About a week after the release of her second album, Alexandra Hayes and I met at Lovin’ Cup, a venue where she has performed hundreds of times.
This twenty-year-old acoustic folk-pop songstress is a fixture on the local music circuit and her coffee house sound has the potential to make a national impact.
“In my freshman year of college I realized that Rochester is a music scene,” says Hayes. “Until then, other than school shows and a couple performances here and there, I really had no idea how much this city was filled with music.”
Aside from Lovin’ Cup, Rochesterians may have recently seen Hayes perform at Fairport Canal Days, Park Avenue Fest, or Funk N’ Waffles.
After singing and songwriting for as long as she can remember, Hayes put out a compilation of songs in 2017 titled Rush, which was the precursor to her recently released album, Home.
On Home, Hayes employs her soothing, soulful voice, playful lyrics, and a melodic acoustic guitar to make low-tempo, delicate songs of self-reflection and observation.
A thematic through line of belonging is central to the albums’ message. “When I was sixteen my mom passed away and after that I just felt like I don’t know what to do, I don’t know who I am, where to go, where I’m supposed to be, or what I’m supposed to be doing,” says Hayes. “It wasn’t until this past year when I realized that what’s important is not where you are but who’s around you that makes you feel at home, and I wanted to share that with other people.”
This idea is especially apparent on “Strawberry Ice Cream,” a sweet, bubbly love song.
“Strawberry Ice Cream is about being with someone who you’re safe and happy with, and when you’re with them, there’s no other feeling except being where you’re supposed to be.” says Hayes.
While finishing up her sign language interpretation degree at RIT, Hayes plans to bring Home to live audiences and continue making music.
“My lifestyle is always going to revolve around how I can make the most music and how I can affect the largest amount of people with my music.”
Home is available on Apple Music and Spotify.
