Alyssa Reid visits The Centre

Culture & Events — 19 October 2011

By Ally Dunham

Eighteen-year old pop singer, Alyssa Reid hit the stage at The Centre on October 13 to entertain with her strong voice.

Singing her hit, “The Game” to open the show, teenagers from all around idolized the artist, screaming her name and singing along with her music.

Reid has had her share of the limelight since a young age.

“I got started with YouTube. A lot of people think that I got my start with this YTV?show called “The Next Star” but I actually got my record deal because of a YouTube video I posted called ‘One More Lonely Boy,’” said Reid.

“I rewrote one of Justin Beiber’s songs to a female version and Wax Records saw it and called me in for a meeting. I sang a few songs for them and they signed me a month later.”

Reid did her first performing arts group at age three and has been singing her whole life.

When asked about the first time hearing her own music on the radio, Reid replied, “I was in a car with my parents and they were arguing about something stupid. We were in the driveway, about to leave and this song came on the radio but it was really low. I asked my mom to turn it up, and she told me to hold on.”

Upon realizing it was herself she was listening to, the young star ran into her home, cranked the radio inside and danced around with her dogs.

“I was not letting this moment go to waste,” said Reid.

With rising talent comes many experiences. Reid said the MMVA (Much Music Video Awards) were by far the most exhilerating experience she has had so far.

“Going to MMVA was the most incredible thing ever because I was surrounded by so many people that I?look up to. Lady Gaga was there and I was freaking out because I am absolutely in love with her,” said Reid. “It was very cool to be nominated and be present at such a huge event when I was in school three months ago.”

Learning song writing from Josh Ramsay, lead singer of Mariana’s Trench and lyricist, Reid said, “I only got to spend a weekend with him writing, but I took a lot from that session. I actually started writing songs right after, and used the basis of those songs for my album.”

Reid says balancing music and school has been her biggest challenge so far, and upon graduation, still maintains the balancing act.

“Now it’s balancing life and music, because they are so completely different things and a lot of people just don’t get it,” said Reid. “Just trying to be an 18-year old girl, but still having a career is very difficult at times.”

Reid says Summer Rush in Toronto was her biggest show so far, and it was a rush indeed.

“It was just crazy, the biggest show I have ever played by far. It was the first time that I have ever heard that many people screaming back the lyrics of my song,” said Reid.

“It was a glimpse of what I wanted for the future, stadium performances and stuff. It was a taste of that and it just hyped me up even more.”

Reid commented on being in Dryden with, “I love it. I?went to Wal-Mart today and bought slippers. It’s a great place.”

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