ThatRaw.com is proud to present their Featured Artist of the Month Alyssa Bernal. This up and coming artist is one of the hottest rising stars coming out of Texas. She was recently signed by StarTrak/Interscope and her single Soak Up The Sun is already garnering acclaim. ThatRaw.com recently caught up with Alyssa for an in depth interview. Alyssa Bernal first made her debut on YouTube and she was noticed by Pharrell Williams, one of the top ten producers in music known for spotting emerging talent. The way that Alyssa came on to the scene has the music industry buzzing. Pharrell Williams tried to contact Alyssa after seeing her online music videos and sent her several emails with no response. Pharrell finally got Alyssa’s attention by calling her school and speaking to her Principal.
ThatRaw: How did it feel to have a music industry heavyweight go to such drastic measures to contact you?
Alyssa: It was surreal. I didn’t believe it at first. To be flown out to LA to meet Pharrell Williams and Jimmy Iovine was amazing. It was like an out of body experience.
ThatRaw: What advice do you have for young artists trying to get noticed?
Alyssa: A lot of people think that Justin Beiber blew up overnight but that isn’t the case. A lot of artists are signed for years until they get radio play. My album has been done for two years. It’s steps until you get to that crazy point. Stick with it. The online scene is blowing up, put out as many cover songs as you can to build a following. Viral videos and social networking will get your name out there.
ThatRaw: How do you describe your sound?
Alyssa: My album on iTunes says pop but it is more like a singer songwriter vibe. The album is very versatile and funky, there is jazz and soul. I love soul. My album, titled In Love Again For the First Time, was actually named by Jason Mraz. He is my one of my musical influences.
ThatRaw: How long have you been making music?
Alyssa: My whole family is into music. They are all musicians and jam out on every occasion. So I’ve been doing it my whole life.
ThatRaw: What are you concentrating on right now?
Alyssa: Right now, I am concentrating on promoting my music and getting my name out there. I expect a tour, especially after my album drops. I’m trying to release all of my music to the world. I feel like I’m ready.
Alyssa Bernal’s album is due out this November, but you can download her EP on iTunes now. Be sure to check out Alyssa’s website AlyssaBernal.com and her Facebook and YouTube sites.
ThatRaw.com Presents – Alyssa Bernal – Artist Of The Month (Interview)
*thatraw.com
*alyssa-bernal.org
Alyssa Bernal – In Love Again For The First Time (2011) (November)
Producers & Guests: Martin Terefe, Pharrell, KT Tunstall, Jason Wade…
Confirmed Tracks:
– Hey Love
– Never Woulda
– Cali, Cali, Cali
– Just In Time
– I Found You
– All I Need
– Soaking Up The Sun
– Here You Are
– Raincloud Gray feat. KT Tunstall
– One Of Us feat. Pharrell
– Stay
– Hold Me Tight feat. Jason Wade
– The Boy
– Let Me Know