Kelly Alejandra is a singer, songwriter, dancer and actress who was born and raised in Queens, New York, though both her parents are from Guatemala. She first got involved with music when she taught herself to play the bass and was then accepted into La Guardia Performing Arts School, famous attendees including Al Pacino and Nicki Minaj.
After she became a finalist in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition she decided it was her turn for the spotlight and went into the studio to record this track.
It begins with the instantly memorable chorus hook ‘This is a shoutout to the fearless, to the ones who just get high…’, set to an electro pop/dance musical backing. There is an equally catchy ‘Oh wo-oh’ vocal section before the verse begins.
Kelly has a fine singing voice, as good as the singers we hear in the charts, though on the verse we get to hear rapping skills, which acts as a nice contrast to the chorus. The complicated syncopated rhythms of the kick and snare work well, though I would suggest an alternative club version with a simpler, four to the floor style beat. With such a catchy hook, a club version could prove hugely popular and help break the track.
Overall, this is a superb debut track from Kelly Alejandra, whose versatile talents as singer, rapper and songwriter will help her to stand out from the hordes of contenders out there. If she can come up with an album as strong as this track, I would expect her to become a huge star in the not too distant future.
By Alex Faulkner
I’m 34 and a freelance music journalist, as well as a composer and producer. I’ve written reviews for UK newspapers and music websites. I run my own blog, reviewing the best new bands and artists . I’m very passionate and knowledgeable about music and that shows in my writing.
FM Radio Play on Kiss 104.7 FM
Exclusive Interview:
Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
Alejandra; I heard about Exposed Vocals through twitter. I decided that i needed to contact them because they took their job of promoting artists seriously.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Alejandra: My parents are from Guatemala but i grew up in Queens New York. I was born an artist. I graduated from LaGuardia Arts High School as a musician. I then pursued music, dance and acting during college.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Alejandra: My full name is Kelly alejandra Cantoral but I really like Alejandra as my stage name. its different and strong.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Alejandra: I think online music sharing is amazing. Yes i give music away for free because its important for people to get to know the artist but its also important that the artist gets paid.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips? Alejandra: My advice is to keep going and don’t stop pursing your dreams.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Alejandra:When i make a mistake during performances i just keep going.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Alejandra: I haven’t tour just yet, hoping to do that soon.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Alejandra: I gather songwriting inspiration through my everyday life experiences. I usually start with an original concept or theme of the song.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Alejandra: I use Twitter, Soundcloud, Facebook, and Instagram to share my music/my art. My website is alejandraonline.com
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Alejandra: I am a big backstreet boys fan.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Alejandra: If I was given a half a million dollars and a year off i would invest in my career. I would work with the best producers and release an amazing content of music.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Alejandra: Right now working on getting the right management.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Alejandra: I use social media to promote my music. I have a lot of fun with twitter.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Alejandra: I really love JLo or Britney. I love upbeat dance music. They inspire me.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Alejandra: Right now I am also focusing on finding the right management. I also also working on some acting projects.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Alejandra: If I weren’t making music I would be making movies.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Alejandra: I think the first album I every bought was Spice Girls or Backstreet Boys. I am a big pop music fan.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Alejandra: I just try to have priorities and take care of my responsibilities as much as possible.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2015?
Alejandra:Touring and more music and movies!
