Biography

Soul Alley is fronted by singer Alexandra Stoetzel, an Andover, Mass. native. Her singing began almost right out of the crib. She hasn't stopped since.

"For me, it's about connecting with my audience, taking them away from their daily stresses and concerns, helping them enjoy their respite. I believe in music's power to reach and affect people's lives for the better."

Having been exposed to many musical styles by her father's eclectic taste in music ranging from Bob Dylan, Grateful Dead to Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin, Alley continued her career by attending Berklee College of Music. While there she continued to hone her craft, immersed in the diverse culture and music settings that surrounded her. She became more heavily inspired by the R&B icons like Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Etta James as well as the new sound of R&B like Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, and pop singers Amy Winehouse and Joss Stone.

Soon after graduating, she performed at the Boston Blues Challenge, reaching the finals in 2008. Alley found that her style was evolving away from blues and more toward the R&B and Funk sounds of her mentors. She met with keys player and producer Bruce Bears (2 time Grammy Nominee for Duke Robillard, and music director for Toni Lynn Washington) who offered to produce her first CD. They spent many sessions researching songs to help identify the sound she was looking for in her music. With his guidance they put together several original songs as well as re-worked versions of obscure covers. Entering the studio in 2009, they recorded the debut CD "Public Alley 421" over several sessions. The band consisted of several long time contributors and members that performed with her at shows around the Boston area.

Jim Carty, host of "Blues and Beyond" on WMFO Tufts Radio, heard the CD and immediately began playing tracks on the air waves. The band soon picked up a growing following, receiving airplay on radio shows around Boston. In November of 2010, the single "Tell Me Your My Guy" reached #9 in the nation on the Airplay Direct Download Charts.

On October 20th of 2010 "Public Alley 421" was released to the public with a performance at the House of Blues Foundation Room. The band went all out, bringing in Special Guests to perform their songs with extra vibrancy. The band's jaw dropping performance lit up the packed house. The energy was electric, leaving the audience with just a taste of what's to come from Soul Alley. Video of the performance is available on the website homepage www.soulalleymusic.com

Soul Alley has been performing throughout the New England area, with acts like the Luke Mulholland Band, Phil Pemberton band (singer of Roomful of Blues), Richard James, Jen Kearney and the Lost Onion, The Nasty's, and more. They look to continue to grow musically and gain more exposure, bringing their sound and energy to new markets.

For video of CD release party performance please visit www.soulalleymusic.com

alley@soulalleymusic.com

"Every track grabs the ears with its first note. The highly-polished sonic quality from producer Bruce Bears who plays keyboards throughout perfectly captures lead singer Alley Stoetzel’s clear, precise, powerful voice on every cut..." - Bill Copeland billcopelandnews.com

"The brighter elements of “Tell Me You’re My Guy” sparkle, and the vigor of this track comes largely from the vocals. Alley Stoetzel’s voice is both energetic and silky smooth at the same time...The spice in the track comes in the form of some bold moves by the rhythm section...effortlessly locking in and out of various grooves in an organic and well-arranged manner." - C.D. Di Guardia bostonbandcrush.com

Soul Alley brings a refreshing and vibrant take on the retro R&B sound, blending funky grooves with soulful vocals. Their style is cut from the same cloth as groups such as Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Galactic, Laura Reed and Deep Pocket, to name a few.
- Smoken Joe's Newsletter