Introducing Alexandra Valmorbida

Alexandra Valmorbida began singing and dancing at 6 years of age and performing at 7 years of age. Her first role in musical theatre was that of “Brigitta” in MLOC’s Sound of Music. At only 15 years of age Alexandra has a wealth of experience for someone her age in performing and songwriting. She has recently returned from Los Angeles recording music written collaboratively with Jason Blume who has worked with Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys amongst many others. Whilst in LA Alexandra recorded with Eddie Galan co-producer of the hit song ‘Getcha Head in the game” from High School Musical, and has worked with the Backstreet Boys, Jesse McCartney and co-produced ‘Shining Star’ from the Hannah Montana Soundtrack amongst many others and was nominated in 2006 for an American Music Award for his work in collaboration on the High School Musical Album.
 
TP: Alexandra, paint us a picture of your training/background.
 
AV: I trained in classical ballet, jazz ballet and tap as well as ballroom and Latin dancing. I have trained with the Children’s Performing Company of Australia in musical theatre for 7 years.  For voice, I train in the SLS technique (developed in the US), a method of “safe” singing or “singing with ease”.
 
I had a lot of success in singing competitions and eisteddfods in the past, but the biggest competition highlight for me was when I won “Teen Idol 2006” at 11 years of age. It was such a special win for me, as being a competition for 11 to 17 year olds and having hundreds of competitors audition from around the state, I really didn’t expect to take out the grand prize!
 
TP: Who are you inspirations?
 
AV: There have been so many singers who have inspired me along the way. Classic singers such as Barbra Streisand and Celine Dion and soulful singers, such as Aretha Franklin, Beyonce and Jennifer Hudson. Today, as I develop as an artist and songwriter, I am inspired by artists who write or co-write their own material, such as Pink, Kelly Clarkson and Taylor Swift.

TP: You have recently moved into songwriting and had some great experiences. How old were you when you moved into songwriting?
 
AV: I started songwriting only 2 years ago, at 13 years of age. I started by learning everything I could about the craft. I attended a local songwriting course then The Australian Songwriter’s Conference (Central Coast NSW), where I sat through 4 days of invaluable workshops and seminars. Songwriting inspired me to take up the guitar this year too and I’m loving it!

TP: Share with us some of the songs you have written and the successes you have had with them.
 
AV: After writing several songs, I thought I’d see how they’d go in songwriting competitions. My song “I’d Give Anything” reached the Top 20 in the Performance category and also received a HM in the Pop Ballad category in the 2008 Unisong International Songwriting Contest. "I'm Over You" reached the semi finals in the Teen section of the 2008 International Songwriting Competition. “Eye Candy (OMG)” took out the grand prize in the 2009 ASC Songwriting Competition and I currently have 4 songs in the Top 10 of the Australian Songwriter’s Association Songwriting Contest’s Youth category. Exact placings will be announced at the prestigious ASA Awards Night in Sydney later this month.

TP:  What’s your favourite song you have written?
 
AV: It’s really hard for me to pick one favourite. The songs each have significance for different reasons. For example “I’d Give Anything” is special to me because I wrote it about the loss of my grandfather. It’s a song that anyone who’s lost a loved one can probably relate to. It’s actually been played at a number of funerals for this reason.  Currently I’m on a bit of a high about my 2 new songs I just finished recording in L.A. One in particular really ROCKS!!

 TP:  If you had to pick a highlight of your past 10 years in performing what would it be?
 
AV: I always get a buzz out of performing, but a few performances have stood out for me. Firstly the “Teen Idol” grand final at Federation Square was one I’ll never forget. Paid gigs are always nice too, for obvious reasons. The Manningham Mayoral Ball 2007 was memorable, as the audience was so responsive and appreciative, giving me a standing ovation and an encore. I’ve been invited back to entertain at this year’s ball later this month. Hosting and performing at the 2008 Youth Lyrebird Awards was also a highlight for me.

TP: You have just returned from LA recording with some really influential people in the US Music Industry. Share with our readers what you learnt from this unique opportunity.
 
AV: I co-wrote 2 songs with hit songwriter Jason Blume (Nashville) and recorded them with Eddie Galan (Mach1 Music) in Los Angeles. That was a fantastic experience on a whole new level from what I’d done here. I worked with a bunch of super talented guys. The whole team were amazing - the producer, sound engineers and musicians. The songs are called “Breakup Breakdown” and “I Am Me”, so keep your eyes and ears open for them! I learnt that a great team from the ground up produces great results!

TP:  What’s next for Alexandra?
 
AV: Just to continue to develop as a songwriter and artist and to expand my catalogue of original songs. As far as the future goes.....I guess we’ll have to wait and see!

TP: What tips do you have for budding singers/songwriters out there?
 
AV: Keep at it and don’t give up when faced with setbacks. Do everything you can to help you achieve your ambition. Get as much singing and performing experience as you can, this helps build confidence and for budding songwriters, learn as much as you can by attending songwriting workshops/courses.
 
For budding songwriters, I can’t speak highly enough about the Australian Songwriter’s Conference www.australiansongwritersconference.com.au  If you’re serious about songwriting you have to get there (June 2010 long weekend).
 
Watch Alexandra in Action: YOUTUBE