Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Villoria.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
The Filipino culture has always been music-rich. Every family party came with the staple party activity of any Filipino gathering: the karaoke sessions. Not only was it fun to be around, but I was surrounded by some serious talent—particularly my dad. Growing up, I’d always been surrounded by his outstanding singing voice (similar to Tom Jones’), although at the time I just thought it was how good everyone sang. I believe that this was really the precursor to what became my greatest passion in life. Singing was just a natural occurrence throughout my day, and amidst growing up and finding how my hobby could orchestrate strong emotions to others, I happily realized that my hobby had turned into a passion.
Throughout middle and high school, performing live events, singing for friends, and bonding over music had really solidified my identity as a musician not only to those around me, but also to myself. It gave me the feeling that no matter what I did, there was nothing that could compare to the satisfaction of connecting on a deeper level with music. I think it was clear to me at this point that I wanted nothing more than to make this my career in the future.
Once college rolled around, the reality had set in that music isn’t as easy a path as many other careers. In most professions, it’s never as easy as going to school, getting a degree, and getting a stable job—even moreso with the music industry. I had been pulled in many different directions, forcing myself to study things I didn’t want to study just to please those around me. Through trying out different paths, I’d put my dreams as a musician aside to become an EMT, and I ended up finding my second passion in life.
From the schooling, the ride-along, and working my first job with an ambulance company, I had come to an understanding that in the end helping others is my ultimate satisfaction. I could even say it’s my purpose here in this life. I’ll never forget the feeling of driving the ambulance around traffic with the lights on and sirens blaring, on my way to help someone. However, I always felt that music was in the back of my mind. Even a partner of mine heard me sing and asked, “What are you doing here?” as if I should’ve been doing something better with my life. I would still stick on the path I was on, to be a firefighter paramedic, but that question always stuck with me.
A short while later, after endless 12-14-hour shifts, hour-long drives to and from work, and general stress from the environment, I decided to leave the company and go back to school for my degree. I had planned to get another EMT job closer to home, but instead tried making some YouTube videos in my free time, not expecting much attention from them. The rest was history.
Within the first month of my second semester back in school those same videos began to gain traction, paving the way to my success as an online content creator. Each day I woke up with more people coming to my channel, and more importantly a bigger opportunity to share my passion with the world. I could recall being in class and not being able to think straight because I couldn’t get my mind off the fact that my childhood dreams are coming true before my eyes. I had felt more fulfilled than any other achievement had made me feel before.
Within the first four months of the year, I reached my end-year goal of 50,000 subscribers, eventually doubling it in the next three. So many people watching my creations allowed me to allow my creative and artistic mind to be free, bringing a lot of my own original video ideas to fruition. Some of these videos even incorporate aspects of being an EMT with aspects of music, such as monitoring vitals to show how music can affect the human body when being sung to.
In the end, whether I’m an EMT or a musician, I’m doing what I love most: helping people. I’m absolutely humbled to read a comment that someone may leave, saying that I’ve inspired him or her to sing more, play guitar more, or the comments saying I’ve helped make a person’s day. There have always been role models in my life who have inspired me get to this point, and through music and entertainment, I’d love to be that role model for someone else.
Every single day, I’m so happy that I get to wake up and do what I do. Wherever I am in the future, I’ll look back and be glad it all ever happened.
Please tell us about your art.
I really enjoy resonating with my or other people’s emotions through music. I believe that the combination of melody and lyrics can convey very profound and peculiar emotions not easily expressed through words alone. Not only is music used to connect with those around me, but it can be used to help people through hard times, strengthen relationships, and even inspire.
The best thing about it is anyone can do it. You should never doubt your ability to sing or play. I think that every child love making musical sounds, whether it be from the voice or from the hands. It is when that child begins to doubt him or herself the inner musician fades away.
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
As an artist, I personally would feel most successful fulfilling what I believe to be my purpose in life, while earning a living to keep on doing it. Of course, success may mean something different to another person.
I believe that successful artists need to distinguish themselves in some way. As important as it is that the artist enjoys his or her craft, others must also enjoy it so that the artist may continue to whole-heartedly create.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I post mostly on my YouTube channel and Instagram, with the occasional live performance somewhere in Southern California. I’ll also be offering things such as singing feedback, guitar tutorials, and other artist-friendly resources through a Patreon page in the near future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.youtube.com/alexvilloria
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexvilloria
Image Credit:
Anzel Arce
Amy Nguyen
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
