A Rising Star in Tucson

SPECIAL EDITION: An Interview with Lexa Raquel

*~Music: The Heart and Soul~*

Passionate and talented, Lexa’s single “One of a Kind” in April appeared #19 on Billboard’s Hot Singles Sales Chart

Musicians wish to share their gift of music with the world, but in this cutthroat competitive music industry it is very difficult to succeed.  Despite the odds, Lexa Raquel has etched her name into the constantly critiquing music industry.  She accomplished this feat in April when her single “One of a Kind” rocked the #19th spot.  Just to give you an idea, that month Adele, One Direction, and Nicki Minaj were artists that were in the Top 10 spots (source: http://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100#/charts/billboard-200?chartDate=2012-04-23.)  I interviewed Lexa Raquel for more insight about her life and her success story.

Lexa’s passion began at a very young age.  “I actually auditioned for the Arizona Opera Company at the age of 3, but wasn’t successful…But that’s okay! I’m sure it was a great learning experience for me.”  Although she was unable to gain admission into the group, she did not give up on her dreams and she continued on with her music.

As she got older, she trained and improved her vocals with the help of a famous American Idol Season 5 finalist Crystal Stark.  I asked her about her experience of working with this talented singer: “It was incredible! I had so much fun with her and I learned so much not only about my voice, but myself as well. She is an extremely gifted woman and I am extremely blessed to have spent 4 years with her as my mentor.”

Lexa began her college degree endeavour at the University of Arizona with a music scholarship this past fall.  Academics can be tough to balance with a music career and she replied: “It wasn’t hard at first, but as the year progressed, so did my interest in music… exclusively. But I made it through my freshman year at the University, which has an excellent classical music program with an incredible staff!”

Her success began soon after that in April when she released “One of a Kind.” When asked about her inspiration for the song, it was an incredibly touching and personal story: “On the day that I wrote the song, it was the one year death anniversary of my grandpa who was very influential man in my life. He was prevalent in my mind and ended up inspiring ‘One of a Kind’” 

Lexa will soon be singing for NBC as a featured artist on one of their music segments in the upcoming month.

Her music has even started to touch people on a global basis.  “I recently discovered that I have fans within the US, Canada and Germany. I’m trying to reach as many people as I can with my music.”  Before she performs, the band says a little prayer for safety and success.  Lexa likes remind everyone to ultimately have the time of their lives, since they are doing what they love.  While Lexa is performing, she describes the feeling as a special experience, “Performing in front of an audience produces a hard feeling to describe, but definitely resembles the best feeling in the world. Being up on stage with my band, that I love dearly, and making music with them is an addicting, adrenaline rush that I wouldn’t trade for the world.”  Some of her favorite memories include performing at  Molly Malone’s, The Mint L.A. and at The Whisky A Gogo with her band.  She also adds, “I’ve never thought much about a dream venue, but I approach each venue like it’s the Madison Square Garden…”

And so then I asked her, “What are your goals over the next few years?”  Then she replied, “There’s a definite desire for a finished album and some touring, but ultimately getting things to explode for everyone.”

 ”I draw inspiration from almost everyone; from parents, who have always been there for me, to musicians that I’ve taken a particular interest in over the years. Experiencing life and the people within yours to the fullest will get you the closest to where you want to be.”

-Lexa Raquel

  It was an absolute thrill to interview Lexa Raquel!  From what I can see, it looks like this star will keep on shining and make fellow Tucson citizens proud!  Above is her hit single, “One of a Kind” and as always don’t forget to check out the poll at the bottom!  Please leave comments on the article and about other people that you would want me to interview! 

Because…music really is the heart and soul.

Thank you for reading!

~*Music: The Heart and Soul*~