Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra Tayara.
Hi Alexandra, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been singing since I was in diapers. As far as performing goes, I started in community theater when I was about 10 years old. I also studied classical and Broadway-style vocals in lessons around this time and until high school. In high school I started taking guitar lessons and performed a few times there as well, singing along with the guitar.
After high school, I went to college in Southern California and worked in the dean’s office part-time. My first paid gig was there when one of the women in the office hired me to perform at an event for the students.
I left college after one semester and moved home to Bainbridge Island where I started busking on the ferries, performing at open mics and for tips at local businesses.
I moved to Seattle at age 20 and continued to perform at open mics around the city.
I moved to Texas in 2013 and settled into Denton in 2014. One of my first jobs was at Banter (now closed) where they hosted open mic and featured performers regularly. I performed at their open mic and eventually had a featured gig there, and have been performing regularly in DFW ever since.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Some of my struggles have to do with being self-motivated. I compare myself to others, especially if I’m not out playing as much.
Reaching out to people and “cold-calling” for gigs and facing more rejection than not can take a toll on my self-esteem sometimes.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve been a professional musician for nearly 10 years. I typically get gigs for sets of cover songs, but I throw some original songs out every now and then. I usually play 2–3-hour sets. I think what I’m most known for is my cover of “Toxic” by Britney Spears, and for the depth of emotion in my voice.
I’m most proud of myself when I am able to support myself playing music.
What sets me apart from others is my songwriting, because that’s my voice in the truest sense.
Contact Info:
- Website: AlexandraTayara.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/alextayaramusic
- Facebook: Facebook.com/alextayaramusic
Image Credits
Emily Kiser
Justin W.C. Photography
Corey Claytor
