and external battles, the constant vulnerability of a multiracial youth living amongst the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. "Redlight" the titular single from his upcoming album tells the story of a modern Scarlet, know as the whore of Babylon. The words « I don’t mind, loving under red lights » highlights the affection he feels for this sex worker and unlike the patriarchal hero archetype, Erwan states that she does not need his saving. This single is inspired by true events and reflects the empathy necessary when dealing with sex workers specifically but also all people who lives on the margins of society.

Spotify // Instagram - @erwanalexis // Tiktok - @erwanalexis

Question :What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur ?

Answer: I think there are skills that are needed for business and skills needed for the specific trade you are in. I am a singer and musician so in my line of work, the ability to network and market your music is paramount. From a musical standpoint, if you are collaborating you have to bring a certain set of skills to the table and value to your audience.

Question :What have been some of your failures, and what have you learned from them?

Answer: My career is quite young, I think that most of my failures have been lingering on mistakes or failures for too long. I have learned to brush off failures and jump right back into my craft and throw myself right back into the spotlight.

Question: How many hours do you work a day on average?

Answer: I work between 8-18 hours a day. Routines are important for structure, but I don’t believe in working pointlessly. If there isn’t any music to be made, emails or networking to be done, reading a book or reflection can serve as big of a role in your development.

Question: Describe/outline your typical day?

Answer: I start my day at 5 am and go to the gym. By 8 am I am done working out and can take care of myself and my home. I get in my studio around 10 am and answer emails and/or make phone calls. By noon I am working vocals, which then turns into singing some of my songs. The rest of the day is spent producing and writing. I also do at least one thing to promote my music per day & educate myself.

Question: What inspires your music?

Answer: My music is inspired by the rawness of life. Emotions hold so much knowledge in them, you can learn so much by allowing them to pass through you without qualifying them. My music and specifically the lyrics are how I qualify them. There’s motivation in my music as well, because I’ve used it as an outlet and therapy. There’s quite a few songs on this new project that make me feel hopeful every single time I put them on, I hope they will do the same thing for others.

Question: How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?

Answer: My family consists of musicians, professional ballet dancers and models. Luckily, they all understand what it takes and I have a great support system. I’m always calling them when I have a breakthrough or to simply share an idea to get feedback. I manage to carve out a good deal of family time, never believed that I’d have to choose between family and career.

Question: What motivates you?

Answer: My fans. The listeners, the children, the future of humanity. I want to leave a lasting imprint on the human race. If I could impact our society in a positive way & end some of our suffering then I will have accomplished what I was put on earth to do. That is what motivates me.

The only way to make change on a global level is to make sure that I’m the biggest artist I can be, so greatness motivates me as well.