Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Huff.
Hi Alicia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
⸻
I hail from Houston, Texas, where my musical roots were nurtured in the church, instilling in me a deep appreciation for community and harmony. Pursuing higher education led me to Sacramento, where I immersed myself in jazz studies and took on the role of frontwoman for the local brass band, City of Trees. This experience ignited my passion for performance and collaboration.
In 2017, I founded my own band, Hayez, embarking on a nationwide tour that blended music and theater, allowing me to share my artistry with diverse audiences. Alongside performing, I dedicated myself to music education, fostering the next generation of artists. My commitment to theater also earned me recognition, culminating in honors at the Kennedy Center in 2024.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it hasn’t been the easiest road—but it hasn’t been terrible either. Like a lot of artists, I’ve had to navigate instability, burnout, and periods of doubt. Balancing the hustle of gig life, teaching, and theater work while trying to grow something sustainable has been a challenge.
There have been times I’ve questioned whether I could really do it all—but each moment of struggle has taught me something, sharpened my voice, and brought me closer to the kind of artist and leader I want to be. I’m still learning, still stretching, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At my core, I’m a vocalist, bandleader, and storyteller. I specialize in live performance that fuses R&B, soul, jazz, and funk—but more than that, I create experiences that shift the energy in a room. Whether I’m fronting my band Hayez, teaching music, or performing in a theatrical production, my focus is always on emotional honesty and connection.
I’m probably best known for my live shows—people often tell me they felt something they didn’t expect to feel. That means everything to me. I take pride in curating not just a setlist, but a moment in time that people carry with them.
What sets me apart is the voice itself—raw, textured, and grounded in truth. It’s shaped by gospel roots, jazz study, and a deep emotional reservoir that comes from lived experience. Whether I’m singing something smooth, soulful, or gritty, people tend to feel the heart behind it. I’ve also carved a space that blends music, theater, and education while staying grounded in who I am and where I come from.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest advice: give yourself permission to evolve. The artist you are now won’t be the artist you are five years from now—and that’s a good thing. Stay curious, stay open, and don’t be afraid to start before you feel “ready.”
I wish I had known that rest is part of the work. That you don’t have to prove your worth by overextending yourself. Consistency matters more than perfection, and protecting your peace will only strengthen your art.
Also—build your community. Find your people, support them, and let them support you. This work is hard, but it’s not meant to be done alone.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Inahayez
- Facebook: Hayez
- Youtube: Inahayez
- Soundcloud: Hayez
