Every songwriter dreams of having their songs heard by the masses and for Alexis Idarose Kesselman, that dream became a reality.
Signed to Warner Chappell, Kesselman is an award-winning songwriter, producer, composer, and artist who recently co-penned Joji’s Spotify US & Global Number One and Billboard Hot 100 Top Ten single “Glimpse of Us,” which most recently hit platinum status.
Having worked with and written for/produced for artists like Becky G, Trevor Daniel, Bebe Rexha, Anthony Ramos, Grace VanderWaal, and more, Kesselman has proved time and time again that she can bring an artist’s vision to life with her words and production. It is clear that that Kesselman is on her way to penning more hits and sharing her talents with the world.
We sat down with the multi-hyphenate to hear all about her songwriting process, upcoming projects, and what advice she would give to aspiring creatives. Check out the full Q&A below and let us know if you’re loving Alexis’ music by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sending us a tweet at @celebsecrets.
You can connect with Alexis by giving her a follow on Instagram at @idarosemusic.
Celeb Secrets: Congratulations on the success of “Glimpse of Us!” What was it like being a part of creating that song, and how has it been to see the way that it has been received?
Alexis Idarose Kesselman: “Thank you so much! The song felt special in the early stages of creating it. We had a feeling we had found something magical with that chorus melody, but no one could have ever imagined the explosive reach and impact the song would have. People were really impacted by the raw honesty in the lyrics, which as a writer is a super validating feeling.”
CS: You’ve also written for and worked with artists like Becky G, Trevor Daniel, Bebe Rexha, and more. As a songwriter, do you find it difficult to write across all genres of music? Does your creative process vary from artist to artist?
AIK: “My process definitely varies depending on the project I’m working on. The goal is always to have the artist’s vision come to life and to see how my skillset and style can best compliment the artist’s story, vision and process. If I’m in the room with an artist, I want them to feel artistically comfortable, that’s how we’ll get the best product.”
CS: You recently produced and co-wrote “Lion’s Den” for Grace Vanderwaal. When you are in the producer’s chair, how does it differ from when you are working as a songwriter? Which do you prefer?
AIK: “I love being in the producer chair. It’s another way to help an artist see their vision come to life, and it’s so satisfying to not only help tell their story but also be a part of crafting the sonic world they want to live in.”
CS: What inspired your love of music and who are some artists, songwriters, and/or producers that have inspired you today?
AIK: “I’ve been writing songs since the age of four. It’s hard to tell if there was anything that inspired it, because honestly it just felt like something my soul was telling me to do, if that makes any sense. As soon as I knew what music was, I knew I had to make it. There are so many amazing writers, producers and artists that have inspired me, and I’m lucky to be able to collaborate with so many talented creators. When I was just beginning, I was super inspired by Jack Antonoff, Rostam, and Ian Kirpatrick’s production. On the writing side, I’m a big fan of the legend Dianne Warren, and I really admire the careers of Julia Michaels, Emily Warren, and Sia. I also look up to Sara Bareilles, Donald Glover, Lin Manuel and more who have found success in pop, theater, and film. There are so many amazing people I look up to and hope to work with!”
CS: What advice can you give to other young producers and songwriters who want to get started but don’t know how?
AIK: “In this day and age, social media can jump start your career. Don’t be afraid to share songs that you’re working on with the world…it’s a great way to get your music heard by many people, and you never know if a manager or A&R might hear it. Or even better, you might just directly connect with an audience!”
CS: Are you working on anything right now that you are excited about and can share?
AIK: “I’ve been working on a musical with my good friend and collaborator Jake Weinstein! The musical is called Through the Frame and it’s about a 28 year old painter named Hazel who stumbles upon a place called the Museum of Possibilities where, in exchange for drawings from her sketchbook, she gets to jump through the frame and see different versions of what her life could be. I cannot wait for the world to hear what we’ve been making!”
CS: Lastly, we are Celeb Secrets; can you share a secret production or songwriting tip with us?
AIK: “Producer tip: If you’re working on the go, find a song that your ears know really well and use it as your room tester. That way, when you are working in a new space, you can readjust your ears by hearing how the song you know really well sounds in the new room, and can adjust your mixes accordingly!”
