Alexes Aiken

BY: JAMIE NICHOLSON
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Nashville’s rising country-pop sensation Alexes Aiken will perform with her guitar player Kyle Mayes this weekend at the Nashville Songwriters Festival on Music Row.
The two musicians are scheduled to appear at the festival on Friday, May 31 at 5:30 p.m., then on Saturday, June 1 at noon and finally on Sunday, June 2 at 6 p.m. Alexes and Kyle will also play on Saturday at the Nashville Palace, a venue Alexes frequents whenever possible during her visits to Nashville.
Kyle is Alexes’ cousin and one member of her newly formed band, which had its first public performance on Saturday, May 11 at the Cajun Fest Volunteer Party in Marrero, La. “It was so much fun,” Alexes said of her debut appearance with her band. “The band really gelled, and the crowd was great.” The whole band is scheduled to appear again on Saturday, August 3 in Johnstown, Pa. for the Flood City Music Festival.
- examiner.com

Alexes frequently performs and competes in talent contests at the Nashville Palace
It is hard to believe that a 15-year-old girl could have what it takes to make it in the music business these days, but Alexes Aiken is proof that it can be done. A New Orleans-based country artist who sings about following dreams, Alexes is doing just that and breaking into the Nashville music industry.
Alexes Aiken is a frequent performer at such establishments as the Hard Rock Café and the Nashville Palace Restaurant. She commonly records songs covered from artists such as Sara Evans and Miranda Lambert, but she is becoming better-known for recordings of her original songs. Her tours are mostly focused in the South, especially around New Orleans and Nashville.
Alexes realized she wanted to pursue a professional singing career about two years ago and began joining groups such as Georgia Country and Gospel Music Association and Louisiana Kids, which helps kids develop and showcase their talents. Before this, Alexes had been singing from a young age. Her grandfather, a singer and guitar player, used to sing and play for her and tell her stories about how amazing it was to be part of a band and perform music. When he was diagnosed with throat cancer, she felt a responsibility to return the favor and carry on the tradition of music. Alexes joined the school choir and got a voice coach. Though her grandfather has since passed, she feels he is there when she is singing, and she knows that she sings because of him. “My grandfather inspired me to do many things,” says Alexes, “but music is the best thing that ever happened to me. That is all thanks to him.”


Alexes has the support of the rest of her family and close friends, as well. She describes her mother as her driving force and her everything. Her mother is also a co-writer of many of her songs and joins her for every tour and performance. Her voice coach also travels with her and performs with her on certain occasions. Alexes is thankful for her help in developing her voice. Alexes’ father and brother are there for logical support. Her father helps her stay realistic about her goals and encourages her to take advantage of her education, while her brother is always there to give her advice. Her grandmother is what she calls her biggest fan and helps make the costumes for her shows. Alexes knows that she must sacrifice attending parties and other high school events, as well as miss days of school; she also experiences people who put her down or act jealous of her, but she knows she has the full support of those who care about her. She says, “It's tough but with friends and family like mine I manage the sacrifices.”
Alexes’ voice is not her only musical asset. She also showcases her talent on the guitar as well as her favorite instrument, the piano. “When I play the piano my mind just wanders. I feel that no matter what I play, the music that comes out of the piano is always beautiful,” says Alexes. Her enjoyment of music is always obvious when she performs on stage. She has such a passionate and excited presence that compliments her strong voice. It is likely her love for the music that brings out her talent. “I wish I had an unlimited amount of time to sit there with my music and just write, sing and play,” she says. “I love music so much that I would love to share it with the world.” And with so many people supporting her, it is clear that the world enjoys the music she shares.
Jamie Nicholson, Nashville Music Examiner
Jamie Nicholson is a recent college graduate from Middle Tennessee State University, where she earned a Recording Industry degree. Through music business internships and volunteer opportunities, she gained knowledge and experience in live entertainment. minor in Public Relations helped her to develop her skills as a writer of features and PR communications.
- examiner.com

“Many people don’t know the patriotic background of the song itself, and the fact I was able to add an electronic mix with my style to bring it to life for people our age is really great,” the junior at De La Salle High School said. Aiken. “It’s given my grandfather a new respect for music, particularly modern music, because he sees that there are songs out there with a positive message.”
Seventeen-year-old Aiken’s voice in combination with her work ethic and lengthy list of awards is impressive.
The young country pop artist won Entertainer of the Year for traditional country and Songwriter of the Year for new Country and inspirational at the Tennessee Country and Gospel Music Association’s 10th Annual Music Awards in 2012. She also received the Future Star Award, Female Entertainer of the Year for new country, and Co-Songwriter of the Year for new country, gospel, holiday, and patriotic presented by the North American Country Music Association International in 2012.
Michael Conley, Aiken’s publicist in Los Angeles, describes her as a fiercely dedicated and committed singer and songwriter with a great sense of inspiration. “Of all of the artists that I’ve worked with over the years, I’ve never seen such dedication and talent as I see in Alexes,” said Conley. “Not only is she determined to win a CMA one day, but she stays grounded in New Orleans by constantly giving back to the community and empowering her peers through the positive self-esteem messages in her music.”
Aiken said she loves staying involved with the New Orleans community by volunteering with Louisiana Kids, participating in De La Salle’s International Club, and serving as vice president of the school’s Key Club. She also sings in Soul Spirit, a church group comprised of her mother, aunt, and cousin, and performs for various benefits throughout the city.
“I consider myself lucky to live in New Orleans and to have come from a unique musical background of blues, soul, and gospel, all of which have influenced my vocal style,” said Aiken.
Aiken grew up going to JazzFest and French Quarter Fest, taking each as inspiration to maintain the New Orleans blues style in her voice while developing a unique musical style of her own. Always being a fan of Baton Rouge’s Bayou Country Superfest, Aiken aims to one day bring that country influence back to New Orleans.
“I would love to start the tradition of bringing that country music influence back to New Orleans,” said Aiken. “It’s important to me to show people that country music isn’t just banjos and Patsy Klein anymore, it’s a new and constantly changing genre and that’s what my music represents.”
Aiken’s remake of Queen’s “I Want it All” exemplifies that original country pop style in her new CD. She said that her vision is for the song to act as a motivational anthem for young adults and provide them with an extra boost of confidence.
Aiken also has many original songs she has written on her new CD including a tribute to her maternal grandfather titled “Note on the Mirror.” Aiken credits him as one of her greatest influences, since he used to play in a band and would sing to her when she was young. He developed thyroid cancer and lost his voice.
She is presently nominated for Female Entertainer of the Year, Songwriter of the Year for the categories of New Country and Inspirational, Female Vocalist of the Year in the 17-20 age category for the North American Country Music Association International Awards Program in March March 15-17.
Having just released her first CD on Dec. 4, Aiken already has another CD in the works as well as a music video that will show her fans her softer side. She intends to go to college to study music business when she graduates De La Salle next year, all while continuing to grow her music career in New Orleans and in Nashville. - Times Picayune