Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandria Higgs.
Alexandria, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I always knew I wanted to work in the music industry because I have such a passion for music and the industry. My interest was peaked when I was a child and watched the movie ‘Uptown Girls’ and I wanted to do what Heather Locklear did. I started when I was in high school as an A&R for local artists in my area, however, I took a hiatus while I was in college. I graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor’s in Journalism & Entertainment Media Management.
While in college, I found a home music venue where I managed for quite a few years. Learning the ins and outs of the industry and forming amazing relationships with artists and their managers. Many artists and managers encouraged me to go off on my own, so after a few nudges and the thrill of working behind the scenes, my spark was reignited. As we know, the music industry has evolved over the years and A&R’s are pretty much obsolete. So, I decided to take all my knowledge and skills and put them into an Artist Management & Consulting company!
Has it been a smooth road?
The transition has been very smooth overall. I have been blessed enough to have met my artist that I currently manage during the building stages, as well as having a business strategist in my family and a good friend who is a lawyer.
The few obstacles I am currently facing is lack of income. Yikes! Star a business during COVID they said it will be great they said! Money is tight for everyone which makes this a little difficult. I am on the hunt for investors that could help me out. I am struggling a bit with rebranding myself as my company and building new relationships within the industry. A lot of venues and artists know me from working with my previous company which leads me to my final struggle, visibility. I am a brand new company competing with an old identity, established and major labels.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with ALEX&RIA LLC. – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
ALEX&RIA is an Artist Management and Consulting firm. I work with established, indie, and emerging artists. I do this by providing brand management, marketing & PR, studio time, live shows and tour management.
What sets my company apart is that it is black-owned and women run. I provide a new management style by allowing artists to have total creative control while being able to cross market them in multiple music markets. I consult with indie artists who wish to remain independent but need guidance to become successful.
My goal is to keep more money in my artist’s pockets, rather them shelling out to labels and agencies. I achieve this goal by keeping my team small. My company is run by me and my Brand Management & PR Executive, Deanna King, who is also young black woman. For far too long, the music industry has been male-dominated, and we need more women in this space in all aspects.
I am most proud of my current alternative RnB artist VNIS! He has stepped out of the shadows after a two years hiatus and dropped two new singles ‘W.A.I.H’ & ‘Young Visionary’ both of which have well-received by his current fans and new ones. He is streaming on all platforms and currently working on a new EP coming in November so stay tuned!
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love Atlanta so much it is such a creative and collaborative city! The best parts is the overall artist culture, multiple venues of all sizes, food and the emerging food & music collaborative, and there are endless possibilities because truth be told, we live by our rules. 😈
The only thing I can’t stand are the potholes, constant construction, and inflating housing prices. Due to the great migration from California and New York, rent is getting crazy out here and I don’t like it. I feel as though OG ATLiens should have controlled/ discounted rent and free parking in the city. Just sayin’
Contact Info:
- Website: alexandriahiggs.com
- Email: alex.armgmt@gmail.com
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