When Emmy-nominated songwriter Alexander Star was a junior at NSU in 2010, he per- formed a concert at Homecoming and gave away his album to students. Thirteen years later, Star performs with his band in shows across South Florida and New York.
One show that Star looks forward to is the Gay8 Festival on Feb. 19.
“It’s a gay festival in Miami. I’m not gay, but they reached out to me after seeing me on Channel 7 because of my impact art and my inclusivity,” Star said. “They’re featuring me at their festival, which I think is really dope.”
Alexander Star performs at SunFest 2019. COURTESY OF ALEXANDER STAR.
Most recently, Star was invited to perform in a speaker series called Arts Means Business on Jan. 24. In 2013, he attended the event when a local DJ, DJ Irie, was performing. He was excited to return 10 years later as a speaker, especially with two of his band members.
“My guys are so dope. Just playing with live musicians, it’s game changing,” said Star.
In all of his songs, Star tries to encourage people to break down barriers. His original song “That’s What I Do Best” carries this feeling.
“It’s one of my favorite songs, especially with my live band,” said Star. “To make mu- sic just to be famous is not fulfilling to me. To make music that happens to be impactful to people who hear it, and as a result, they care about who I am—that’s what matters to me.”
Since as early as second grade, music and songwriting has had a profound impact on Star.
“What kind of got me to win throughout school is I would incorporate [music] into my projects,” said Star.
For one of his projects at NSU, Star did a report on the impact of positive messages in music on inmates.
Star found his time at NSU to be formative, especially his Homecoming concert in 2010. That concert connected him with his business partner, who helped him launch his career.
Star said that without NSU, “Alexander Star as we know him today would not be who he is today. I don’t know who I’d be or where I’d be or what I’d be doing, but Nova was instrumental.”
Another part of NSU that was significant for Star was his classes with Megan Fitzgerald, associate professor and faculty adviser of The Current. He graduated with a 3.96 GPA, which he thanks Fitzgerald for.
“She stretched me and had me dive in and really pay attention to what other people are scholastically contributing,” said Star.
Star will be performing in several events throughout February and March, including the Tunes ‘N Trucks concert in Sunrise on Feb. 10, as well as the Montessori Model United Nations conference in Times Square from Feb. 15-18.
On Feb. 25, Star and his band will play at the Miramar Afro-Caribbean Music Festival, opening for the Jamaican singer Koffee.
“Then March 15, I’m back in New York again,” said Star. “It’s going to be a crazy first quarter.”
For more information on upcoming events, visit Star’s website at www.alexanderstar.com.
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