Alisa Inez is what you would call an artist’s artist.
Not only is Alisa a prolific singer/songwriter, whose songs have been included in films on Amazon, BET, and Netflix, the Chicago born and raised creator is also an Emmy-winning producer that utilizes her platforms to help other artists get their art into the world. Alisa holds a host of certificates and achievements and is a graduate of Drake University earning a Master of Arts in Communications and a Undergraduate degree in International Business and Marketing.
Her latest album, Soul Folk, was released in 2023 and continues to receive acknowledgements from her growing fanbase for its unique and refreshing sound.
In addition to her personal artistic endeavors, Alisa is also the executive director of the Center of Equity for Creative Arts at Kennedy-King College. The CECA seeks to educate, expose, and empower students and Chicago’s south side community to foster excellence and equity in the creative artist. Serving as a hub for aspiring artists, CECA provides experiential learning opportunities in arts, media, film, theatre and visual communications.
N’DIGO recently sat down with the multi-hyphenate to learn more about her artistry and the work she does to amplify other artists’ voices.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Alisa Inez?
Alisa Inez: I am a woman who enjoys using my time and talents to help people live their best lives. I have been blessed to do this via my work, faith, and community service. My parents, from Mississippi, taught me to value work and fun. I am the same girl that grew up doing Saturday morning chores to finish in time to enjoy cartoons. I am a lyricist at heart and a growing philanthropist. I believe in Integrity, fairness, creativity, friendship, love and of course good music and films! My songs come from the heart.
What are three words your closest friends would use to describe you?
My friends say I am trustworthy, generous, and resilient.
What is your earliest memory of music?
I have many memories of my grandmother playing her upright piano in the living room of her home in Memphis. It was captivating to watch her. Her foot would move around the pedals while her long fingers moved effortlessly along the keys. My father, now a retired Chicago Public School administrator and band teacher, was also an influence. He used to bring instruments home from work that I’d play with. He also would play the upright piano and I would just sit in awe. And then there was Michael Jackson. I remember sitting with my “Beat It” jacket on waiting for his videos to come on television.
Did you always know you’d do music or did you dream of doing something else as a child?
I was always too shy to dream of doing music. I am sure my grammar school teachers would be as shocked as I am that I have now been able to play for thousands of people from stages to my soundtrack work in films. As a child, I was interested in becoming an architect. I loved drawing houses. I also was totally into math and geometry. Today I design songs instead of buildings. I still keep rulers pretty handy though.
What’s an album that changed your life?
My brother put on Cece Winans ‘The Throne Room‘ while we were driving from Chicago to Jackson, MS. I remember being in the back seat laying down, depressed over some life situations. It brought me so much peace. By the third song, I had sat up in the car and felt so encouraged. My life changed because I was able to feel love in the music and lyrics. I really needed that shift.
Please tell us about your latest album, Soul Folk.
My newest album Soul Folk is an ode to confidence… and me becoming me. There are 10 songs on the album produced by the unbelievably talented T. L. Williams.
We dug through stacks of songs, some of which I wrote 20 years ago. Others were newer and some we co-wrote in sessions. The songs are all personal and tell stories that are authentic to my experiences and hopefully will connect to others. The song that is like an anthem to me is “Waiting“… it’s an “I’m going for my goals” song.
In addition to being an artist, you also help facilitate artistry as the Executive Director of CECA at Kennedy-King College. Can you tell us a little about your role?
CECA, the Center of Equity for Creative Arts, was formed by a small group of dynamic leaders at KKC. As the inaugural Executive Director, I have been able to build upon their vision of a creative arts curriculum including students, community, and corporate collaborations. From TV and stage productions, to indie film screenings and discussions, CECA is empowering the arts from Chicago’s southside. I am excited about the work of community engagement and becoming a creative hub via academics and as an arts incubator. So far, we have begun forging partnerships with Music Box Foundation, The Lyric Opera, Muntu Dance Theatre, The Englewood Jazz Festival and many others in the arts community of Englewood and beyond. My work is giving students networking opportunities as well as experience that can lead to creative careers. I absolutely love what I do.
How do you stay inspired in your work?
I am inspired most by the joy I see on the faces of youth, students, partners, and audiences who have engaged with CECA. When young people come off of our stage so proud that they performed their first concert, or a student comes to me after working on a TV Production, or an indie filmmaker screens his/her first film with us, it is invigorating. I guess my inspiration is in seeing others inspired.
Best advice to aspiring artists?
Don’t aspire to be an artist. You are already an artist. Aspire instead to set and reach daily, weekly, monthly, and/or yearly goals that make you a better artist and most importantly, a better person.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
My dad taught us that “Once a job has begun, never leave it ’til it’s done, be the labor great or small, do it well or not at all.” That and Ephesians 2:!0 remind me of who I am.
What’s next for Alisa Inez?
More art ahead. In the short run, I am planning a few short films that include my music. This summer, I will take out my guitar to give a few performances. And lastly, I am looking to Executive Produce feature films within the year. Lots to do, lots to sing about, lots to write about. I’m looking forward to it all!
For more information on Alisa Inez, please visit www.alisainez.com and feel free to connect with her on Instagram at @Alisainezmusic
