Coke Studio and GAY TIMES are collaborating for the second year running to celebrate upcoming queer talent as part of our new music Breakthrough campaign; an ongoing campaign that gives unsigned LGBTQIA+ musicians and allies, within the UK and Ireland, the opportunity to break into the industry. We all know it’s not easy to get into a new career without some help. So, we’ve teamed up with Coke Studio to connect hand-selected talented queer acts and allies as part of our Breakthrough series, bringing must-needed new unsigned artists to wider audiences.
Last year, we documented the musical journey of Celaviedmai, Callum Crighton, Lleo, and Keanan as our first-time Breakthough acts. So, if you’re looking for your daily dose of pop, LGBTQIA+ ally Alexa Joyce (she/her) has got you covered. Moved by legacy artists Britney Spears, Chaka Khan and The Rolling Stones, the Liverpool artist aspires to be one of the pop greats.
We chatted with Alexa to hear more about how iconic artists shaped her music, how music is the “universal language” and her ultimate career dream goals. You can catch Alexa performing live this year at a handful of Coke Studio events this summer including Brighton & Hove Pride, Boardmasters and Electric Picnic.
Who inspired you to become an artist?
It’s too hard to pick one! I grew up on pop anthems from the Spice Girls, Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears. Those artists heavily influenced my pop music blueprint, I wanted my music to capture that era’s spirit and style that I was and still am so obsessed with. My mum and dad gave me an immersive musical education from an early age; my mum would always play Luther Vandross, Chaka Khan, Earth Wind & Fire, and Lionel, while Dad would play The Rolling Stones, Oasis, Rod Stewart, and George Michael. My grandparents also introduced me to Patsy Clyne, Etta James, Frank Sinatra, and Tina Turner. So there was absolutely more than one artist that inspired me to want to be one myself.
I just love seeing how music makes people feel.
Why do you want to be a musician?
I honestly just love music. And no matter what genre, artist or band I just love seeing how music makes people feel. Especially live music, I love watching people dance together at concerts or when you catch people screaming songs in their car. There’s just nothing else in the world like it. Music is the only universal language.
There’s just nothing else in the world like it. Music is the only universal language.
What’s your favourite music-related memory?
My favourite musical memory is driving in the car with my grandad listening to the radio. When I was young he used to be able to hear the first 5 seconds of a song and tell you the artist and the name of the song, I was so impressed. He gifted me his entire vinyl collection when I was 16. I’ve collected them ever since.
What is your ultimate career goal?
To see a stadium of people singing my songs back to me. I would love to be on a stage and see from the artist’s perspective what all those lights look like from people’s phones shining back at you.
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What excites you most about the Coke Studio and GAY TIMES Breakthrough campaign?
I think what I’m most excited about is getting the chance to bring my songs to life and play live. I can’t wait to build a community of people and create a safe environment for people to enjoy pop music! And to have the support of GAY TIMES and Coke Studio feels amazing.
