alex oceguera
What did Norco Music mean to you?
Norco Music was a space for creative freedom—a place where I could learn the technical skills to enhance my work as an artist while building bonds with a community of people who all shared a passion for songwriting. The program gave me inspiration, support, and confidence as I ventured into the LA music industry.
Favorite memory from your time there?
Some of my favorite memories from the Norco Music program were the times we debriefed after a long day of class. A few other students, Brady, and I would hang out outside and talk about what we worked on, what music we were listening to, what was going on in our lives—and just enjoy each other’s company before the day ended. The sunsets were beautiful in the afternoons, and we all got to take a moment to just be alive. Something that always stuck with me was a comment Brady made: he told me the only thing that separates me from a professional in the music industry is that they get paid. I always appreciated his mentorship—it challenged my perspective and helped me grow not just as an artist, but as a person.
What are you doing now?
Right now, my life has changed a lot. I was initially pursuing a career in music—living in LA, going to studio sessions, and getting involved in the industry. It was a great (and challenging) experience, but one thing that was always constant for me was my connection to nature. LA lacked that connection. So, I made a big life shift and moved to Hawaii to do farm and conservation work. Being here has felt more authentic to my soul and deeply fulfilling. I’m excited about the inspiration it’s already giving me for my next body of work. While I’m no longer pursuing a music career in the traditional sense, I’ll always be creating and sharing music. If it becomes successful, great—and if not, that’s okay too. Music, for me, goes beyond a career; it’s the space where I can fully express who I am and how I see the world.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced?
One of the biggest challenges I faced while pursuing music was feeling like I needed validation from others. Over time, I realized that while the music industry is often glamorized, it also has a dark side that impacted my well-being. It made me feel like I wasn’t good enough and left me feeling isolated. Eventually, I came to understand that I didn’t need to prove myself to people who didn’t care about me. I already knew in my heart that music was meaningful to me—and the work I created impacted others. That was enough. That’s not to say everyone in the industry is like that—I’ve met some incredible people whom I still stay connected with. But there’s definitely a lot that needs to change in the industry. At the end of the day, we all just love making music, and it shouldn’t feel so closed off.
Was there a moment you knew you were on the right path?
A moment I knew I was on the right path was during a meditation last year when I realized I didn’t have to be in LA to be a successful artist. I could be anywhere and still create. When the opportunity to go to Hawaii presented itself, I spent almost a year planning and working toward it—and now that I’m here, it feels like one of the best decisions I’ve made. It challenges me in ways that help me grow into my most authentic self. Before I left, I released an album and threw my own release party. What was so special about that project was that I let go of expectations—it was truly for me and from me. Releasing something without trying to prove myself, and accepting that it’s okay not to have all the answers, gave me the most creative freedom I’ve ever experienced.
What project are you most proud of?
My latest project, I THINK IT’S OVER & I DON’T KNOW WHERE TO GO, is the work I’m most proud of. It’s raw, organic, and authentic. That project helped me find my sound and inspired me to continue exploring it in future productions. I have a second part coming soon, and I can’t wait to share it!
How do you stay inspired?
I stay inspired by keeping an open heart and mind. I’ve learned that the more I listen and observe, the more life flows with me instead of me pushing against it. That openness has expanded my opportunities, deepened my experiences, and elevated my art.
What advice would you give current Norco Music students?
One piece of advice I’d offer: don’t be so hard on yourself. This process—of creating music and becoming confident in your work—takes time. There’s no shortcut, and no one is going to hand it to you. It took many successful artists years before their work received recognition, and that’s okay. There’s no rush. Whatever you want in life, you have the power to go after it. All it takes is the willingness to begin. One thing that really helped me—something Brady once told me—was to stop saying “one day I’ll do this” or “sometime I’ll get to it,” and instead say, “I will do this,” and “I will get there.”