Singer, songwriter and actress Alexa Friedman has a fierce new portrayal in the latest music video for her single, “Take Me Down.” This single follows her previously released single “Meant To Be,” featuring Friedman as a mermaid, sitting elegantly on the rocks by the ocean. With “Take Me Down,” she’s mastered martial arts as a swords(wo)man, and taking down those who try to deter her path.
Friedman has championed her experience with adversity through the beauty of music and songwriting, and since releasing her single “Enrapture” in 2017 she has received hundreds of thousands streams and views, Friedman has explored many facets of music with her talent. She sings and even raps with enthusiasm, confidence and most importantly, persistence. She doesn’t give up, and is a great example to young and older alike to always keep pursuing the next step or goal to living your dream. We chatted with Friedman about her vision behind her latest single “Take Me Down,” the stunts for it, using a katana, overcoming adversity, future plans for her music and acting, and much more.
Firstly, I love your music video for your single “Take Me Down”! What was the vision behind it?
Alexa Friedman: Well, the main vision behind the video was learning who the real enemy is. People can really try to tear you down, make you feel worthless and undeserving of the things you’ve worked for in your life. However, in the end, you are the only one that can let those people get to you, you are your own worst enemy and can tear yourself down the most. This video was really trying to bring light to that, as well as doing some cool stunts.
How did you prepare for the fiery stunts featuring martial arts and swords, and how liberating did it make you feel?
Alexa: It was SO MUCH fun to do! The rehearsals we had were so interesting to me and I definitely learned a lot. Now anytime someone hands me a stick or something long I feel the urge to twirl it around me.
How did overcoming adversity change your perspective on your music (writing and performing)?
Alexa: It was definitely challenging at first. I never really knew how much my own mind impacted me on a day to day bases. I always considered myself a strong-willed person, but I guess hearing so many comments telling you you’ll never make it and that you’ll never be good enough make it hard to believe yourself. Just always remember who you are and what you love to do. People will get jealous because they want to have something they love to do, so never let anyone take that away from you.
What was it like using a katana for the music video? Was it liberating, inspiring or scary?
Alexa: It was so much fun! I had to be careful though because I am not an expert with katanas and dropped it quite a few times. Being able to learn and work with so many talented individuals while doing what I love was an experience I’ll never forget.
You’re also an actress. How does singing and acting encourage your creativity?
Alexa: It definitely makes it easier to really dig into my personal side. When singing a song, you need to feel the music. That is one thing you can never learn from a vocal coach. You have to understand the emotion and become that person singing that song.
Any exciting plans for your music and/or acting for the new year ahead?
Alexa: I want to try to get into acting again soon for sure. And possibly seeing what the future holds for this video and maybe another HMMA nomination? One can dream!
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