ALISSA CAVALLARO
By: C. Harrison/June 27, 2014/1:56AM
Alissa Cavallaro is called a trendsetter and weird. She is 15-years old with a number 2 hit single on the Reverbnation chart on Long Island. Alissa is a composer/singer/musician and said, “I have always been doing me. I am not afraid to be me.”
In a recent over the phone exclusive interview with this Journalist, Alissa revealed that it was an amazing experience for her when she won a singing contest at age 9, at the Apollo theatre, in Harlem. “It was a great feeling,” she said. Alissa sang “Alone,” by Alicia Keys her idol. She confessed that she didn’t at first like the song but said it grew on her. “I wanted something girlie,” Alissa said. From there Alissa sprouted into the music industry and it was from there also that her parents figured to push her into music. Alissa insisted that the choice to be in the music business was hers alone.
Other venues that this curious youngster graced weare: at age 11, she sang at Madison Square Garden, for the Knick and the Lakers; The Nassau Coliseum, Long Island; the Izod Center, Jones Beach, Sullivan Hall and the Bitter End. Allissa describes her time at these venues as exhilarating, not afraid and really enjoyed her self. “I had a great time. I was doing what I love and I was happy,” stated Alissa.
Additionally, Alissa said that when she met her mentor and idol Alicia Keys, Alicia’s advice to her was to never give up. She said that the advice gave her more drive to pursue her singing. Alissa got the chance meeting with Alicia, when her parents had an appearance on the popular NBC-TV show (The Marriage Ref), in conjunction with a trip to Atlantic City. It was also there in Atlantic City, that Alissa met Gloria Estafan and Jerry Stienfell. ” I want to be a younger version of Alicia and a role model,” Alissa said. She voiced that she wants to become one of the (cream of the crop), in the music industry. And as for her trip, Alissa converse that it was another great experience and it was cool. She further contends that her grandparents are also an inspiration to her.
A prodigy, Alissa actually took R&B sounds and added Ukulele to them (A small 4-string guitar, which forms unique sounds), basically creating a new form of music. “Singing is natural to me which is why I love it. I don’t have to work at it; I would love to be better,” articulated the songstress. Moreover, this motivator noted that she would like to do SNL (Saturday Night Live). When confronted with the question of why, she wanted to do the popular TV show; she conceded that she loves comedy and likes to do her own thing. “I think I can bring something else to the table because I am pretty unique,” she said. Furthermore, she reiterated that while singing is her main choice she is also a comedic person. “I like to do voiced and down the road I would like to pursue acting,” Alissa said.
When she was asked about her charity work, she referred to the fact that she got into charities because of a friend who has cystic fibrosis, so it made her appreciated what we are. And one thing lead to another. “I am who we are,” she stated. The multi-faceted teenager also makes clothes for her two dogs and creates gluten and dairy-free treats. Her charities are: Cause for Paws and Cystic fibrosis Walk. According to Alissa’s publicist’ Angelo Ellerbee, Alissa is the poster child for individuality and an exceptional teen by any standard.
Recently, Alissa released a new single called “The Journey Isn’t Over,” a feat with Big Daddy Cane–a 1980s heavy weight rapper. Also, Alissa voiced that she liked working with Cane, but pointed out that she got nervous at first, then relaxed and settle down to work. The collaboration she noted was fun for both of them and the experience was great. Alissa’s album release party took place June 9, 2014 at pier 60 in Manhattan.
In contrast to Alissa’s musical career, Alissa has a very impressive high school GPA. This well rounded individualist, is headed for college at NYU. She has already secured college credits through her music program at her school. “I choose NYU, because they have a very interesting program that I like,” she explained.
Alissa’s producer is Tim Brown aka Father M.C. He wrote and produced her first album on Famous Records “I am That Girl,” and her single “Paper.”
