Alisha Zalkin
Alisha Zalkin, a promising pop/soul singer & songwriter based in Los Angeles, CA, has won the April SingerUniverse “Best Vocalist Of The Month” Competition, for her performance of her song “You Beautiful You" (co-written by Tina Shafer). This song will be included on her upcoming EP called March To A Different Beat, which she will release independently this June.
“You Beautiful You” is an uptempo, piano-based pop tune which has a positive, joyful spirit to it. The song has a very hooky chorus which is embellished by some appealing background harmonies. "You Beautiful You" provides a fine showcase for Zalkin's soulful, expressive vocals. The recording was expertly produced by Sheldon Steiger, a New York-based producer/musician who has toured with Paul Simon, and has worked as an engineer for such top artists as Joss Stone, Ricky Martin and the Baha Men.
Zalkin was born and raised in San Diego, CA, where she learned to sing and play piano at a young age. She was inspired by listening to such favorite artists as Aretha Franklin, Carole King and Whitney Houston. During high school, Zalkin performed the lead in her high school production of the musical Chess, and she also performed in local San Diego musicals, garnering a nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a musical.
After high school, Zalkin attended U.C.L.A., where she subsequently graduated with a B.A. Degree, majoring in Theater. During this period, Zalkin also wrote and recorded her first EP, which was called Finally Free. She performed at the San Diego IndieFest and played other shows in San Diego and Los Angeles.
Alisha Zalkin performing live.
Following college, Zalkin moved to New York City to pursue a career in musical theatre. "In New York I had an agent and I auditioned a lot," explained Zalkin, "but I realized that my passion was for developing my artist career and writing songs. I did get a chance to meet and work with Tina Shafer, who is a top vocal coach, and she runs the New York Songwriters Circle. We co-wrote all five songs on my upcoming EP, including 'You Beautiful You'." While in New York, Zalkin performed live at several venues, including The Bitter End and at a CMJ Showcase.
Last December (2011), Zalkin decided to move back to Los Angeles, where she is completing her EP and performing shows with her new, four-piece band. "I'm excited about playing with a full band--we've played The Whisky and The Voodoo Lounge at the House Of Blues," she said. "I'm also filming a video EPK and a video for 'You Beautiful You'. In addition, I'm writing more songs and plan on eventually releasing a full album."
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