Texan Mosaic

by SERGIO MADRID//Staff Writer

Lubbock has spawned yet another rock star on the rise.

Since she was 6, Alissa Beyer, has been singing and involved with music. While most kids were involved in sports or other after-school programs, Beyer’s mom started her off singing at the Cactus Theater. But Beyer would eventually put music down before starting high school. 

During her first two years of high school, Beyer was a cheerleader and did some gymnastics. But one summer, she picked music back up, playing the piano more and writing a few songs.

After hearing about the commercial music program at South Plains College, she decided to graduate early and start at SPC as soon as possible. With the help of SPC’s commercial music program Beyer became more efficient with the piano and   guitar, while also learning to record live sound and taking vocals lessons. All the while, she continued to write more. Through SPC, she met Cliff Magnus, whose label she signed with at 17.

After graduating from SPC, Beyer decided that the “pop scene” wasn’t for her. She got an attorney and worked her way out from under contract.

Upon being released from Magnus’ label, she moved to Nashville, where she met her current manager and started her band, “The Forty-Eight.” Despite struggling to find lasting members for the band, Beyer has still cooked up great music, releasing her first EP, “Radio Symmetry,” in 2013.

When asked what the significance of naming her band The Forty-Eight was, Beyer said, “I was going through books and musical dictionaries just trying to think of a cool name, and I saw the name The Forty-Eight, which is actually a musical term. It’s a nickname for Bach’s “Well-Tempered Clavier,” a series of 48 pieces.”

Beyer went on to explain the idea of what The Forty-Eight meant to her, which is a break away from the tradition major label and how it is almost like selling your soul to the devil to become famous.

Though wanting to have full creative control, Beyer realizes that it is a business as well, and it’s about having that balance between artistic integrity and doing what you need to in order to sell.

In The Forty-Eight’s newest album, “Villain,” Beyer says she wanted to get across a message that promotes equality and helps develop an understanding of differences.

“I did an interview a long time ago,” Beyer explains, “and I said something along the lines of ‘we can’t control how people think, or what they feel. The least we can do is help them sing the same songs.’ And really just having that type of unity. I’m not a bad person for thinking differently than you, and you’re not a bad person for thinking differently than me. Let’s find something in common.”

“Villain” touches on other emotions as well, such as falling into a crazy, or even unorthodox, love.

As for what advice she has for young people chasing their musical dreams, Beyer says, “Don’t give up. I know it sounds cheesy, but it’s the truth. This business takes time. I’ve had the Forty-Eight for five, six years. I’ve been doing music for 10 years now, and I’m just now starting to gain traction. “

She also stresses the importance of community. The people closest to you, and the ones you meet along the way, all can help you advance your career at some place and time.

“They become your band members, your producers, and when something comes up, they refer you,” says Beyer. “It doesn’t mean use people, but do have a community.”

Beyer has accomplished quite a bit in 26 years, and still has a long and promising career ahead of her. It is safe to expect bigger and better things from her in the near future.