Alanna Clarke: Confidence in Human Form

What is confidence? In human form, it's Alanna Clarke, a powerful sixteen-year-old musician hailing from Cochrane, Alberta, whose knack for performing was evident even in childhood. "When I was little, I would sing along to my favourites: the Spice Girls, Alanis Morissette and Madonna. I would put blank cassette tapes into the player and press record, then dance around the room and make up lyrics and melodies. What drew me to music wasn't singing in church or having a close family who influenced me; it was simply a love for music."

As a pianist and guitarist, Alanna has been a performer for many years and hopes to become an international artist in the future. "I really want to tour the world; this is one of my bigger goals. Something that's a short-term goal is to put out a new CD and sell 2000 copies, and get my stuff up on iTunes." With such catchy tunes delivered by a girl who really knows what she's doing, these feats should come easily.

Alanna is lucky to have a strong support network, and she knows this. "I think a big problem is everyone has it in their minds that a university degree should be the first thing on their list. I've had countless people tell me to make sure I have a back-up plan, but you don't work on your back-up plan first! I had a lot of support from my parents financially and emotionally; I couldn't be where I am without them."

For someone who seems so sure of herself, the one problem Alanna has is describing her own sound. "This is, like, the hardest question in the entire world. I classify my music as pop/rock, but there's a lot of blues, jazz and rock influences."

As for her lyrics? Talking about them comes a little easier. "I have always been a songwriter. Relationships are my biggest source of inspiration, watching how people interact with each other or to situations. Emotions are a big one too."

Self-described as "opinionated" and wanting to always have the "final say," it is difficult not to seek music and performing advice from Alanna. "It's all about getting your name known. Find other players who are just as dedicated and on the same level as you, and you'll find as long as you take all the opportunities you can, you'll make connections slowly. Go to open mics in your area: The more confident you are on stage, the more you're learning, and the more people you meet.

"Alanna's musical ambitions are not only humbling, but they are the way music was intended to be. "The great thing about music is that everyone can connect to it. If I can help some chick through getting dumped or cheated on, just like other songs have helped me, I'll be really happy."

Girl power. The Spice Girls would be proud.