Tampa Bay’s Favorite local performer: Stage (Non-Drag); Favorite Local Performer: Musician
Alyssa is as authentic as they come. “I’m trans and I definitely do not hide that,” the 34 year-old, Clearwater-based artist asserts. “I’m very open in talking about LGBTQ issues and bringing them to light.”
The singer-songwriter says she’s always wanted to perform, tracing her earliest desires to age seven. “I remember watching Madonna and while other people were like, ‘Oh, she’s great,’ I was thinking, ‘I want to do that.’”
Alyssa was writing music by 15, recording it by 18 and released her first full-length album in 2015. Her latest album, the 15-track “Re-Established,” was released on all major streaming services in 2018.
“When I started I listened to other people and did what they told me I should do,” she reflects. “My latest album is me taking back control and people have really loved it. They can see where I am and that everything is where it needs to be. I’m very happy with it.”
Alyssa has performed it throughout Tampa Bay, from benefits to St Pete Pride. She says that her sound, described as “mostly pop with other genres for a more unique experience,” also inspired her to re-record her earlier music.
“I’m currently working on a ‘Revised’ project,” Alyssa says, “which will be 27 of my older songs with three bonus tracks. ‘Got Pride’ is one of them … I want to show people that your sexual orientation and your gender identity doesn’t matter; you can do what you want to do.”
