Today we’d like to introduce you to Alice Offley
Hi Alice, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My parents met playing in a show band and I used to go to their gigs as a child, watching from the side and falling asleep on a rows of chairs when it got late. Seeing them play live made me want follow in their footsteps, I knew all of the songs and vocal harmonies, from 60s to modern chart songs, and I was obsessed with how music made me feel.
There was always a piano in our house, as well as my Dad’s bass guitar. My mum played her favourite records and radio stations every day before and after school, and my Irish Granny, who would stay with us at the weekends was always keen for a sing-along or living-room performance!
Before I had a walkman I would bike up and down our street singing my favourite songs, imagining I was a popstar! Once I got my walkman for Christmas I was glued to it.
It was me and my headphones vs the world.
I was a really shy child and music was an outlet and companion to me. Both listening, imitating singers, and learning to play instruments.
I studied piano classically, did all of my grades and then joined rock n roll bands when I left college.
I found songwriting cathartic and it quickly became a way for me to express things I couldn’t easily say in person – I could say it in my songs.
I have been fortunate enough to make a living from performing, and I love making my own music!
I’ved played for some great artists including Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey, Cyndi Lauper, Suzie Quatro, Tricky.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve been very lucky to work steadily in the arts and meet so many great people, and also to travel the world doing what I love.
Struggles I’ve faced would include sometimes feeling lonely or isolated – if I am working or rehearsing on my own intensely for days…it’s not always as social as people may imagine in the entertainment industry.
Also being your own boss, the day is never done.. there is always more work to do, ideas to try out, skills to practice, people to contact etc.
I’ve had experience of having to fight for what I want creatively when I may be faced with critics, or negative opinions. (I’ve discovered that this kind of thing can actually make me dig my heels in further and pursue my ideas more!) But it is challenging at the time, having to persuade someone to value to your opinion.
Perhaps being a female in a male dominated industry has meant I’ve faced lots of these type of conversations? Im not sure as I only know my experience as a woman, but it can be draining to have to push for your ideas to be heard on matters such as your your own art, sound, style, clothes, hair, lyrics etc.
I’ve been told a few times to stop following my dreams because it’s not realistic, but I’ve proved to myself that I can make a living following my dreams – so it is realistic for me..
It doesn’t happen over night, so it may not seem like an obvious or stable career, but I think if you are consistent and set goals then hard work pays off and you can carve your career and what works on your terms.
I realised that staying focused on your goals and believing in yourself everyday, and being kind to others, AND to yourself too – even on the bad days, (especially on them days) is really helpful in giving you the strength to continue.
There is only one of you, and you deserve to live your best life and follow your passions.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a singer/songwriter/musician and actress.
I am most proud of my recent Netflix acting role – I play Tamsin Salter in Harlan Coben’s ‘Missing You’, and I am also very proud of the album I am currently producing, titled ‘Is It Because I’m A Woman?’ (coming soon).
I’d like to mention my track ‘Do It My Way’ as it was inspired by Baltimore’s very own ‘Madonna Girl Dale’!
Dale is a phenomenal dancing artist who performs in public spaces around the city and is especially known for their appearances on the Ritchie High Way – cheering up the drivers passing by with their moves, costumes and funky music blasting!
I wrote and released a song titled ‘What Would Madonna Do?’ in 2023 to celebrate Madonna’s world tour, and ‘Madonna Girl Dale’ found it on youtube when they were watching Madonna videos.
Dale reached out to me to express their love for my song, and then started to take it out with their speaker and dance to it EVERYWHERE! It was so amazing and made me really proud to see my music being played and danced to on the streets of Baltimore, with a brilliant response from the people, dancing and singing along!
Dale has a great following and his fans include Paula Abdul, Debbie Gibson and Dubtronic.
I wrote my follow-up single ‘Do It My Way’ to celebrate Baltimore’s ‘Madonna Girl Dale’ and their dancing, and to highlight the importance of self expression, self love, and ignoring haters and destructive people.
Both Dale and I want to spread a message of hope and positivity to the world.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
My most important discovery is staying true to myself and my vision. And to what feels right to me.
To have courage when faced with critics or people that are negative and hurtful.
I’ve learnt that I personally am inspired to create and speak for minority groups, and to support important humanitarian causes . It helps to keep me focused and gives me and my art a purpose.
Pricing:
- Madonna Girl Dale – Baltimore Dancer
- Dubtronic – Baltimore producer / remixer
Contact Info:
- Website: www.aliceoffleymusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliceoffleyofficial/
- Twitter: https://x.com/aliceoffley
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/aliceoffleymusic
