We recently had the chance to connect with Alyasa GK and have shared our conversation below.
Alyasa, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Creating art and music are the two things that make me lose track of time and find my inner voice. I love the entire creative process from beginning to end. Whenever I’m working I get lost in the process to the point where I often go the whole day without taking breaks to eat or drink water. It’s like time doesn’t exist. It’s an enjoyable and freeing feeling. That’s when I truly feel like myself. Whenever I’m doing something that isn’t related to my creative pursuits, I’m just thinking about when I can get back to it, and what I’m going to work on next.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Alyasa-GK. Music and art are my two passions. Throughout my life, I have explored my creativity by combining various art forms and music genres. I had an innate love of music from an early age. I was exposed to Calypso, Soca, Soul, Jazz, R&B, Funk, and Pop music because of the adults around me. Because I loved music, I was drawn to instrumental music as well. I started taking piano lessons at age 5. It was then that I fell in love with the process of making music.
By the age of 13, I started writing and recording music. The exercise of making music was something I did in isolation. It fed my soul. I did not share my creations with my family or friends until I performed at a concert, at age 17, and shocked them all.
Then I decided to study business marketing at University, but that wasn’t me. I couldn’t see myself working in that field for a lifetime, so I explored music programs. First, I took a program that taught me how to perform on and set up the stage, book concerts, song writing, as well as how to market myself as an artist. Then, to take my skills to the next level I studied music production in college. But because I also have a passion for art, I enrolled in a graphic design program in college. Those academic studies along with the years and thousands of hours I have poured into my art have brought me to where I am now. I am currently working as a tattoo artist, illustrator, designer and music producer,
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I’ve always been who I am. Although I kept my art and music to myself for years, I remained true to myself. There are still times when I feel like I’m holding back a bit and not fully expressing myself outwardly. But that is also me being true to myself. I trust myself enough to know when it is right for me to share. However, there are moments when I am reflective or introspective when I notice missed opportunities to connect. Ever since I was a child I’ve spent most of my time creating art or playing music. Of course I did other things, like participating in individual and team sports. But, as I got older it was the creative process that captured my attention. I can’t see myself living any other way. I believe I will spend my days creating art and music until I am no longer able to do so.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I started dabbling with rearranging instrumental music as a kid during piano lessons. That wasn’t well received by my teacher. Then I started creating my own music at the age of 13 for fun. By the age of 16 I started taking the creative process more seriously. That is really when I began recording. It was a good way to express what I was feeling inside, however I kept most of my deep intimate personal songs to myself. It helped to get the feelings out but I wasn’t ready to share that part of myself with the world. It wasn’t until I released my albums “Perfectly Flawed” & “Perfectly Flawed Vol.2” that I started using my pain as my power. I’m currently working on the third album, but the idea behind them was to express the parts of myself that people weren’t aware of. In this next iteration I delve deeper into my thoughts, hopes, dreams, fears, motivations and more.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
For most of my creative career I’ve just been working on whatever creative ideas that came to mind. I get my inspiration from what I see and hear throughout my life. The shows and movies I watch, and the music I listen to have influenced my ideas. But, until recently, my creations have my own style and flavour to it. It wasn’t until I became a tattoo artist, when I had to create custom pieces for clients, that I started collaborating more and embracing ideas that weren’t mine. Many clients let me put my own creative spin on their designs, but most of them have a specific image or idea that they want. This was new for me but a welcomed experience. It opened me up to collaborating more musically as well. As an artist I have a very specific way I want my work to look and sound so I used to do most of the work myself. Now I am more open to new ideas and experiences. I have recently been collaborating more with other musicians and giving them more creative control in the process. Letting go and giving other people room to help me with my creations is still something I’m getting used to. Opening up to other creative’s ideas and combining them with my own has been fun. It has expanded my vision and my reach. I am sure that it will lead me to even greater creative avenues.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am doing what I am born to do. I do what I love, and I love what I do. I spend every day creating either art or music. As an extension of that, I’m currently working as a tattoo artist, which has proven to be an amazing career. Constantly creating new artwork, meeting new people, and giving them a permanent piece of body art is a departure from the solitary work I usually do. When I’m not tattooing I’m working on my music, my own personal art projects, and commissioned art pieces for clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alyasagk.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyasagk/
- Twitter: https://x.com/alyasa_gk
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@alyasagk
- Other: https://alyasagk.bandcamp.com/
Image Credits
Alyasa-GK
