“I used to be torn apart between acting, directing, and writing music, until I learned how to combine all of it.”
There is almost nothing Alex Sparrow can’t tackle. He’s on a hit television show on Lifetime, UnReal. He has modeled and danced. And most importantly, he has released some killer music tracks that he couldn’t be more excited to share with everyone. But five years ago, he thought none of this would have been possible after a life-threatening accident. Sparrow opens up about all of this to Popdust by sharing his inspiring story and telling us what is coming up next.
How did you become interested in music?
I started to perform as a musician (at the) age of 6, as young accordionist, wining numerous music contests already back then, long before I even started to sing or act, and I never stopped since. So I spent all my life on stage, and learned, that it’s the same all other the world – music and art is the most international language which uses energy exchange with the audience. Music is a place where I can be myself. Creating music, or – with microphone on stage I feel the biggest joy, happiness and freedom.
What about acting? When did you develop a passion for it?
I got my first role when I was 17, and that was a total accident – I went to the MTV casting for a TV program, and got the leading role in their new series! But (being) a perfectionist, and wanting to be professional in everything I do, right after that I went to the acting school, and was playing in the movies since. But there is a major difference in (these) two jobs of mine. When acting I portray other people, not necessary even similar to me, and making music I portray myself. I love ’50s vibe, and the music of that period has influenced me a lot – you can hear it in my album I am starting to release in America now.
I read that you were in a life-threatening car accident in 2013. Did this experience affect your career at all? Was there anything you learned from the recovery process?
That accident 5 years ago with a massive stroke as a result, affected my life tremendously. I was partly paralyzed, couldn’t sing or even talk, so I had to forget about singing or acting. Doctors told me I will never able to go back on stage, so I began to explore the professions where I could stay behind the camera. I wrote my first script, made my first short film as a director, and won dozens of festivals around the world with it. I started to write music for movies and TV shows. While I was training and restoring (my) singing skills and motor functions of the body and face, I fully mastered the new profession of screenwriter, director and editor and film composer. So, having lost one life, I found several others that now exist in me separately from each other. But I also like to switch from one to the other. From actor to director, from singer to composer, from screenwriter to producer. I used to be torn apart between acting, directing, and writing music, until I learned how to combine all of it. Now I write scripts and direct my own music videos and make music for the films where I play as an actor.
You’re on the Lifetime show UnReal. How did you come to get that gig and what do you love about it?
That was first part in my life which I got without anyone meeting me in person. I sent my self-tape and was invited to L.A. for the casting appointment. But I was in the middle of shooting in a European project as a lead, so I could not go… I knew that there were hundreds of competitors for this role, and was sure that as I can’t come, there is no chance. And I was greatly surprised to get the contract as an answer! That was really amazing. So, I was blessed to have a chance to work on this great project, and it was an amazing experience for me.
Can you tell us about your character, Alexi, and what we can expect from him this season?
Alexi is one of the most difficult characters I’ve ever portrayed in my life, and it’s one of a few I ever played who (is nothing like) me personally. Nearly none of the things he does I have done of have ever experienced in my life, so it was very interesting for me as an actor, and hard not only morally but also physically. And I am very thankful to the UnReal writers that they were supporting all my ideas about my character. And giving me a chance to realize them. My Alexi is the most unpredictable character of this season, an explosive and even dangerous guy, charming and full of vices. His heart is broken by a woman whom he still loves, and can not let go. But first of all he is an artist of insane talent and passion, a man with an incredible inner drama, in the final stage of self-destruction. I think talent is a fire that the Lord gives to a man so that he shares this warmth with others, like Prometheus. And as soon as one ceases to share this fire – he gets burned by it…This is what happens to my character. He rushes to the cliff at a tremendous speed to either fall or fly.
Your music also has a ton of followers and fans. Do you have any tracks of yours that are you favorites?
I am blessed to do what I love, and to have my passion to be my job, so I love (the) music I am doing! But one of my favorite tracks I am about to realize as my next single and it’s called “Baby You’re Mine,” and I love “You Don’t Have To Worry” for the year favorite ’50s style.
You’ve also composed songs for film. What was that experience like?
I always wrote soundtracks for the films I was playing, but I started writing symphonic scores the same time I started directing, after my accident, and very proud that one of my scores was for an Oscar’s entry from Georgia in 2017. Writing scores for me is a very powerful thing – music in the film can do magic, and is able to change totally the reception of every seen. And it’s fascinating for me as an artist to be able to influence the final product, when the ideas which were just in my head, becoming something real I can share.
In addition to all this, you dance and model! Are they any of these talents of yours you prefer expressing compared to others, or do you love it all equally?
I used to be torn apart between acting, directing, and writing music, ’till I learned how to combine all of it together greatly. Now I white scripts and direct my own music videos and make music for the films where I play as an actor.
What is coming up next for you?
This year I am planing to concentrate on music and release my English album I wrote in collaboration with one of the greatest world music producers, RedOne. I am more than exited to share it with you, and that moment is coming! My song “She’s Crazy But She’s Mine” with the video I have made as a director went viral all over the world about a year and a half ago, and now it’s starting to airplay in America. And a lot of new music with the special sound of Alex Sparrow to come!
Follow Alex Sparrow on Twitter | Instagram
Rachel A.G. Gilman is a writer, a former radio producer, and probably the girl wearing the Kinks shirt. She is the creator of The Rational Creature and suggests you check it out. Also visit her website for more.
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