Alexandria Maillot was recently chosen as one of the twenty finalists for the Peak Performance Project. The Peak Performance Project is sponsored by the 100.5 The Peak FM and Music BC.
The PEAK Performance Project is a seven-year, $5.29 million contest open to all musicians in British Columbia. The project was created by 100.5 The PEAK and Music BC to develop BC based emerging artists. Every year, twenty finalists from BC will receive an intensive, one week training program in the music business, live performance, songwriting, marketing and promotion. Artists will benefit from mentor-ships from some of the music industry’s top professionals and performers. All of these artists will have the chance to perform live in Vancouver on the PEAK Performance Stage. Of these twenty artists, the top three will be crowned as the PEAK Performers of the year and will share $275,000 in cash for career development. First place receives $150,000; second place receives $75,000; and third place receives $50,000.
Interview:
Brian: Tell us about your music and what your musical history has been.
Alexandria Maillot: It has been in the past couple of years that I have truly come to terms with what my style of music is and the entirety of who I am. Music was certainly not something that I received from genetics. It was as if I was born with notes in my blood. Ever since I was born, I have been driven towards music and the finer details in life. For instance, I was obsessed with patterns. And as I got older, I found patterns in writing and music. I began singing in old folks homes at the age of seven, and just worked from the ground up to where I am now. I began singing in karaoke contests and doing small shows around my home to gain confidence. When I was ten, I wrote my first song, which ended up getting me to children’s festivals in Romania and Egypt. Those travels were huge eye-openers, and after that, I worked as hard as possible to keep the musical opportunities flowing. In 2006, I got to perform in Toronto with Jann Arden and David Foster, and, in 2008, I was featured on Oprah Winfrey’s website in the section “World’s Most Smartest and Talented Kids”. I have been so fortunate, especially since I have an incredible support system from my family; they keep me grounded and humbled by every opportunity that presents itself. Bullying was a prominent part of growing up in my life, as I had never been able to relate to the ones who shared the same age as me- perhaps moving 22 times throughout my life accounts for that. I have just always had self-drive and the confidence to keep going ahead. It seems that music has not only inspired me to achieve as much as possible in life, but it has taught me how to be a better person and appreciate what I receive.
Listen to the track Just Another Girl
Brian: Tell us a little bit of how your summer went, from being selected as one of the artists to participate in the project to being selected as a finalist.
Alexandria Maillot: My summer was ridiculously awesome. I had applied for the PPP without any expectations, letting my life go on without so much as thinking about it again, knowing that if I didn’t get in, I’d only be disappointed. So, I was very surprised to find I was shortlisted and selected as a finalist. It was perfect, as I had graduated a year early, so I didn’t have to worry about school work when attending the Peak boot-camp. Ever since then, everything seems brighter, as I have learned so much from the program. Regardless of who wins, I know I have the capability of pursuing this crazy musical dream and living a long, fulfilled life. So, I guess if I could sum up the summer, I would have to say that it was life-changing.
Brian: What has been the most rewarding aspect throughout the project thus far?
Alexandria Maillot: The most rewarding aspect has probably been meeting all of the bands and being involved in such a supportive music community. As a young emerging artist, it can be degrading at times to have teen, dare I say naive “supporters” who just don’t understand my vision. The understanding of that will come with maturity, but I find it hard to relate to my age group. However, surrounding myself in an environment where I relate with the same people, I have become less self-conscious of my work and know I have found a place where I fit in.
Brian: There are some great artists and bands and you are in great company with the list of finalists. What sets your music apart from the other finalists?
Alexandria Maillot: Well, every artist/band is absolutely incredible and undeniably talented. I went in to the program thinking there would be musicians around my age, but it certainly opened my eyes to see older musicians with the same vision as myself. So, I certainly feel that my age sets me a part from the other finalists. I don’t feel more deserving of the top prize in any way, though, as every top 20 finalist has proven they are all worthy of making it.
Brian: How do you feel about The Peak, Music BC and Jim Pattison Group of Companies stepping up to assist the growth of BC musicians while the provincial government has reduced funding to many programs. This is a significant contribution of $5.29 million over seven-years.
Alexandria Maillot: I think The Peak, Music BC and the Pattison Group are saints for creating this opportunity whilst the government does the opposite. It astounds me; When I walk through Vancouver and see all the art being built around the city, it doesn’t make sense why the government would try and take that away from all the struggling aspiring artists. All I can say is, if it weren’t for the Peak Performance Project, I don’t know where I would be right now. It has made such an impact on my life, I will be forever grateful.
Peak Performance Project Sponsors:
