Alexa Borden

Alexa Borden (born November 11, 1994) is a Canadian alternative singer and songwriter and pianist. Her debut album, Speck in the Universe, was released on April 11, 2010. She has been recognized by fans in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Romania, and France, among other countries. Her music has been featured on WhoTune radio, and played on numerous radio stations across Canada and Australia.
Biography
Early life
Born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada to two music loving parents, Alexa had always found solace in the arts. Her literary influences ranging from EB White to Jane Austin. She grew up listening to David Bowie, The Cure, Elton John, Elvis Costello and The Beatles which have heavily reflected into her
Borden graduated from highschool early and considered herself "Nerdy" because she was so focused on music and jumping into her career. Alexa states that she was never one to party or drink, and she would much rather "Sit at home and read a book".
Borden had a passion for literature, and immersed herself in the works of fanatical and mystical writers. After teaching herself to play the piano, she began putting her creative energy into writing songs. With her short amount of experience and knowlegde, Borden has been praised for her ability to be "a mature writer" by Jethro Mah from evidentofficial.com.
Her knowledge of music relied little on lessons and schooling. Borden was a member of her school band and was taught how to read music. Alexa was also taught and mentored at a young age by country singer Billy Cowsill who died a few years after meeting Alexa. Alexa has said she has "Taken so much out of that experience" Since his death, Alexa began taking vocal lessons, and after 5 years of lessons, she branched out to begin her career on her own.
Music career
In March 2006, Borden competed in Calgary's Junior Idol (CJI), making it to the semi finals at just age 12. Alexa began writing after that, and at age 13 felt her first piano keys. After teaching herself the piano at age 13, Borden went on to pursue her music career.
In April 2010, Alexa Borden's debut album Speck in the Universe was released. Being only 15 during it's production and release, Borden wrote and produced the album entirely on her own. Receiving positive reviews, Alexa has been praised as one of Canada's youngest and most talented musicians. The first single, "Will Love Ever Grow", was released January 2009. It went on to being Borden's most popular songs, the song reaching hundreds of views on YouTube just within the first few weeks after it's release. 8 months after "Speck in the Universe"'s release, Borden re-mastered the entire album and came out with 3 new songs added to the already impressive 14 track album. The remastered version was cleaner, sharper and higher quality.
Her song "Running Over Time" was featured on x92.9's Exposure 2010 radio program. Her song "Yours Dearly, Yours True" was then recognized by WhoTune's online radio being praised as "Well mixed and beautifully written". Borden's single "Nightwish" was a featured song on "The SOP"'s. The 2010 release of "Gold Rush" was featured on WhoTune's NAMM Convention featured artist contest. Borden placed 4th out of over 200 contestants. Alexa was a featured performer for Financial Management's Charity Ball for the Alberta Children's hospital in October 2010.
"Lungs" is the first release of Borden's second album, released on June 30, 2011. It was announced on her official Twitter that she's excited to be finishing up her sophomore record, "The Cherry Bomb Tree", but a date has not been confirmed, though slated for a fall 2011 release.
Band/Formation
Borden was a solo act up until late 2010 when she got together with Cameron Lemco, who was hired as her drummer for her upcoming live debut. After connecting through their love of music, they scouted out a guitarist for the debut (name remains private). Lemco invited his good friend, Brent Venema to play bass. The four hit it off after the first show and decided to make themselves an official band. A few months after the formation of the band, Alexa`s guitarist was fired from the band due to unknown conflicts. But it has been proposed that they were romantically involved with each other.
After Borden's guitarist was excused from the band, the remaining three members added a new member to the group. The unknown guitarist was replaced by Aaron Gygie, who now drums for Alexa. Cameron is now the guitarist of the band.
The band plays at local bars, coffee shops and theatres around Calgary and surrounding area. Band mates are occasionally featured on album recordings, but most of the instrumental recordings are done virtually by Alexa.
Literature and writing
Borden has often referred to the literary influences on her music. Growing up, Borden was a passionate author in her own right. Incorporating fanatical and mythical works into her lyrics, Borden also revealed that she has always been so fascinated by fantasy and fairy tales, saying they've heavily influenced her writing today. In many interviews, Alexa explains that nature too plays a large part in her inspiration.
Discography
Albums
* Speck in the Universe (2010), Borden Records, International
* The Cherry Bomb Tree (Fall 2011), Borden Records, In prodcution
EPs
* Demo - EP (2008): "The Woods", "Season's War", "Lakeside"
* Introducing Alexa Borden- EP (2009): "Will Love Ever Grow", "Falling Into Love", "Steal the Sound", "Plastic Love"
* By The Fire (2010), (iTunes/Amazon exclusive): "Blue Christmas", "Red Bow Ties", "Let it Snow", "Think of You", "Wishing Well"
Singles
* "The Woods" (2008)
* "Will Love Ever Grow" (2009), International
* "Great Heights" (2009)
* "Nightwish" (2010)
* "Lungs" (2011), International
* "Gold Rush" (2010), International
Soundtracks
* Feeling Good, Feeling Bad (2011): "Yours Dearly, Yours True"
Live covers
* "I Will Follow You into the Dark", Death Cab for Cutie
* "The Scientist", Coldplay
* "Just Like Heaven", The Cure
* "Through The Dark", KT Tunstall
* "I'll Follow the Sun", The Beatles
* "Ring of Fire", Johnny Cash
* "Wish You Were Here", Pink Floyd
* "I'm Into Something Good", Hermans Hermits

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See Also

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