We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alexandra Skora a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alexandra, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
A lot of trial and error! I always knew that I wanted to do something related to music but I wasn’t sure what — I grew up playing classical piano and jamming with my dad, then transitioned into making beats in high school, followed by making my own demos as an artist, learning how to DJ in college, and interning at music companies. I basically tried every path that I thought could satisfy me before ultimately realizing that being an artist is what is truly meaningful to me; a question I ask people that I hold true to myself is when you’re on your deathbed, what will you look back on and be proud of yourself for having done? It became clear to me when thinking about all of the options I tried that it’s the artist route.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Hi! My name is Alexandra Skora and I’m an indie folk artist based in Los Angeles. The most exciting part of making music for me is watching a small idea evolve into something fully realized. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about seeing a concept grow from just a spark into a finished piece—especially when it’s something deeply personal yet relatable. I’m an extrovert and love connecting with others, and I find the most joy creating music that can bring people together.
What makes my music special is the balance between tapping into my own personal experiences and those that are communal. I write songs that are closely tied to my own identity, which is something that is unique to me as with every writer, but also ensure to keep a universal elemental so people feel tied to them with their own experiences. Storytelling is at the core of my songs—I like to paint scenes through my lyrics that transport my listeners into a world where we can all find pieces of ourselves.
I’m also deeply connected to nature which is a big influence on my art. I care a lot about sustainability and the environment, and I feel most at peace when I’m surrounded by the natural world. That sense of grounding is something I try to convey through my music, both in its themes and my visual identity.
Right now I’m planning my next release that I’m putting out in January! I’m super excited for it and what’s to come next, and am really excited to share it with everyone.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are balancing hard work with play, trusting the process, and incorporating meditation. I spend a lot of time hands-on with comping and co-producing my songs, working in Ableton to build and refine them. However, there comes a point (which I think many artists can relate to) when your ears or eyes need a break. It’s easy to get lost in the pursuit of perfection, but sometimes the best way to move forward is to step back, recharge, and reconnect with what’s around you. My biggest piece of advice is that it’s okay to take breaks, see friends, and simply enjoy life. Meditation has been a huge help in this process. I meditate once to twice a day, and it always brings clarity to my creative flow and overall state of being. I do Transcendental Meditation which I highly recommend, but even 10 minute Spotify meditations have helped clear my mind exponentially.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
A book that’s had a significant impact on my development is The Creative Act: A Way of Thinking by Rick Rubin. Whenever I feel like I need guidance, I’ll open it to a random page and see what stands out. Interestingly, when I first decided to get the book, I opened it to a page that mentioned one of the best ways to overcome creative blocks was exactly that—opening a book randomly and seeing what it tells you. I felt like it was a sign, and I often use it as a resource whenever I hit a creative wall – I keep it next to my bed and incorporate it into my routine before I go to sleep.
One of the most valuable takeaways from the book (which is something I had funnily already started doing beforehand) is creating a playlist of music by artists who inspire me. When I feel stuck in my own process, listening to their work reminds me that I know the musical world I am meant to be part of, and that all it takes is time to get there. It’s a great way to refocus and find inspiration, and helps me reset and return to my work with a fresh perspective.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alexandraskora.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexandra__skora/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@alexandraskora
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