Alexa Wilkinson

- Anthems of rebellion mixed with tracks that speak of unrequited love and never-ending desire describes Alexa Wilkinson’s Lullaby Appetite. Wilkinson’s voice can overflow with emotion and in other cases can be incredibly subdued. Yet, each song is guaranteed to get across the message.

The first song is a directive by Wilkinson who has found herself in an unstable relationship and wants to her let man know she will no longer be a pushover. Wilkinson lays it all on the line with no nonsense lyrics, such as, “Woke up just to tell you to shut up and listen to me. You never do a thing I don’t find a fault with. Just set me free. It’s like I don’t you anymore and there was somethin’ even worse I said. I can’t remember half of it. I just wish that I was dead. Should I apologize?...Sometimes the bad things, the sad things just come out all wrong…There’s nothin’ goin on…So if it’s gonna be tonight let’s learn to have a good fight.” The candor behind each line indicates that Wilkinson is prepared for an altercation and she is poised to be the victor.

The second song is much more reserved in its delivery than the preceding song. It has specific acoustic guitar chords throughout the intro. One could envision Wilkinson crooning this song on an episode of MTV’s Unplugged. It also has percussion gingerly strewn in the background. She describes the dawning of a relationship, how her man looked and how things changed over time, with lyrics like, “Walking through our own neighborhood where we first met in the graveyard…Your face shone so brightly in the moonlight…Your broken heart. We argue at a later day it’s coming at the both of us.”

The third song sounds like a country song with its slow rhythm and matter of fact instrument play. The guitar work is precise as Wilkinson emotes about how she aches to be close to her man, with lyrics like, “We’ve had enough fun let me take you home to your place. The setting sun I’ve been thinkin’ of…Somehow so strange…One of those things we’ve hoped for in our lives. Want you so badly to be mine. I would do almost anything to be closer to you…Fill my lullaby appetite with a song that grows with time.” Wilkinson uses a childhood metaphor to express how wholly she wants to be in this man’s life. Her voice has a modest tone to it without going overboard.

The fourth song has a pop-like tone as Wilkinson talks about her pursuit to find something or someone to fill the chasm that lies within her, with lyrics such as, “Starin’ at the wall and I’m relaxin’ without even trying. Summer’s come to an end. I don’t know where to begin the rest of my life. So I’ll keep searchin’ for something that I can call my own. This world keeps turnin’ somehow I’m still tryin’ to survive, give it time.” Her resigned tone lets listeners know that even though Wilkinson is searching for answers, she is willing to bide her time and be patient until she finds what she seeks.

Alexa Wilkinson’s Lullaby Appetite has sweet strains of longing, along with vows that she will stand up for herself no matter what the cost. Her fervent pace as well as her demure one makes her equipped and on the precipice to make her mark on the music industry. - TheCelebrityCafe.com

INTRODUCING SINGER-SONGWRITER ALEXA WILKINSON
Opening for Josh Kelley tour, April 10 – May 4, 2007

NEW YORK, NY – Wilspro Management is proud to announce the debut tour of 20-year-old singer-songwriter ALEXA WILKINSON, who is opening for Josh Kelley from April 10 through May 4, 2007. Spanning 10 cities in 6 different states, this tour will premiere a collection of 11 original songs, all written or co-written by Wilkinson herself. Her first CD, Lullaby Appetite, which is now available on iTunes and will be nationally released in June of this year on DNK Records (home to Josh Kelley.)

Having taken up music at the age of 10, Wilkinson is a formidable talent in a small (and young) package. Her fresh, smooth vocals slide easily around the extremely hummable melodies, toe-tapping rhythms and sprite guitar playing. The lyrics are rich with expression, exposing a vulnerability and honesty but without naïvete. Rather there is an emotional maturity of looking at life with an optimistic eye, learning from one’s mistakes, and moving on.

Josh Kelley, an accomplished singer-songwriter promoting his third album on this tour, took notice of Alexa’s talent and by July of 2006, had collaborated on and produced five of her songs. Other collaborators with Alexa include Michael Brauer (Coldplay, Paul McCartney, and Grammy winner John Mayer), David Thoener (Matchbox 20, Faith Hill, and Santana), and Greg Calbi (John Lennon, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, and Lenny Kravitz).

Josh Kelley stated about Alexa:
“I was immediately impressed with Alexa’s music—she is an extremely talented singer and songwriter whose unique sound will no doubt propel her to the top. She’s got such a natural, easygoing style to her music that anyone from all ages can relate to. I’m proud to have her on tour with me!” - New Music Weekly

I'll admit it. I'm a stickler for vocals - probably because of my background in singing. But whatever the reason, one of the first things that I notice when hearing a new artist is his or her voice - and usually I either love it or hate it right away. This was not the case with Alexa Wilkinson, however. Instead, it took a few listens for me to decide whether or not I even liked her style. Her vocals are, while sweet, a bit whiny; her musical stylings not easily pinned down to one genre or another. But eventually I came around as one of the 20-year old singer-songwriter's newest fans.

Lullaby Appetite is one of those albums that has several memorable moments - tracks which stick with you long after you've pulled the CD out of your player and moved on. Track 8, "Every Inch," is one such tune. The beat immediately pulls you in - to what turns out to be an ultimately mesmerizing, and even sexy, song. ("But no, what am I saying / What am I speaking my mind / I think I should just unwind / But no, what am I saying / What am I speaking of / I think you should just come in and wine with me.") Okay, so here's my newest quip about Alexa Wilkinson: Her music is like oatmeal; it sticks to your ribs. (I know, I know. That was terrible.)

But seriously.

The strength of Alexa Wilkinson's Lullaby Appetite goes well beyond the vocals. The magic is in the lyrics that make you want to take a second (or third, or fourth...) listen and the music that makes you rethink your own definitions of genre. She is very clearly a talented songwriter and one, if given a chance, who could surely blow up the charts à la K.T. Tunstall - or even Sheryl Crow.

"Waterline" is an incredibly inspiring, beautiful song about finding oneself in a complicated world. Then there is "Of Graves," the first single off of the CD and the first track to catch my attention. In it, her voice delicately floats through an ethereally sweet, jazzy tune she wrote about an ex-boyfriend. "Sad Eyed Annabelle" will draw you into Wilkinson's magical storyland. And "Good Fight" provides an upbeat romp through the complexities of relationships. ("Even the best souls / have got big holes / that need filling now and then / So if it's gonna be tonight / whoah / let's learn to have a good fight.")

What I love most about Alexa Wilkinson's songwriting is the perfect balance the lyrics have between obviousness and obscurity. Not one of the songs holds your hand through what it's supposed to "mean"; each story is left to interpretation, which lends itself to a very personal experience for the listener. Take a few listens of Lullaby Appetite and you'll likely find your own meaning in the songs as well.

—Carly Hope Finseth - Empowerment4Women Online Magazine

'Alexa's Huge Appetite For Success!'

In Alexa's Own Words:

"I don't like formal Bio's. So if you don't mind I'd like to ramble for a bit. My last name is Wilkinson. I was born in Cherry Hill, NJ but moved to Park City, Utah when I was 12 years old. I first got into music because of a boy. Yes that's right. I was about 10 years old and I had myself a little elementary school boyfriend who was taking trumpet lessons. So I decided I would take them too. sadly for him, I got good really fast and he just kind of stayed bad."

"So I started playing the trumpet in band. Then I asked my dad for a guitar for my birthday when I was 11, he got me one, and the first song I ever learned was "Hotel California" (which my dad taught me). My family was a huge influence on my love for music. My sister who has always been good at finding awesome music taught me everything I know about alternative music."

"I realized I could sing around 13 when moving to a new state not only spurred new emotions but talents as well in writing. I started writing poetry and fell in love with free form. One day in the shower I think I started humming a tune and turned a poem into a song. Everything pretty much evolved from that moment when I fell even more in love with song writing."

Taking it from the top and what were your musical influences growing up and how many still factor into your music today? "My musical influences growing up was everything from my parents CD collection, to the music I played in jazz band and orchestra, to the music I wasn't really allowed to have, lol. I listened to A LOT of Shawn Colvin growing up, along with The Eagles, Beatles, Don Mclean, Jonatha Brooke, Joni Mitchell, Cat Stevens, the list goes on. The interesting thing I have noticed about my songwriting lately is that no matter how hard I try to emulate the more modern artists, I still find that people make some mental connection with Joni Mitchell or Cat Stevens. Those artists defiantly have a profound impact on my music. You'd be surprised whats on my ipod."

For the Average Joe who may not have heard of you and was thinking of buying your CD, how would you yourself describe your sound? "This question for me is always so hard to answer. I have so many influences in my music that I never like to limit myself to one genre or one specific sound. 'Lullaby Appetite' is a mix of jazz, pop, rock and folk. I never sacrifice lyrical depth in any song. So for the average joe, I would say if you like any of those genres please don't hesitate to go to iTunes and buy my album because I believe I deliver a little something for every person."

Your album title 'Lullaby Appetite' is an interesting choice, but perhaps it originates from a more personal standpoint for you? Is there a theme to it? "For me, 'Lullaby Appetite' means an array of things. Whether it be a piece of music I'm craving, another person perhaps? I'm always looking for peace of mind. The title track Lullaby Appetite is about a dear friend of mine who lives across the country. He is also a musician and so in the song I'm basically asking him to sing me a lullaby so I get my fix of both loves at once. I think every single person has a different way of obtaining peace of mind, for me its music and good company."

Also, please reveal to us what it means to you to be able to write (or co-write) all the songs on this album - instead of having to sing songs written for you, etc. "I have a strict policy of total involvement in every song from start to finish. Music is such a personal thing, and lyrically I want people to be able to listen to my music and truly believe that they have learned something about me or even themselves. I love it when people come up to me and tell me how much the words in a certain song brought them to a realization or even brought up a memory. It means I'm doing my job as an artist if I can reach people. That's why it means so much to write at least 50% of every song. If I just sing songs written for me without any input where would the meaning be? I love to tell stories and songwriting is how I do it."

How easy (or hard) is it to constantly create a new, vibrant, wanted-by-the-public sound that both builds on and surpasses the musical wonderment's/accomplishments that preceded it within the industry? "I think it's easy if you want it to be. I believe that co writing and collaborations are ESSENTIAL to how an artist grows in this industry. Don't get me wrong, we are all going to write the occasional bad song, but the more you keep introducing new styles, new people, and new situations the more you'll learn. I wrote some of my best songs on this album because I absorbed what other people were teaching me. So, it's easy if you WANT to create new and vibrant sounds. It just takes an open mind and maybe some awkward songwriting sessions."

Please tell us which one of the new songs on this album is your current fav to listen to, to introduce people to you when talking about the album? "My two favorite songs are 'Of Graves' and 'Lullaby Appetite.' 'Of Graves' is currently the single that's on XM Radio and various stations across the US. That song for me is dark and mysterious and a little but crazy. I loved writing it and I loved the transformation it went through from start to finish. 'Lullaby Appetite' to me is just an ear orgasim. I couldn't be more proud of it. Josh did an amazing job producing it, I'm so lucky he took a chance on the unknown kid."

Has work begun yet on a follow-up album to 'Lullaby Appetite,' and if so, any thoughts on what we can expect? "I'm always writing new material and collaborating. I'm 100% sure There will be talk of cutting a new album within the next year, but for right now I'm still basking in my completion of this one. All I can say is, it'll be amazing, haha."

What '80s (and possibly cheesy!) pop/rock song would you love to cover today if asked ... and why?! "'I Can't Wait' by Nu Shooz, lol. Not only because it's SO classic 80's. I love the lyrics and I think I could do something really original with it. It has a really great groove. That or 'That's All' by Genesis."

Lastly, and throwing in a comedic curve ball here, Exclusive Magazine love Penguins ... do you?! "If you can't love a penguin, what can you love?!"

Interviewed by Russell A. Trunk - Exclusive Magazine

This rising singer brings her "Lullaby Appetite" to "Make It or Break It."

This week, as the girls on "Make it or Break it " share secrets around the fire, you'll hear Alexa Wilkinson's song "Lullaby Appetite." Now let us share the 411 on Alexa.

A lot of people think of Park City, Utah, as the place where the Sundance Film Festival happens every year. And it is. But that's not all it is. It's also where this plucky singer-songwriter comes from. Alexa moved to town at age 12, although she'd already picked up her guitar, drums, and trumpet skills in her native New Jersey. But maybe there was something in the crystalline Park City air that fed her musical chops and drive. In fact, she spent most of her time at the University of Utah polishing her demo recordings.

Like so many people who make a name in show biz, Alexa's story combines talent, massive drive, and a touch of luck. Her break came in the form of a random meeting between her dad and Josh Kelley. The pop star liked Alexa's stuff so much, he actually wrote and recorded songs with her and released her debut album, "Lullaby Appetite," on his own label.

Alexa went on to tour with Josh as well as Kate Voegele, Joshua Radin, and Vanessa Carlson and Ingrid Michaelson (whom regular readers of this blog will remember from this post last December).

Look for her second album, "Lions" - ABC

Alexa Wilkinson Sings "Vanilla Rain"
June 24, 2008 at 3:44PM by Seventeen Magazine | 6 comments so far

Alexa Wilkinson, a singer with a sound similar to KT Tunstall and Michelle Branch, dropped by the Seventeen offices to serenade you with her single. The song, “Vanilla Rain,” can be purchased on iTunes or on her Web site. Check out her personal concert below:

Read more: http://www.seventeen.com/fun-stuff/17-buzz/alexa-wilkinson-062408#ixzz0oJSXBPpS
- Seventeen Magazine

Lady Antebellum Shares Tour Favorites
May 11th, 2010 6:00 pm / Author: Valerie Nome
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While the country trio may seem like their demeanor couldn’t be further from Heidi Montag, Audrina Patridge and Kristin Cavallari on The Hills, there is a connection.

Lady A teamed up with Charles’s brother, singer-songwriter Josh Kelley, who is married to Katherine Heigl, along with Alexa Wilkinson, and recorded a tune called Miles Away, which was featured on the MTV reality show in 2007.

“All my friends loved that,” Hillary says. “We Tivo it.”

These days, Lady Antebellum’s voiceover greets visitors when they arrive at Nashville airport. No big deal, though. Fame isn’t as all-consuming as it seems.

“We’ve been so busy this year, and our heads have been down so much that we don’t feel it as much as everyone thinks we probably feel it,” Charles tells me. “I still think it takes a long time for people to connect the dots. It does. But with every few months that go by, we feel it a little bit more, but we have a long way to go. We hope to keep making fans.” - OK Magazine

If you are fan of the bluesy, popish rifts of musical artist Josh Kelley, then you are probably going to enjoy the feminine version of him in the music of up-and-coming artist Alexa Wilkinson.

For one thing, even Kelley himself is a major fan. Well, actually he and his wife, famous actress Katherine Heigl, are both admirers. If you think fame is just based on all hard work, remember that it’s also usually a mix of who you know. For Wilkinson, it was both.

During an interview with The Daily Aztec, Wilkinson talked candidly about her rise to fame, her inspiration for her music and what she likes and doesn’t like about touring. Read more to discover the inside scoop on this shining starlet who appears to have luck, talent and a supportive family on her side.

The Daily Aztec: So where are you living now?

Wilkinson: New York, and it’s freezing outside today!

DA: How do you like living in the Big Apple?

Wilkinson: I love it. I live in Manhattan on the East Side.

DA: I know you mentioned in your online bio that your first album, “Lullaby Appetite” was hugely influenced by your time living in Utah. Do you feel as though NYC is shaping your new music as well?

Wilkinson: I do. The friends I’ve made and the artists I’ve been surrounded by and see a lot of have been really influential. Especially seeing other artists perform live, too. So, I definitely feel being in N.Y. has taken my writing in a whole new direction.

DA: What types of influences in NYC versus Utah do you feel are attributing to your change in motivations?

Wilkinson: Well, when I lived in Utah, my influences had a lot to do with high school, even middle school, and I lived there for one year of college, so my influences came mainly just from my everyday life there. I was always affected by my interest in jazz, artists like Sarah McLachlan and Shawn Colvin. When I finally got out of Utah and came to Los Angeles, I slowly found out what to do, what or who to see. And by the time I came to New York, an entirely different scene surrounded me. Different types of music have surrounded me in all stages of my life. Utah was more about when I was younger, and when you move from place to place, you find that each city has more bands that you like and you figure out a little bit more about yourself by what type of music you’re listening to.

DA: Although you are currently touring to promote your new album, “Lions,” do you already feel a lot of pressure to create new music and get started on a new album? Anything in the works?

Wilkinson: I really feel strong about this current album. I’m still pushing the current songs, but I’m always writing new stuff all the time. Right now I’m just working with different producers on a song here, a song there and just trying to hone in on the sound I want.

DA: I was reading your lyrics to the song “Miles Away,” a single that you had featured on MTV’s “The Hills,” and it sounded as though the song was inspired by the trials of long-distance love. Is it hard being on the road a lot and keeping a relationship strong?

Wilkinson: That song was actually co-written with Josh Kelley’s brother, Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum (...) Writing a song about a long-distance relationship is kind of about realizing that when we get back to that place, nothing has really changed; it’s just the circumstances that are different. It’s mainly a song about both parties, both people, really trying to understand what brought them together in the first place.

DA: When you write lyrics, are you typically drawn on personal experiences or emotions such as these, or is it something less personal? What inspirations ground your writing of songs?

Wilkinson: Well, when I’m writing about music, and actually when most people write, it’s about relationships, whether they be platonic or romantic, and I think the interactions we have with people is what stirs me to even write a song. And I write and usually draw upon the biographical.

DA: Do you feel now with your rising fame and being forced to move and travel a lot to promote, that it is difficult to maintain a love relationship?

Wilkinson: It is, in a lot of different ways. But with everything that’s really great come a lot of things that are essentially awful (laughs). My relationship right now is really strong. My boyfriend understands about having to travel, and me having to go away for work or going on tour for a month. And my family is always really supportive.

DA: Is he musically inclined like you?

Wilkinson: He is. He’s a really good air guitarist (laughs)! He’s actually a music manager, so he really understands this business.

DA: Your family on the other hand, is really musical. Your bio claims that your family was influential in getting you into music by buying you some of your first instruments.

Wilkinson: When I was really young my dad had a guitar, and the first song he ever taught me was a song by the Everly Brothers. Just like three chords. And then after that he taught me “Hotel California.” Then I kind of put the guitar down for a little while and picked up the trumpet and started taking lessons.
DA: Do you ever play trumpet in your live performances?

Wilkinson: Yes, definitely, I will be tomorrow night (referring to her Oct. 29 show). I play the drums, the tuba...

DA: Wow, you must have a strong set of lungs!

Wilkinson: Yes I do. I just have a hard time playing all these instruments at the same time. I need to figure out a way to play them without using my hands (laughs).

DA: So how did you get discovered? I heard there’s an interesting story about this...

Wilkinson: I started writing songs when I was 17 in soccer camp. And my dad got really excited; he was like “I didn’t even know you could do this?” But, I met Josh Kelley, because he got a hold of my EPs that I recorded in college. And he actually found out about the EPs through his at the time girlfriend, who’s now his wife (Heigl), through a chance meeting with my parents. My dad just happened to be playing it, and she heard it and really liked it.

And as they say: The rest is history. For more information on Alexa Wilkinson’s tour dates, head to her Web site at www.alexawilkinson.com. You can also sample her music on iTunes. - The Daily Aztec

When the soft-singing Joshua Radin brought his folk music to the Birchmere this past Tuesday, he brought with him the up-and-coming voice of Alexa Wilkinson. Wilkinson is the type of songstress that sits well with those that enjoy the "Grey's Anatomy" soundtrack, spinning songs of her own life that resonate as though she was writing of you.

Her second album, Lions, was just released this year and may serve to springboard her into the mainstream. This small-setting tour with Radin offers a great chance to see her up-close before she blows up. And that Radin character, a "Press Pass" favorite, isn't so bad either. - Fall Church News Press