Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Fam.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My goal in life is to make it possible for every person to experience joy and connection. As a musician and songwriter, I am able to reach people through in unique ways. My music has been a driving force through my experiences working with people with communication disorders, supporting social justice movements, being part of spiritual community, and encouraging others through creative events.
I grew up playing violin, writing poetry, and putting on musical performances with my siblings on a wooden ship in the back yard. Carrying those creative influences with me, I traveled around the world living in France, Canada, China, and England. Wherever I went, I brought my violin or ukulele and used music as a way to communicate with people. My passion for enabling communication between human beings initially inspired me to pursue a degree in speech language pathology. While studying, I found myself pulled into music by arranging songs and directing a music group that performed at local nursing and rehabilitation facilities. I also used music as a way to connect with people who had lost language due to brain injury or children who had difficulty developing their language skills. I continue to work with children with developmental language disorders in Boston Public Schools and use music with them as much as possible.
My spiritual growth has also been intertwined with her music. After discovering Unitarian Universalism and becoming a part of Sanctuary Boston, an innovative UU worship community with music as a focus, I realized how important music was in helping me understand the world and become closer with others in community. It prompted me to become involved in activism, such as coordinating music projects for Movimiento Cosecha, a movement for the respect, dignity and permanent protection of immigrants.
In my original music, I use violin, ukulele, voice, and sometimes a loop pedal to create songs with harmonic layers, poignant lyrics, and improvisation. I just completed a crowd funding campaign to record my first debut studio album to be released in fall 2018. This album will include songs of encouragement to go out and share our gifts with the world.
Making music and performing have been a part of my life since I was young – from classical violin to jam sessions with my family, to writing and performing original songs. Through my work in spiritual social justice communities, and in working with people that have communication disorders, I’ve learned how music can help people connect and engage more deeply. Recently, I’ve been inspired to take a leap of faith, to perform more, share my songs, and now, to make this album. My intention is that my music will encourage each listener to see their inherent value and share their gifts with the world.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Becoming a professional musician and songwriter never seemed like an achievable goal. It costs a lot of money to record music and a lot of time to book shows, maintain publicity and social media, never mind actually practicing! All these fears held me back from pursuing my musical goals for a long time. Last summer, with the help of a life coach, I was able to set manageable goals to pursue my music professionally. Now within the last year, I have played at esteemed local venues such as The Burren and the Bebop, recorded a single, crowd funded for my debut studio album, and built a following in the Boston area.
Please tell us about Alex Fam .
I am a spirited folk singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. I write original songs of encouragement about overcoming our fears, living life to the fullest, and discovering how our gifts can serve the greater world. My music reflects my spontaneity and openness on stage, incorporating violin accompaniment, audience participation, and uplifting lyrics. I partner with local venues and artists to put on creative shows. For example, in the month of February I did a show with the theme “Love, Not Romance: songs about all the other kinds of love”. On June 9th, I’ll be doing a show at Arts at the Armory with a live painter Erica Leigh, and another fabulous musician Louis Apollon.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
One of my favorite childhood memories is wandering around the fields of England, where I would visit most summers to visit my grandmother and family friends. Getting lost in thought while taking walks up and down the rolling hills, catching crabs in the mud, and picking raspberries, often in the rain, is something that I often long for.
Contact Info:
- Email: alexfammusic@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexfammusic/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexfammusic/?ref=bookmarks
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzU-GQUVbm7to_zAPPHZ7zw
Image Credit:
Khim Fam
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