Alicia Lemke is a fearless and inspiring young talent. Her music represents a brand of alternative pop bridging the gap between many influences. Alicia’s sound encompasses everything from her ethereal "Imaginary Man" to an innovative ukulele cover of Al Green’s “Love and Happiness.”
Perhaps this is because Alicia never shies from risk-taking. Whether it was moving away from her hometown of Madison, Wisconsin for school, traveling internationally on her own, living in the rainforest or tackling a solo career in the music industry, she has always thrived on a challenge. In just two short years, her extraordinary drive and passion have earned her a scholarship at Berklee College of Music, a growing international fan base, and a sponsorship from Gibson Guitars. In this last year alone she released her very first EP, five subsequent singles, two music videos, and with the help of PledgeMusic and funding exclusively from her fans, recorded and released her second EP "Imaginary" this July.
But what defines Alicia besides her insatiable appetite for work is her honesty— about relationships, life’s eccentricities, the battles and triumphs of self-awareness and the importance of love. Alicia’s honesty in creating music makes her unapologetic and real— a compelling force on stage. From her new base in New York City, across the Northeast and, recently, as far as London, Los Angeles, Miami and Chicago, Alicia is capturing new audiences and not letting them go. Her poetic lyrics, finger-style guitar and graceful, strong voice leave listeners with the raw truth. Already found under iTunes “New and Noteworthy,” Alicia’s latest "Imaginary" taps into a dark sonic landscape, exploring loss and personal discovery with a level of self-awareness uncharacteristic of her age. Authentic and pure, it is clear that she writes what she lives.
Yet, Alicia’s discovery of her songwriting ability was recent. A graduate of Swarthmore College, she earned a degree in Biology and Theater, played the saxophone and acquired a US patent before finding her love and talent for writing songs. In fact, she didn’t even pick up an acoustic guitar until the age of 21. Growing up with so much exposure to the Midwestern outdoors, Alicia was sure she was destined for environmental work and even studied rainforest ecology in Northeast Queensland, Australia before turning to music. Her love of the wilderness has made her an active member in the green community through recycling, buying locally and seeking a sustainable lifestyle. It is her hope that through music, Alicia can marry her passions and become a voice for environmental stewardship.
In an industry plagued with uncertainty, it can be said with confidence that Alicia is at the forefront of contemporary popular music. Her infectious energy and down-to-earth attitude make her a powerful presence on stage and a voice for many. Alicia will continue to connect with others through her accessible sound and establish herself as both a creator and an icon.
