Alisa Jefferson's brand of visceral hard rock will be instantly familiar to fans of the not-long-enough lineage of female-fronted classic rock artists. Already known around Kansas City music scene for leading the band Radial Red, Jefferson is striking out on her own with a solo album. In this interview, Jefferson talks about this new album, her creative process and the local musicians who have inspired her.
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Describe your music for new listeners. Who are some of your musical influences?
My music is best described as straightforward rock with a hint of blues.
My most influential artists include but are not limited to: Linda Perry of 4-Non Blondes, Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde, Pat Benatar, Heart, Joan Jett, Grace Slick, Steve Perry, David Grohl, The Go-Gos, to local female musicians like Danielle Nicole Band.
Tell us about your upcoming album. What did you learn from the recording process that you’ll take to future projects?
My new album features songs I wrote that are heavily influenced by introspection and emotions we all experience through love, loss, life, death, deception, and authenticity.
I have been self-recording since 2008. The pandemic lended me the opportunity to hone in deeper in understanding and utilizing LogicPro. I have been working with Andy Oxman of Soundworks Recording Studio, Blue Springs, Mo. He’s helped me A LOT! He also mixed and produced my band’s latest album released to all major platforms in December 2020! He knows his stuff!!
When did you first start writing songs? How would you say your craft has developed since then?
I started writing songs in the early ‘90s. Over the last year, I have been fine-tuning my craft.
In November,2020, I applied and was selected to join an online songwriting retreat with Andrea Stolpe, a publisher and multi-platinum songwriter. I believe the experience from this retreat took my songwriting to another level!
You also lead the band Radial Red. What spurred the interest in a solo project? What can fans of Radial red expect from your new music?
Radial Red was established in January, 2015. We are like family. We are looking forward to our first show since January 2020 on June 12, 2021.
The pandemic spurred the solo project. Everyone was on lockdown. This allowed me to take advantage of this time to create and write. I’ve always wanted to record my own solo album.
Fans can expect to hear a few of my songs performed by the band along with a collection of original songs we’ve created as a band over the last six-year adventure!
What new music are your currently raving about?
I’m pretty particular about music. I’m one who hears the voice first, lyrical content next, and then the rest will follow.
There is a lot of great music out there. I just wish I had enough ears and time to take it all in!
I have connections with each listed below either by way of supporting their shows or because my band shared the stage:
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Alisa's author recommendations:
