Alana Sweetwater is a passionate and captivating songwriter who grew up in the mountains of Tucson, Arizona. Her songs have a strong undercurrent of intimacy and accessibility, which echoes many listeners’ own experiences and feelings. There is no superficiality here; only a raw and honest need to communicate expressed through her words: “I want to make people FEEL. I want them to know that they are not alone.”
As a child, both of Alana’s parents ran private businesses from their home. Her mother owned a salsa company while her father had a holistic dental practice that still thrives today. In addition, the property was a commune with a constant stream of wayward travelers coming and going. This proved to be fertile ground for Alana’s budding creativity. “I made up songs while I was alone in the desert, then I’d come home, get all dressed up and perform them for everyone,” Alana recalls.
At twelve years old, she received her first guitar and found it to be the perfect vehicle to help her write songs. By the time she was 16, she had formed her first band, written over 100 songs and consistently performing at local venues. She recorded her first album entitled, “Hope for the Living,” and started playing all around the country in venues like The House of Blues in Los Angeles, California, The Fox Theater in Boulder, Colorado and The South By Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas. Later, she released her second album, “From Behind the Veil.” Tucson embraced the young songwriter, where she received regular radio airplay. The Tucson Weekly went so far as to write a five-page article about her life and music. Still living in the town she was born in, Alana began to feel complacent and craved change in her life, ultimately choosing to leave Tucson for Los Angeles.
When Alana Arrived in Los Angeles, she had $80 and a place to stay for three days. In little time, she was playing many of the most prestigious clubs. She placed two songs in Jim Wilson Films (“Dances with Wolves” and “Waterworld”) and recorded her third self-titled album with producer Joe Romersa (Jon Prine, Bonnie Raitt). After a year and a half of playing in support of the album, new songs and new ideas were springing forth and along with it, the desire for a different kind of sound. She fell in love with hip-hop and R&B beats, but desired a more acoustic approach. She met musician Marlon Grace, who played the Cajon, and found what would become the heart beat of her new sound. She soon brought in Dylan Cooper to play upright bass and all three began to perform as The Heavy Steppers. Eventually Alana added guitarist Jason Decorse, a long time friend and musical companion since the Tucson days, as well as guitarist Mike Freas, a talented blues and bluegrass player. Both musicians loved the new sound and wanted to contribute their talents. Marlon then introduced his friend Boom to the group, a tap dancer who has performed in Stomp, and Dylan brought in creative jazz trumpeter Phil Rodriguez. The band that has been created is much like a band of traveling gypsies: passionate, wild and entertaining. Accompanied by her band, Alana’s songs have come to life and become a glorious and full sensory experience.
Alana took The Heavy Steppers into the studio in the summer of 2006 where they finished their album (March 2007). The band plays around Los Angeles regularly, filling venues like The Hotel Café, The Derby, and The Mint. This is an exciting time for Alana Sweetwater. She has found her musical family, great success as a songwriter and a collaborative album that is a culmination of her musical experience. The band will begin touring the United States in June 2007.
“Look out DiFranco fans, there’s a new righteous babe in our midst.”
- Mauri Wadsworth Tucson Weekly
“New music is always around us, but music that touches us, challenges us, and comforts
us is hard to come by. Alana Sweetwater and her music offer so much to love.”
- Christie McQueen slideangle.com
“I’ve never been this excited about an artist in a long time.”
- Tim Mitchell (Shakira, Gloria Estefan)
“I’ve never seen anything like this! Every person in the place wants to give Alana a hug before they leave. How can so much power come out of such a little girl?”
- Alana Sweetwater fan after a recent show at Hotel Cafe
"By the way, my fiancee and I are hooked on your cd. It is seriously one of the best collections of indie music accomplishments I've heard in a while. I'm a big fan. "
-Jon Hershfield (IS GOOD MUSIC)
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hey thanks for the add! I havent heard ur music until u added me and yes i am also a very big fan of terra naomi. UR MUSIC ROCKS btw im converted to facebook sooz yeah. lol
Hey Alana, of course i remember you :) Life is GREAT on my end. How are you? i'm playing in NYC this Thursday. i'd love for you to come out, support and catch up. did you know i was born on the east coast?
I would love to come see you play. Do you have the address so I can GPS it so I don't get lost. I am famous for getting lost LOL. I will see you there. D:)
hey pretty mama it looks like our paths may cross in l.a. i should be back there hopefully by your show but definitely before the end of july.... i was hoping we could do a show in new york together in september maybe.. i'll be in up state ny for a festival and then touring around after that!!! miss you and i hope to see you soon!!! muah!!
Hey Sweetie! How are you? Where are you on your journey??? I'm still in China and loving it. Plan to do some traveling when my contract is up in Oct. I don't know when I'll be back in the states but I know it will be New York.
