Happy Monday – it’s time for another edition of the Women in Entertainment series. Today we will spotlight Alisha Zalkin, a Los Angeles based singer/songwriter and the lead singer of the popular rock band Sleep Machine, which was recently featured by Entertainment Weekly.
Alisha was brought to this reviewer’s attention by another Women in Entertainment member, Laura Goldfarb of Red Boot PR in June 2014, after the release of On This Road, which was reviewed by Examiner.com. This reviewer was so impressed with the EP that he attended a live performance in Los Angeles later than month, which resulted in Alisha’ first live review.
In addition to the attention given to Alisha by Examiner.com, she was also named one of the eight break-out artists of 2014 by AXS.com and was the recipient of two 2014 LA Music Critic Awards: Best CD for On This Road and Best Music Video for the album’s single, “Fearless.”
AXS.com had this to say about Alisha: “San Diego may have been her hometown, but Los Angeles is falling in love with Alisha Zalkin. What sets her apart from other singer/songwriters is her heartfelt passion for social change and her willingness to set an example for others to emulate. Her ballad “Fearless” has set the standard for social change and become an anthem for those fighting oppression and social stigma. Alisha is well on her way to becoming one of Los Angeles’ biggest stars in 2015.”
It seems that the writer at AXS.com nailed his prediction in this case. Since December 2014, Alisha has become the lead singer for Sleep Machine, a hard-rocking LA indie rock band which is quickly coming to national attention. The band has already received placements for their music on several national shows, including The Fosters (ABC Family) and Younger (TV Land), in addition to a commercial for the upcoming ABC drama series Quantico. The band’s single “Wild for You” was featured by Entertainment Weekly in their TV Jukebox feature.
What inspires Alisha? “I’ve always been one to find inspiration from music that comes from a pure place, regardless of genre. I’m inspired by well-written songs that are delivered with purpose. Anything that reaches out and grabs my emotions. Music and emotions go hand in hand. My emotions inspire my music and the music I listen to influences my emotions.”
Where does Alisha see herself in the future? “I’m currently playing around town (LA) with my band Sleep Machine. We will be releasing a music video for our song, “Game Over,” from our debut EP Cover me in Gold. We are also in the process of putting together our second EP. In addition, I am working on a new solo record, writing and recording for a new folk project, and working as a session singer.”
It is just this kind of work ethic that has propelled Alisha into the spotlight, and promises listeners that good things are still to come for this impressive artist. To keep up with Alisha, check out her website and Facebook page, follow her on Twitter and Instagram, and subscribe to her YouTube channel.
Thanks to Laura Goldfarb for the background information and for turning this reviewer on to this amazing artist.