There are just some people whose talent seemingly know few bounds. And, if his storied acting, modeling, dancing, and now singing career suffice as evidence, then Miami dance machine Alvester Martin is one of them.
Already building quite the buzz after seeing his talented feet dance alongside some of music’s biggest names from Mariah Carey and Jennifer Lopez to Rihanna and Beyonce, now Martin is making his own moves in the recording industry.
As fans lay in wait for his official debut release via Emagine/Universal Music Group, the multi-talented crooner lets That Grape Juice in to get a peek at his first official music video and find out more about the man known to many as the “industry’s best kept secret.”
It’s all below:
That Grape Juice (Rashad): Before we begin, we just want to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule!
Alvester: Not a problem! You guys know I love ThatGrapeJuice!
That Grape Juice: Always good to hear. We know a lot about you and have followed your bio. But, for those who haven’t, give us your story in a nutshell.
Alvester: I moved to L.A. about ten years ago to pursue music and I fell into dancing. I didn’t even go there initially for that purpose, but I had a friend who danced for Britney Spears and had some connections.
I went to a Beyonce audition, booked it, and started an amazing dance career I never expected. Here we are today, finally after 10 years of learning from the best people in the business, I get to do it on my own.
That Grape Juice: Wow! So, even before the trip to L.A., how did you know you wanted to pursue the industry? Who inspired you?
Alvester: 110% Michael Jackson. The first video I ever saw was “Billie Jean” and I actually broke my leg trying to do the moonwalk (laughs). I told my grandparents that I wanted to do this.
They were very supportive by throwing me in dance classes, the church choir, and playing the saxophone. Anything that had to do with the arts, that’s where I was.
That Grape Juice: So, it must have really been something to have brought that journey “full circle” (so to speak) by being the leading male in his latest music video, “A Place With No Name.”
Alvester: That was so surreal for me! It was like a little kid whose dreams came true. I’ve been blessed to do a lot of things in my career, but being on that particular set was really magical.
We shot that video in the same place where MJ shot “In the Closet.” I really felt like Michael was present that day.
That Grape Juice: That’s an amazing name to add to your already impressive resume. With past work that features names like Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Rihanna, and more, we’re curious to know who is your favorite?
Alvester: That’s a tough question! They all are amazing, but I would have to say Beyonce. She ushered me into the industry. Michael’s video was supposed to be my last dance gig, but after getting the call to dance with her at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards, I just couldn’t say no.
I learn so much every time I’m around her. But, hopefully next time we collaborate, it will be on a music tip.
That Grape Juice: Great segue. Let’s talk about your music. We’ve heard “So High” and love it! Why did you feel it was the best way to introduce yourself as a singer?
Alvester: I haven’t chosen an official first single, but I went with “So High” and “When I’m With You” so they could hear me sing. Everybody’s seen me dancing for so long, I really didn’t want to go in a direction where my voice was clouded.
So, when people get a feel for my voice as a singer and an artist (since I wrote them), I will continue.
That Grape Juice: So, what should we be expecting from your album?
Alvester: My album will be called “Love Me Or Leave Me” and it really focuses on a man’s thoughts about love. Everything from being broken up with to being confused or to being so in love, etc.
But, I do have a few tracks like one called “Switch It Up” – it’s really up-tempo and islandy. It was written by Eric Bellinger. You’ll be hearing it soon.
That Grape Juice: Good! As we look forward to that, we always like to ask where new artists see themselves fitting in in today’s musical spectrum. We have a Trey Songz, Usher, Jason Derulo, and Chris Brown already. What will Alvester Martin bring to the table we haven’t seen?
Alvester: Coming off the hems of someone like Beyonce, it’s hard for me to come in the game short of that. I want people to feel that way about me. People know when they come to her shows, they will be extremely entertained. I always say if John Mayer, Usher, and Marvin Gaye made an album, it would be my sound.
That Grape Juice: We can’t wait. For fans looking to get more on Alvester, where can they spot you next?
Alvester: I’m going on tour! It’s called the “Impressions” tour and I’m going to do some songs from the album. People should come out to that and see me.
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Interview by: Rashad (That Grape Juice US)
(@rashadtaylor517)
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Click to Follow Alvester Martin on Twitter//Click for dates & info on ‘Impressions Tour’
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