From the electric pulse of pop to the soul-stirring depths of raw emotion, Alena Ciera is proving she’s more than just an artist—she’s a storyteller who refuses to be boxed in.
The Maryland-born, Washington D.C.-based singer, guitarist, and actor has graced stages with some of music’s most celebrated names, including David Byrne’s American Utopia, Arianna Asfar, The Amours, Yolanda Adams, Cee Lo Green, Bela’ Dona, and more.
Her career boasts an impressive list of milestones—performances at The St. James Theater, The National Stadium, Virginia Beach Funk Fest, Ladybug Festival, The Capitol Jazz Cruise, and a show-stopping appearance at the 2024 BET HBCU Honor Awards. She’s even been featured in Guitar World Magazine, a nod to her growing influence as a musician who blends precision with passion.
In this exclusive interview, Alena opens up about the moments that shaped her, the unexpected music she loves, and the lessons she’s learned while navigating the fast-paced music industry.
Q&A with Alena Ciera
Q: What’s a moment in your life that completely changed the way you approach music?
“Learning how my music can help and impact others completely shifted my perspective. At first, I made music as a personal outlet—something just for me. But the moment I saw how my songs could resonate with someone else, offer comfort, or even inspire them, everything changed. I started creating with more intention, thinking about the emotions I could convey and the messages I wanted to share. It became less about perfection and more about connection.”
“It became less about perfection and more about connection.”
Q: That deeper connection you speak about—does it influence what you listen to when it’s just you and your headphones?
“Rock, alternative metal, and gospel music. It might seem like a wild combo, but there’s something about the raw emotion and energy in those genres that really speaks to me. Rock and metal help me tap into a different intensity, while gospel grounds me and brings me peace. It’s a balance that keeps me inspired in unexpected ways.”
Q: Every artist faces ups and downs. Was there ever a time you thought about walking away from music?
“Yeah, there was a time I seriously thought about quitting. I felt like I wasn’t reaching enough people—my numbers on social media weren’t growing the way I hoped, and it made me question if my music was really making an impact. But what brought me back was the support from my friends and the people who’ve been with me since the beginning. Their encouragement reminded me why I started in the first place—because music is more than numbers; it’s about connection and staying true to your passion.”
Q: That passion often shines through in lyrics. Is there one you’ve written that still gives you chills?
“A lyric I wrote that still gives me chills is: ‘All the time we spent together, I thought it would last forever.’ It takes me back to moments in a relationship—or even a close friendship—where you spend the whole day with someone special, not wanting it to end. When you’re younger, you believe those moments will last forever… even though deep down, you know they won’t.”
Q: Speaking of emotions, the music industry moves fast and demands a lot. How do you handle the pressure to stay relevant?
“Honestly, it’s not always easy. The pressure to constantly perform and stay relevant can be overwhelming, especially in such a fast-paced industry. But I’ve learned that staying grounded in why I started helps me keep going. I try to focus on creating from a real place, not just chasing trends. Taking breaks, protecting my mental space, and surrounding myself with people who keep it real—those things help me stay balanced. At the end of the day, I’d rather be timeless than just trending.”
Q: If you could take a timeless song and put your spin on it, what would it be?
“One song I wish I wrote is ‘Fix You’ by Coldplay. There’s something so simple yet deeply emotional about it—the lyrics, the build-up, the message of wanting to be there for someone in their lowest moments. It’s timeless. If I had written it, I think I might’ve added a few more personal verses, something even more raw or specific, just to give it that intimate, storytelling feel. But honestly, it’s one of those songs that’s close to perfect as it is.”
Q: Your discography tells a story. What’s the plot?
“If my discography told a story, it would be about growth through love, loss, and learning to find strength within. It would start with innocence—those early songs filled with hope, dreams, and young love. Then it would shift into heartbreak, confusion, and the messiness of figuring life out. But as it goes on, you’d hear resilience building—songs about healing, self-worth, and rediscovering joy. By the end, it would be about acceptance and peace, like finding your voice after losing it for a while. Every track would be a chapter, and every lyric a little piece of the journey.”
Q: When you’re writing those chapters, how do you know when a song is ready to share?
“For me, a song is never really finished—it just reaches a point where it feels honest enough to let go. I can tweak a lyric or melody a hundred times, but at some point, the emotion behind it lands, and that’s when I know it’s time to stop. It’s not about perfection, it’s about capturing a moment. Sometimes the imperfections are what make it real. So yeah, I don’t think songs are ever truly ‘done’—they just stop asking for more.”
Q: Some people might think they have you figured out as an artist. What’s the biggest misconception?
“As Alena Ciera, one misconception people often have about me as an artist is that I only create feel-good, upbeat music. While I definitely love making music that lifts people up and gets them moving, there’s a deeper side to my artistry that explores vulnerability, growth, and personal struggle. I write from real experiences—both the highs and the lows—and there’s a lot more emotional depth in my lyrics than some might expect at first glance.”
Q: If you could dream up your perfect collaboration, who would you choose?
“If I could collab with anyone, it would definitely be Griff—she’s such an incredible singer, songwriter, and all-around artist. I really admire the honesty and emotion she brings to her music. Our dream collaboration would blend her atmospheric, heartfelt pop style with my soulful, rhythmic energy. The song would probably have lush harmonies, a strong melodic hook, and lyrics that speak to self-discovery and empowerment. Something that feels both intimate and powerful—like a late-night anthem you play when you’re chasing your dreams or healing from something real.”
Q: Finally, where can fans follow your journey and hear more of your music?
Follow Alena Ciera on:
- Instagram: @alenaciera
- Facebook: Alena Ciera
- YouTube: Alena Ciera Official Channel
- TikTok: @alenaciera
- Twitter/X: Alena Ciera
- Website: www.alenaciera.com
Alena Ciera’s journey reads like a testament to talent, perseverance, and authenticity. From sharing the stage with Grammy-winning artists and industry legends to earning features in Guitar World Magazine, she’s proving that staying true to yourself is the real key to longevity in music. Her lyrics, her performances, and her unwavering connection to her audience show that she’s not just chasing trends—she’s building a legacy.
If her story moved you, stay connected with our magazine for more exclusive artist spotlights, behind-the-scenes access, and conversations with the voices shaping today’s music.
