Alyssa Bernal was just your everyday, ordinary teenager until Pharrell Williams came across the singer/songwriter’s YouTube videos. Since then Alyssa’s been sharing her talent with everyone, but still had time to chat with Kidzworld.
KW: When you first started posting videos of yourself on YouTube, what was it like having complete strangers admire your music?
Alyssa: It was really neat! It was cool to think people thought I should sing for a living. It definitely brought my level of confidence up, too.
KW: Did you always know that you wanted to be a musician?
Alyssa: Well I always dreamt of doing it for a living but I never thought I actually had a shot! My goals were often just having the courage to sing and play in front of a crowd.
KW: You were discovered by industry heavyweight Pharrell Williams, what was that like?
Alyssa: It’s so cool! It’s crazy to think that. And I couldn’t be more happy with my label, Star Trak!
KW: Were you intimidated meeting him for the first time?
Alyssa: To tell you the truth, a little bit!
KW: You are set to go on tour soon with Lifehouse, are you excited? How did that happen?
Alyssa: Very! Well we had collaborated together for this duet on my album, and it just got brought up in conversation and we thought it’d be cool for me to join them on tour. So that’s exactly what’s gonna happen!
KW: Are you nervous or excited to see fans of yours in other cities?
Alyssa: That’s probably what I’m most excited for!
KW: Do you get stage fright?
Alyssa: Yes! But I’m slowly getting over that.
KW: What was recording your album like?
Alyssa: Too much fun! It was just so easy-going, a lot like how the album sounds.
KW: What would you say is the overall feel of your first album In Love Again for the First Time? What is it about?
Alyssa: It has an easy-going feel to it. It’s a blend of pop, soul, funk, and even a bit of jazz. It’s about things you might be experiencing for the first time. Like love, long distance, feeling home sick. It’s very naive and personal and is a reflection of myself.
KW: What was your most disheartening or difficult experience trying to get your songs heard?
Alyssa: I had a couple of disappointments along the way, cause I seemed to get stuck with dishonest people! But I know I am in good hands now!
KW: Do you have any advice for any other young performers and artists trying to catch a break?
Alyssa: Yes! I’d tell them not to care about what people will say/think. If you think you have talent, don’t waste it because God gave you that gift for a reason! And don’t wait to share it cause you’ll regret it. Much like myself, ha!
KW: Let’s hear about some of your faves…
Alyssa:
1. Fave band: Keane
2. Fave actor: If I had to choose, it’d be Ryan Reynolds
3. Fave food: Sushi
4. Fave book: Go Ask Alice
5. Fave movie: Practical Magic