Tiffany Alvord & Myself outside The Middle East in Camrbidge Ma (9/18/11)
For my third blog in this series, I just knew that I had to discuss one of my absolute favorite people in the entire world, someone who has changed my life in more ways than I can count, and is living proof of innocence in the world, YouTube Artist Tiffany Alvord!
Before jumping into my interview with Tiffany, I'd like to discuss a little of how I came upon her music. Back in high school, I had already stumbled upon some singers online covering other songs, but it wasn't until after Junior Prom when I found myself dancing uncontrollably to Jay Sean's "Down" that I'd stumple upon a much larger scope of this field of the independent entertainment industry. Side Note; I'm pretty sure I nearly knocked someone down, but thankfully no one got hurt. Anyways, after Prom, I decided to see if the artist I had followed on YouTube had covered this song in the hopes to learn to handle myself whenever this song was playing. Sadly, she had not covered it, but lucky for me, there was someone who had in the YouTube community; Tiffany Alvord.
Back in 2010, this was Tiffany Alvord's most viewed video, but that title now goes to her cover of Katty Perry's "The One Of Got Away" with Chester See. Regardless, this one single video would forever change my life. I was blown away by Tiffany's talent, and I'll be honest, I was also falling head over heels for her. I then began to check out more of her videos, including her orginals songs, other covers, even medleys. I also began to stumple upon other YouTube artists through Tiffany's Channel, including producer Kurt Schneider, and the Late & Great Christina Grimmie. This discovery would propel me into a whole new world of freedom & creativity. I began to support Tiffany Alvord and others like her heavily from that point on, and even gave myself the title of Tiffany's "#1 Rhode Islander". I wanted to get to see Tiffany perform live so badly, and lucky for me, shortly after I finished High School, Tiffany announced she'd be going on tour with Alex Goot & Luke Conard.
Originally I was set to go see her in Connecticut, but then she added a closer show in Boston to her schedule. I had already bought the tickets for Connecticut, so I reached out to her and she told me to talk with her mother. When I explained the situation she responded, and I might be paraphrasing here, "What we're going to do is put you on a special guest list for the Boston show. We want this to be as easy a transition for you as possible because we know you're such a big supporter of Tiffany's." I was absolutely blown away and my heart was just melting. This is what's great about YouTube & other Independent Artists; a deeper connection to their fans. Well, anyways I went to the show and had the time of my life. Towards the end of Tiffany's set, I pointed out that I was wearing her shirt and she was thrilled. I then shouted out "#1 Rhode Islander, remember?", and she went, "Are you Brenden?" MY MIND WAS BLOWN!!! Tiffany knew who I was just from a single phrase!
"Tiffany's Full Set from her show at The Middle East in Cambridge, MA"
Tiffany Alvord, Myself, Luke Conard & Alex Goot
Now I could go on forever about all the times Tiffany has made my day, from the support she has shown me, along with her mother, to the magical time we got to Skype Chat, or when she kissed me on the cheek. But you're all here to read about Tiffany herself, a beautiful multi-talented and creative artist who's built her own music career, traveled all over the world, worked with some amazing talented people, and is just a truly kind and wonderful person.
I'd like to take a moment to thank Tiffany Alvord's mother Cherie who helped to set this whole thing up between Tiffany & I. As always, this first part of the blog will focus on Tiffany's life growing up, her activities, how she was raised, who and what made her into the person she is today. I'd also like to take a moment to appologize to both Tiffany & Cherie, for they responded back to me several months ago, but it has taken a very long time for me to get this blog completed. I had promised to have it done around Tiffany's birtday last month, but that didn't happen either. This does not properly reflect the support I've shown and the love & respect I have for Tiffany and her family. They've been absolutely kind to me for so many years, and I'd just like to take this moment to thank them all for that. You are all incredible people, and you never prove otherwise.
Section 1
A) Start with your life growing up. How were you raised? What did your parents do to inspire & help you grow. What did they do to toughen you up or get you ready for the world?
I was raised in a big family. I have 5 older brothers and one younger. I learned at a young age to adapt, be flexible, spontaneous, and to go with the flow. You donât get to be too picky or always get your own way with so many people having needs, wants, and opinions., ha-ha. My family taught me how to work hard. I had weekly and daily chores. I learned that work earns rewards. Whether it was an allowance, points towards privileges, something I wanted from a store, or a surprise, I knew I had to work for the things I wanted.
With 6 brothers I became a bit competitive and wanted to âkeep up with the boys.â If anyone toughened me up, it was my brothers. I always felt loved by them, but I also wanted to be like them. If they went to the skate park, I wanted to get rollerblades and go to the skatepark with them. I became very determined to learn things and accomplish things I set out to do.
I was raised in a religious home. I learned about right and wrong from a very young age. I learned about God and Jesus by going to church every Sunday. I learned that a higher power always loved me and was watching over me and that gave me confidence. I learned to be thankful.
My parents also taught me manners, love, and to show respect for others. My parents helped me pursue anything I was passionate about (or thought I was passionate about) to help me develop skills and chase activities that excited me. I tried soccer, baseball, swimming, piano, gymnastics, and acting. Being in sports helped me gain confidence and to be a team player, and I learned to believe in myself.
I developed a love for music by taking piano lessons when I was just 5 years old. Through gymnastics I learned discipline and perseverance and how to never give up. I was on a competitive team and I learned to do my very best and give it my all in a competition. I also learned not to be too hard on myself when I failed. If we know we did our best, that is the most important thing to remember. From doing local I learned to overcome fears, to love being on stage, to work hard to learn my lines and become a character, to work with the other actors. I loved entertaining an audience. I learned plays were like music. They can entertain, inspire, and teach.
I also learned to be a team player within my family, always doing my part to help. Whether it was unloading the dishwasher or setting the table, life is about participation and working with those by your side. My family taught me about being helpful and looking for ways to give and serve. I believe if you learn service in the home, then you are able to take that trait and do good in the world.
My parents made me feel special, important, and needed.
B) How did you find yourself growing as a person? Who & what shaped you into who you are today?
I have always been full of wonder and adventure. I love seeing new things, exploring, learning, and trying to stay young at heart. I think because I had the opportunity to try so many things growing up, it helped me find what I loved the most. I attribute a lot of my values to those things I loved that I was able to pursue. For example, I learned determination from gymnastics. I learned values such as loving others, serving, putting family first, being kind, and living a life with integrity from attending church. My parents worked hard and provided for a large family and their unconditional love gave me a such a strong sense of security. I always felt safe while learning and growing. This provided a foundation of stability that has allowed me to believe in myself and move forward with a hopeful attitude.
C) What were your activities growing up?
Piano, gymnastics, soccer, baseball, swimming, cross-country, acting (local theatre.)
Tevin Alvord, Tiffany Alvord, Tiffany's Friend Chris
D) How did you develop your interest for music?
I think kids naturally are drawn to certain things, whether ingrained or just exposed to at a young age, but for some reason I was always drawn to music. I think it was inborn. I loved karaoke and would sing along to all the songs we had for our karaoke machine. I found so much joy in singing and listening to music. (Does anyone remember âHit Clips?â My brother and I collected them all!) I discovered at a young age that I loved writing my own songs and was excited anytime Iâd write my own lyrics. It was such an exciting thing to start with a blank page and then fill it with words that had emotion and meaning. I let that passion for songwriting grow and evolve since it resonated with my heart. I loved telling my story and sharing my feelings through music.
E) What do you seek through music? Something that helps your day get started, something inspirational, something that you can connect to, that heals you, etc.
I think music can be healing and therapeutic in so many ways. It is a universal language. Sometimes I feel sad and just want to cry it all out and music can help me process my sadness. Other days I want to just dance in my room and get pumped up and music can put me in such a happy place. When I write songs, I love connecting to whatever emotion Iâm feeling. I love discovering new music with cool lyrics that have profound meaning to me. It helps me learn more about myself, others, and the world. I feel music can help me see things from a different perspective. I love reading with inspirational music playing in the background. I love going on a hike or working out with pumped up music. Thereâs music to cater to each life moment and experience and that is why I love music so much.
F) How do you hope to shape people? What sort of impact would you like to have on people and the world?
I hope to inspire people to live their best lives and to be authentic. I want people to feel valued and heard and not alone. Itâs easy to feel isolated or like no one understands. If my songs can resonate or let people know they arenât the only ones going through something, or if it can give a glimmer of hope to someone, that is my motivation. I want my music to share the array of emotions that we can feel as humans and to somehow touch others to feel those emotions. As a person, I want to be someone others can relate to and to let them know how valued and important they are. My biggest hope is that I might inspire others to be happy and to be happy with who they are.
Tiffany Alvord: Authenticity "10 Years Ago"
Tifffany Alvord: Authenticity "6 Years Ago"
I have been supporting Tiffany Alvord for over a decade now, and I hope that it is apparent why just from reading Part 1 of my interview with her. I was holding off on the other two parts after the family went through a difficult loss, to give them time to grieve and move forward.
I do plan on continuing this blog in the future, but seeing as how Tiffany is such a big part of my life, I want to make sure I do this blog justice, so it may take a while. Rest assured, when my interview with her is complete, you can expect the rest of this blog in a much shorter time frame.
I'd just like to take this moment to say "Thank You Tiffany Alvord". These past 10 and nearly 11 years have been an absolute treat. I don't know where I'd be without you and the rest of the YouTube community right now, but honestly, it's safe to say you all saved my life!
Ever year for Tiffany's birthday I like to list reasons why I love her equal to however many years old she is now, plus a few extra. Here was my list for Tiffany's 28th Birthday:
1) Your Sm:)e
2) Your Heart
3) Your Beautiful Eyes
4) We Both Love Cookies
5) Our Favorite Color Is Blue
6) Both Our Eyes Are Blue
7) We Were Only Born "6" Days Apart
8) Your Voice
9) Your Music
10) Your Innocence
11) You're Adorable
12) Our Mutual Love Of Relaxation. You Want A Masseuse For A Husband & I Give The Best Foot Rubs! đââď¸đââď¸đŁ
13) You're So Considerate Of Others
14) You & The Whole YouTube Community Have Saved Me, So Many Times!
15) When We First Met And I Yelled #1RhodeIslander You Went, "Are You Brenden?"
16) You Share Your Appreciation To Your Fans.
17) You Featured Me Not Only On Your Fan Album List, But On The Display Below Too.
18) You Gave Me The Most Magical Kiss On My Cheek. I Can Still Feel It To This Day! đđ
19) You Started The Artist Cheek For Me!
20) You Never Forget Me.
21) Your Hugs Are Warm And Magical.
22) Your Personality. đ
23) You Have The Cutest Laugh. đ¤ Whether You're Laughing At A Joke Or Getting Tickled.
24) #MyHeartIs Beating, And #TheReasonIsYou !
25) You Are The Good And The Light And Love In Me.
26) Your Birthday Is On The Day I Finished College, One Year Ago Today!!! đđ
27) You Used To Not Be A Fan Of đ, But Now Have A Love For Puppies!
28) You've Grown So Much Since You Started YouTube Over The Last Decade.
29) Your Family's Always Been Kind To Me As Well.
30) You And Your Mother Always Go The Extra Mile For Me.
I Hope All Your Dreams & Wishes Come True. đ
You Truly Do Represent Innocence Tiffany.
Stay Tuned for Parts 2 & 3 of this blog, focusing on Tiffany's Music Journey, as well as her Triumphs & Struggles.
In Dedication To & In Loving Memory Of Kurt Alvord
Rest In Peace
Nov. 14th 1957 - Aug. 1st 2020
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