Singer/songwriter Alyssa Bernal is just your average girl if your definition of average is creating YouTube videos of yourself singing songs so amazing that superstar producer Pharrell Williams has to track you down. That’s the true story of how Alyssa was signed to his Star Trak Entertainment and started recording her soon-to-be-released debut album In Love Again For The First Time. So, Teen Mag was psyched to have the chance to ask Alyssa all about living out her dreams!
TeenMag: When know wanted to be a singer?
Alyssa Bernal: When I started noticing the positive feedback I was getting on my YouTube channel. People would say my singing would change their day and that made me feel so happy to know.
TM: When did you start writing songs?
AB: I started writing songs when I got my first acoustic guitar, probably about two years ago.
TM: First album you ever bought?
AB: Room For Squares by John Mayer.
TM: First concert you ever went to?
AB: A John Mayer concert; summer of 8th grade year.
TM: Was your family supportive?
AB: Always! But never too pushy. And that’s why I love them.
TM: Tell us about your album- what does it say about you?
AB: It’s a pretty naive and honest album. The lyrics are written from personal experience and you will be able to tell that I was experiencing things for the first time in my life when I wrote these songs. It has a very easy-going feel to it; very singer-songwriter type stuff.
TM: What inspired and influenced you?
AB: Honestly, other YouTubers who put their music out there. I met so many talented people through the internet and they all influenced me so much, especially my friend, Melissa Polinar! Also, my favorite artist, Jason Mraz. He likes to broaden his own style of music and my album is pretty versatile as well.
TM: What was it like working with Pharrell?
AB: He’s so inspiring! He does it all, and I admire him very much for that.
TM: How has music shaped your life?
AB: Music has made me more creative and more confident. I’m usually a very shy girl and music has taught me so much in such a short amount of time.
TM: What were you like in high school?
AB: I went to a tiny private high school. I was a varsity cheerleader and hung out with all the cliques. I was involved with most music activities and was sort of a clown – always getting in trouble in class for laughing or something.
TM: Whose career would you most like to emulate?
AB: Taylor Swift, but with a different groove.
TM: Any guilty pleasures?
AB: Twilight!
TM: What’s your dream project?
AB: Can’t wait till I’m headlining at my own tour and selling live DVDs!