We had the good fortune of connecting with Alex O’aiza and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alex, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
The most important lesson that I have learned thus far while being an artist, is to expect that nothing is going to probably workout the way you originally envisioned. Sometimes you are going to just flat out fail, sometimes you will barely just get by, or sometimes you straight up hit a home run. All of those outcomes will eventually happen to you (some will occur more than others), but that’s ok, you just have to be okay with it all. You have to be okay with failing not just once, nor twice, nor just three times, you have to be okay with failing period. You have to be okay with the fact that sometimes your execution may be mediocre or subpar. Once you come into terms with this reality, pushing through obstacles and hard times in general, will make your victories all the more worth it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’d like to use this question to highlight what I’ve learned from my journey as an artist thus far. Life is always going to throw you curve balls, and you just have to be ready to adjust as best as you can at all times. From my first serious musical project imploding right in front of my eyes back in 2017, to my father being apprehended and deported by ICE at the beginning of last year, all the way to today, where we are now cautiously navigating our lives through a global pandemic. I’ve done the best I can to adjust during these huge obstacles. That’s all I can really do. It’s very easy into falling into self pity, or disillusionment (throwing the towel to put it simply), but again thats easy. Giving up is easy. What I’d like to communicate to people, is that you have to discard your fear of failure, and just learn to embrace it. Each and every obstacle has made me stronger, wiser, and more mature. Without my failures, my hiccups, and the obstacles, I would not be where I am today. This lesson was given to me during my father’s situation. Because of the financial collapse my family and I experienced during that time (and still feel the ramifications to this day), I feared that my journey as an artist would have to be put on hold, and possibly end if not tended. I felt like I lost everything for a second. All this changed when I found myself performing during a school recital at my college. During that performance I realized just how much I love performing. I realized then, that if I put everything on hold, my fears could very well materialize into reality. Life was not going to wait for me, life will only add more obstacles, more excuses, and more responsibilities as I grow older. I realized then, that the time to act was now. If I wanted to avoid such scenario, I had to keep going no matter how financially uncomfortable it may be. Suddenly, I felt like I had nothing to loose. And that right there made me feel like the most dangerous man alive. It sparked this hunger to continue and to push through whatever life throws at me, and to this day still fuels me. Failure is a necessary component for growth, and the sooner people realize that, the happier they will be (in my opinion).

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would probably start by eating somewhere at lower Greenville, walk around and show em the cool spots of that area. We would then probably rent out some lime scooters and drive around downtown. The day would definitely have to end at Deep Ellum, where we could possibly catch a local show there, and even go clubbing if we’d wanted to.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Last time I spoke to you guys, I shouted out some very important people in my life that have been crucial in my growth as an artist. That list has fortunately expanded some more haha. Obviously the past list still stands, so I’ll summarize that first part and continue with the new additions. I’d like to shout out all my friends & family who believed in me since day one in my venture as a solo artist, and continue to show love and support for what I do! I’d also like to shout out my beloved mentors Jonathan George & Elise Wattman, they where the ones that steered me into new frontiers and helped me get to another level during my early days as an artist. Another huge shout out would be my producer friend Austin Shawn! He helped me build the foundation for what Alex O’aiza is today, and pretty much is the culprit for where I currently am artistically. Now a year later, I have had the pleasure of meeting a ton of amazing people while creating beautiful friendships. Some of these involve: Dan Pearson from Saint In The City Records (pr company and record label based in the U.K) who found my work and whole heartedly believes in what I do, and has since doubled down into supporting me with his connections and experience in the music industry, in order to get me to the next level. Another huge new shout out involves: Caleb Turman, Austin Bello, Grant Thompson and the whole team behind Pure Life Entertainment adjoined with Austin Bello Productions. These guys are unbelievable rockstars, and such sweethearts. They are out of this world talented, and I consider myself extremely lucky to have had the pleasure of cowriting with them in their studio. These guys have taught me loads of new things about the art of songwriting and the production behind it. They have helped me reach a whole other level in my artistry, and have become the catalyst behind my upcoming venture into new sounds. Following up, I’d like to shoot a tremendous shout out to my Go-To photographer and friend Roger Gallegos, as well as his girlfriend Ariel. Roger and Ariel are the visionaries behind my artistic aesthetic, and sometimes also for the artwork in my music. They always make me look better than I could ever have imagined, and without their help, I am positive that most people would have never even bothered to pay attention to me haha. Another important shout out would have to be the entire music department at Cedar Valley Community College, as well as the Dallas County Community College District that fuels it. Without all the valuable wisdom, and knowledge I’ve aquired from all my professors and advisors, I wouldn’t have been able to refine my abilities as a singer and as an entrepreneur. They have give me countless skills to deal and navigate the music industry in a more effective way, and for that I will be forever thankful. Last but not least, I’d like to thank each and every person that genuinely loves what I do, and has decided to stick around and cheer me on during this crazy journey. All of you guys keep me going, and the little that I have going today would be nowhere without your support! From the bottom of my heart, thank you!

Website: https://alexoaiza.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alex_oaiza/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/alex_oaiza
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlexOaiza/?ref=bookmarks
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZyqKYqqLztKSezhtY0zhsA
Other: lnk.bio/alexoaizamusic

Image Credits
Fun Photo: Roger Gallegos Promo Photos: Roger Gallegos Action Shot in White Clothes: Jeremiah Sabado Action Shot on Stage: Roger Gallegos