Alex Aiono

Erin Walsh Hi Alex! Thank you so much for joining Team SBJCT. Let’s start at your beginnings. Can you give us a brief insight into your beginnings and the first cracking open of your career? I understand you started writing and recording at age 15. Exactly how did THAT happen?

Alex Aiono Honestly the cracking open and the beginnings happened long before I moved to Santa Monica when I was 15 years old. Even when I was living in Arizona and still going to school, nothing was ever prioritized over my love of music. I would miss birthday parties, family gatherings and even just hanging out with friends because I wanted to spend more time trying to get better at my craft. My entrance into writing and recording kind of just started up naturally; it was a natural steppingstone to express myself more.

EW You had quite the YouTube arrival on the scene. Can you describe it to us?

AA I don’t know about “quite the arrival”. I feel like my YouTube experience started out just like everybody else’s – iPhone videos filmed with absolutely no editing and no professional equipment included. From starting my YouTube channel at 16 years old with Maker Studios, to acting on YouTube series’ with AwesomenessTV, countless trial and error to find what my voice on this platform was, and finally finding that voice recreating songs, meals and shinning a light on other creators that inspire me.

EW What was most exciting about this explosive media entrance for you?

AA The most exciting thing was knowing that it wasn’t an explosion or an overnight success. Regardless of how the world sees it, to me it felt like I was finally able to taste the fruit of a seed I planted nearly 6 years prior.

EW Most disappointing?

AA The only disappointing part is that the perception of how I got millions of views was a fast process and I think that messes with the minds of kids who are seeking validation immediately or “overnight.” It’s disappointing how impatient some artists and creators have become, instead of just doing what they love for the sake of the art. It’s a set up for failure that in this surreal digital society, unless you’re the biggest artist in the world or at least bigger than all of your peers, you are not considered “successful.” But the moment I decided not to measure myself against anyone else, I’ve been able to experience amazing things under the surface of success. I wake up every day with a new adventure whether it’s filming a movie, releasing an album or writing a song for my favorite artist.

FULL LOOK Iceberg

EW Main musical influences? Both forever and most recently?

AA Finally, a question I don’t have to think about, haha! Recently, I’ve been so inspired by the musicality of Thunder Cat, Jacob Collier and Ty Dolla Sign. That being said, it’s the same musicality that I find in my earliest influences like Prince, Stevie Wonder and Erykah Badu.

EW Let’s talk Finding Ohana and starring in a Netflix film- what an insane leap! Can you tell us a bit about the film and how this came about?

AA It still doesn’t fully process for me when you say, “starring in a Netflix film.” The whole experience of filming Finding Ohana was surreal. Getting to be on such a massive film set for my debut feature and getting to work with legendary producer Ian Bryce and the insanely talented Jude Weng, was both exciting and intimidating at the same time. I jumped straight into the big leagues working with such a professional group of accomplished people in the film industry. Without ruining too much, Finding Ohana gives you the importance of family and culture, while also giving you an adventure that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

EW The preparation process for a film must be vastly different than for your other career- what does your process look like? In terms of physically and mentally approaching a character?

AA You’re absolutely right. Preparing to film a movie was so much different than anything I’ve ever done. You have to imagine I had just finished writing an album that was so undeniably who I was to the core. And I went from being so true to myself, to having to prepare myself to be somebody else. Thanks to Jude Weng (love you Jude), I had such great guidance and tips as to how I can best become somebody else while applying the emotions and experiences that I felt in my own life.

EW What are your favorite ways to be an instrument of activism these days, both through your work and outside of it?

AA I want to preface this answer by acknowledging first that i might not be fully equipped to answer every question about activism; because if I’m a good activist I’ve got to start by being a good student. That being said, my father always told me that I should trust my heart and stand up against bullying any time I see it happening. I’m constantly listening, reading and unlearning/re-learning so I can follow my father’s advice as best I can.

EW Favorite causes and/ or charities you would like to point us to?

AA I just finished my virtual concert series during the month of August and partnered with NAMI: the National Alliance on Mental Illness, to help raise money and awareness for their incredible organization. NAMI provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives. I would encourage anyone who is dealing with mental illness to visit their site and see everything they have to offer!