A singer/songwriter from Colorado, Alex G began her blossoming career within her own home posting videos on Youtube. Now, after four years of constant work her channel has exploded with over 1.3 million subscribers and 160 million views. Following a up Alex’s self-titled album, a slew of EP’s and singles is her “Share Your Story” EP, which just released today.

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Sean Ritchie: Coming from Colorado, describe your upbringing and the atmosphere of your hometown a little bit.

Alex G: I grew up in the suburbs. It wasn’t a small town, but it’s not the same as it is now. It was slow paced. I grew up playing sports, and I actually didn’t want to do music. I was really scared to sing in front of people, but it ended up being my career. I was really encouraged to follow that after I left and moved to [Los Angeles]. It just kind of took off from there.

Photo courtesy | Jasen Miller

SR: I know LA is obviously a stark difference from Colorado, did growing up there give you any perspective to your current living situation now?

AG: When I first moved into LA I moved right into the middle of Hollywood and I hated it. I’m learning that I like slower-paced things. I like less people. Also, I just didn’t have my people. Now, three years later, I finally found my group of people that are my core. Then LA became home for me, but I used to want to go back to Colorado all the time. You just have to find the right people and then everything else becomes secondary.

SR: Yeah, being with the right people makes the situation you’re in. Where would you suggest someone to go when they’re in LA? Maybe some of the spots that aren’t the “touristy” areas that you’d see on a brochure.

AG: I never used to really like coffee, or being in coffee shops, but I find myself there all the time. I go with my best friend/roommate. Now, I live a little bit outside of LA, I was in Burbank and moved a little bit further out there. There’s this place in Burbank called Coffee Commissary that is awesome. The Grove mall is really great too. It’s got a nice atmosphere and kind of feels like Europe, especially at night. It’s just a really nice place to hang out.

Photo courtesy | Guy Schmickle

SR: What kind of vacationer are you? Are you more laid back on a beach? Or are you more active looking for adventure?

AG: It really depends on why I’m vacationing. I really like relaxing, and I know I’m not old, but especially as I get older I really appreciate just seeing and not having to do anything. Just not having to follow a schedule. I love tropical places. One of my favorite vacation spots is Hawaii. My favorite island is Kauai. I’ve been to the Big Island, Kauai and Oahu. Oahu is much too touristy for me. I really like Kauai; it’s beautiful there.

SR: When arriving in a new destination what’s the first thing you try to do?

AG: Usually, once we drop our stuff off at a hotel, I’ll immediately look for food — food and coffee. I’m huge on that.

SR: How does music and travel fit together for you?

AG: Well, I’m on tour right now! So they go hand-in-hand. But, the thing about traveling, when you’re on a music tour, is that you don’t usually get to see much of the places that you really want to see. For me, I get done with a show, get on a bus, go to sleep and wake up in the next city. I do kind of like seeing the journey of what the different states look like. Luckily, we’ve gotten some days off.

SR: How important is it when you travel to get immersed in the local culture?

AG: It depends on the people that I’m with. I’m not the kind of person that’s going to go out of their way to see something. It’s not that I don’t like to see that stuff, I just don’t what “that stuff” is. I do like being with people that know about that stuff. I like being with those people because they pull me out of their comfort zone. I really like learning about the places that I’m in with the people that I’m with.

Photo courtesy | Moyan Brenn

SR: Everyone has a list of places that they want to go and see. What are some on yours?

AG: I’m going to Oslo, Norway in November. It’s a place I’m really excited to go to and have never been. It’s not part of the tour, but my friend who’s on tour with me it’s her favorite city in the world and she invited me to go. It sounds and looks awesome. I really, really want to go to Australia one day. I’d love to go somewhere in the Caribbean too.

SR: When creating music does travel play a roll in the process?

AG: It does actually. Whether it’s traveling like I’m doing right now, or just being outside of my home, you get inspired to write music from the most random things in random ways. One of the latest songs that I wrote, and it’s not for my EP, called “Too Far”, I had to travel down to Malibu, which is a little over an hour from where I live. It’s just a different culture entirely. That inspired me to totally write the song. I just pictured what my life would be like if I grew up by the see, which is literally a line from the song. The more diversity that I can experience the better, I think, for my music.

SR: Lastly, when’s the next trip?

AG: I’m going to Europe, leaving for Germany soon. I’m so excited for that honestly, because the culture musically and the people that support music is much more genuine and passionate about it. Every time I go to Europe is just awesome. It’s also beautiful there. I haven’t thought about the next trip, but I know we’re going to be touring next year.

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For more on Alex G visit her website: