Today we’d like to introduce you to Alon Shabshin.
Hi Alon, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Israel with a deep passion for the arts – singing, piano, drums, and guitar, along with a love for acting. Yet, as I grew older, the idea of a career in the arts seemed unrealistic. When faced with the choice between a music major and aerospace science in high school, I chose the latter.
My journey took an unexpected turn during my military service in the scorching desert. One day, in a moment of exhaustion and camaraderie, I picked up my guitar and sang to my fellow soldiers. One of them smiled and said, ‘Alon, one day I’ll buy a ticket to something you’ll be in.’ That moment stayed with me.
Two years later, I left Israel for the next stop in my artistic journey: New York City. I enrolled in the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, where I took my first-ever singing lessons. I fell in love and had my heart broken, which helped me find the courage to start writing music. I then taught myself music production, and so far, I’ve released two songs from my upcoming EP.
My journey has been marked by heartbreak, self-discovery, and a burning desire to share my music and acting with the world. As I move forward, I’m excited to continue this artistic adventure, bringing myself to the stage and beyond!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Embarking on this artistic journey has been anything but a smooth ride, and that’s precisely what makes it worth pursuing. Life is a delicate balance of highs and lows, and there’s something truly remarkable about earning your place in the world of the arts (or honestly anywhere).
One of the most memorable moments of this journey was my very first show. It was held in a cozy venue in NYC with a maximum capacity of just 50 people. Approximately two hours before the show, I nervously checked the RSVP list, and to my surprise, about 20 people had confirmed their attendance, which was an exciting number for me. However, fate had an unexpected twist in store. Just 15 minutes before I took the stage, a friend from Philly called, struggling to RSVP. I contacted the venue, and they assured me that anyone interested could attend. As I stepped onto the stage and gazed into the audience, I was taken aback – there were roughly 80 people in the crowd. The shock left me momentarily speechless.
The exhilaration of that moment was tinged with a touch of trepidation. Setting such a high standard with my very first show felt almost daunting. Subsequent performances saw varying audience sizes, from around 30 people, which was still an incredible turnout, to more intimate gigs, such as one at a bar in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. During my performance at the bar, I played my heart out for an hour and a half, only to find some patrons chatting and seemingly oblivious to my presence. It’s an experience that can be challenging for an artist who pours their soul onto the stage. Nevertheless, there’s an indescribable feeling that accompanies sharing your art with an audience, even when engagement levels aren’t the best.
The life of a budding artist also requires wearing multiple hats, from being a social media manager to a booking agent. This juggling act, especially on show days when the focus should be on the performance, can be its own struggle.
These challenges are just part and parcel of the life of a budding artist, and they come with the territory of being a 12-hour flight away from my homeland, family, and friends. Moreover, they come with the challenges of living in NYC. But every time I step onto that stage, the hardships fade away, and the passion for performing fuels my determination. Every moment in the spotlight reaffirms that all the struggles are worth it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a singer-songwriter who performs both as a solo artist and with a band, showcasing a blend of original compositions and well-chosen covers. My musical journey has led me to release two singles, “Someone Else Like You” and “Repeat,” from my upcoming EP. Additionally, I wear the hat of a music producer, giving me the creative control to shape my sound to match my artistic vision. In addition, I’m an actor. In the realm of acting, my primary focus is on television and film, although I’ve also acted in theatrical productions.
What I hold dear above all else in my artistic career is the music video for my song “Repeat.” Several years ago, I ventured into songwriting and production, culminating in the creation of “Repeat.” From the moment I completed the song, I had a vivid vision for its accompanying music video, and I meticulously outlined this vision. Fate had a surprise for me when I crossed paths with an exceptional director while working at a chocolate stand. Upon hearing my song, this director offered to collaborate on the project. This idea led to a successful crowdfunding campaign, where I raised over $3000 in just two weeks. The resulting music video not only met but exceeded my wildest expectations. This project was made possible by the incredible contributions of Shaha Mag (the director), Alex Li (the cinematographer), everyone involved in the production, and the generous backers who believed in our vision. I released this music video in this year, and it stands as a source of immense pride in my artistic journey.
What sets me apart from others is my multidisciplinary background, where acting, singing, storytelling, and musicianship converge seamlessly. I’ve deliberately avoided confining myself to specific musical genres, as I believe that this aversion to categorization allows for a unique fusion of diverse influences and sounds.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happy? Well, a big source of happiness for me is sharing my art and making people smile or feel something. There’s something truly awesome about knowing that I can help others escape from life’s challenges, even if just for a moment, through music or a captivating play or movie/TV show. Next to my bedroom, on the wall, are a couple of quotes that sum up my philosophy: “I don’t know what value I have in this universe, but I do know that I’ve made a few people happier than they would have been without me” and “be the reason someone smiles today.” Seeing those smiles on people’s faces is what fills my heart with joy.
After working and volunteering for many years in education, I discovered that another big source of happiness for me is having an impact on another person. To be part of someone else’s journey.
Helping others also fills me with joy. Whether I’m helping friends with their daily tasks or volunteering, there’s a special feeling that comes from knowing I’ve made a positive impact on someone’s life. Helping others is another way to put a smile on my face, too.
Oh, and cooking. I love cooking!
Contact Info:
- Website: alonshabshin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shabshin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shabshin
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKMPrrmBCdDnDWLLH5egNFg
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6JfgL3APJFUpc7rVm1cn2d?si=LZWw-kevQEqrMlx_lMBKUg
- Music Acct: https://linktr.ee/alonnnn
Image Credits
Liri Agami Shaha Mag Alex Li Zev Chissick Ella Chissick Josh Kahen
