Artist of the Week: Parisalexa

Parisalexa is a Seattle native and R&B singer/songwriter. She will be performing at the 10th anniversary of R-Day on Saturday, Sept. 16, in the Georgetown neighborhood.

Seattle Refined: How long have you been writing/performing?

Parisalexa: I've been writing songs since I was born, honestly. Everywhere we went was a stage to three-year-old Paris. My favorite was the lobby of Olive Garden.

Tell us about the artistic process and the different stages that work into it.

There are so many different ways you can work in music, and I've had the privilege of writing for other artists' songs, helping them develop their sound. When it comes to my own, I have to be intentional and think of myself objectively, like a consumer would. I ask myself questions like, what makes me special? What makes me unique? What makes me relatable? A lot of my themes come from there: introspection.

Where does your inspiration come from? What artists have influenced you?

I think a lot of my inspiration comes from real life and from metaphoric references, like how much-growing pains made me relate to flowers, and my biggest vocal inspiration is definitely Brandy.

What kind of genre is your music? What kinds of things do you write about?

I don't think I have a genre that all my music can fall under. I just write how I feel, so I've been able to make pop songs, country songs, indie songs, R&B songs, and they all have catered to how I felt in a moment. I use strong emotions that are hard to put into words as inspiration to write my songs.

Do you have one song that means more to you or is extremely special to you?

I think "Water Me" is one of my most special songs, because I really wasn't going to put it out. I was really embarrassed by how vulnerable I was when I wrote it, and I was planning to just keep it in the vault, but I performed at one show, and my dad was crying in the back, and that's when I knew I had to release it to the world.

What experiences in your life have shaped your music?

Heartbreak, growing up, friendship and losing friends, self-discovery and self-examination have all been heavy influences.

What is next for you? Anything you're working on right now that you're really excited about?

In addition to my songwriting class and new music, I'm also starting a monthly showcase in Seattle, most likely at the top of the year, and will be starting a creative agency for up-and-coming artists in Seattle.

If we want to hear more of your work, where should we go to find it? What about upcoming shows (virtual or in-person)?

I am performing at R-Day on Saturday, Sept. 16, in Georgetown! I'll have some more shows at the top of the year as I'm coming out with new music! I'm also currently teaching a songwriting masterclass and will be starting my virtual Zoom installment in September as well.

What are you most looking forward to from your upcoming performance around R-Day's 10th anniversary?

I am most excited to perform in the area that I've been around most recently. My favorite restaurant is Cuidad and the Teppanyaki, Mr. Masha spot is freaking more than any other dessert place in the city, so I'll be having a delicious dinner and dessert as soon as I'm done! I also love the store Boots and Park, so Georgetown is just a good place for me.

So it's all about R Day! Tell us about your first experience drinking a Rainier Beer.

It was the first time that I actually looked like the beer that I drank. I'm sure I was in the studio, and it provided the perfect vibes. I'm still a fan to this day.

Lastly, how do you take your coffee? We ask everyone!

I actually prefer tea!

About 'Artist of the Week': This city is packed with artists we love to feature weekly on Seattle Refined! If you have a local artist in mind that you would like to see featured, let us know at hello@seattlerefined.com. And if you're wondering just what constitutes art, that's the beauty of it; it's up to you! See all of our past Artists of the Week in our dedicated section.