Today we’d like to introduce you to Alisa Jefferson.
Hi Alisa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up in a home filled with Motown, funk, blues, soul, rock, country, and jazz. I watched music shows on TV and dreamed about performing onstage someday as a singer.
I played viola from elementary school through early high school and received my first acoustic-electric guitar from my mom and stepdad for Christmas when I was thirteen. I still have that guitar today. In the 1990s, I began playing bass and singing lead in an original trio, Morning Fix.
After taking a break from music, I returned in 2014 and formed the original rock trio, Radial Red. We spent seven years writing, recording, and performing together before releasing our full-length album, Moving Skies, in 2020. During the pandemic, I also created and released a solo album, Tell Me, in 2021.
Today, I am performing classic-rock covers with Alisa & Scott Acoustic Duo + Carrie, where I sing and play rhythm guitar. Scott and I also played together in Radial Red, and Carrie joined the acoustic project in 2025, adding percussion and another fun dynamic.
I am also the lead vocalist and cat wrangler for About Last Night, an energetic 1980s rock and pop cover band. Our drummer and I have played together in the group since founded in 2013, and the band has continued to grow and evolve over the years to our current lineup.
Some of my most memorable performances include playing the VooDoo Lounge with Radial Red, performing at Starlight Theatre with Mad Libby on the side stage when Heart and Joan Jett came to Kansas City, and playing several special shows with About Last Night at Aztec Shawnee Theater.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Music has always been there for me through both the best and most difficult times in my life. It is therapeutic as a listener, creator, and performer, and it gives me a way to express emotions through lyrics.
I began pursuing music more seriously later in adulthood, but I have learned there is no expiration date on doing something you love. Starting later has made me appreciate every opportunity even more.
Independent musicians also face many practical challenges. Rehearsing, recording, booking shows, creating content, promoting events, coordinating schedules, and maintaining multiple projects all require a great deal of time and commitment. Most musicians are balancing music with careers, family, health, and everyday responsibilities.
The digital world has also changed music dramatically. Artists can now record at home and release music independently, which is exciting. At the same time, the number of artists and platforms can make it difficult for new music to be discovered.
The pandemic was especially hard on musicians and venues. Watching so many music spaces close only reinforced how important it is to support the businesses and people who continue investing in live music.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a singer, songwriter, bassist, rhythm guitarist, recording artist, and booking lead for my projects. Original music allows me to share my own experiences and ideas, while performing cover songs gives me the chance to connect with audiences through music they already know and love.
Some of my greatest influences include Pat Benatar, Steve Perry, Annie Lennox, Linda Perry, Ann Wilson, Johnette Napolitano, and Melissa Etheridge. I admire their voices, authenticity, strength, and ability to create an emotional connection with listeners.
The greater Kansas City music scene is incredibly diverse. We are fortunate to have talented original artists, multiple cover and tribute bands, supportive venues, and loyal music fans across the metro.
One of the most rewarding parts of performing is seeing people singing, smiling, and dancing. Music is a universal language, and for a few hours, it can bring people from different backgrounds together in the same shared experience.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that it is never too late to pursue something meaningful. The timing may not look exactly as expected, but that does not make your journey less valuable.
I have also learned that music requires a lot of patience, discipline, and persistence. Growing up before the digital era taught me to wait for favorite songs on the radio, ability to record and make cassette playlists, and anticipate album-release days to head on down to your local record store to grab the album. That patience still influences the way I approach music today.
Another important lesson is that no musician succeeds alone. Bandmates, family, venue owners, sound professionals, photographers, and audiences all play a role. I am especially grateful to my spouse and family, who continue to support my music and attend many of my performances today.
Most importantly, I have learned not to take music for granted. It has given me purpose, healing, connection, and memories I will always treasure.
I encourage people to support local musicians and the venues that give them a place to perform. Attend shows, share their work, purchase music or merchandise, and support businesses that invest in live entertainment. Every effort helps keep Kansas City’s music scene thriving.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alisajeffersonmusic.com
