We had the good fortune of connecting with Christine Alice and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christine, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I started to lose control when I started to lose my voice. I prioritized my business, my family, my friends, all to the number 1 position and decided that I would rest when I was dead. I quit my “real job” about 3 years ago and pursued music full time. Playing music full time doesn’t just mean playing shows and writing music. Those things are a part of it but just like running any business you also have to be an accountant, a marketer, a designer, a creative artist, an image creator, a promotor, a booker, a producer, a public relations manager, a web designer, a photographer… and I could go on and on.

To be honest, after 2 years of full time, I became completely overwhelmed and I couldn’t write, or practice anything new. While I was running my business and performing live 6 nights a week, I was also trying to be a good daughter, aunt, friend, and girlfriend. I was trying so hard to be everything for everyone and produce, produce, produce. My mom always tells me I’m doing too much and I need to slow down, but most of the time I feel like I’m just spinning my wheels and the only logical solution is to press on the gas harder. Mom’s always know best.

The wheels started to fall off this past August when my dad was struck by lightening, yes lightning. Side story: he was walking in his backyard watching a lightening storm when bam! He was struck down. I drove to the hospital like I drive my life, with the pedal to the metal. After a few days in the ICU he walked out of the hospital and lived to tell the tale. That was a true blessing. However, during that time and the months that followed, I became a full time nurse on top of playing shows during peak season while maintaining all my social obligations/duties. I kept it all going full blast. My pistons were overheating but I kept telling myself that I was strong and I would take a break in January. Just keep pushing a little further…. Then MY beloved dog passed away and the car that was going 100 MPH suddenly shifted into 1st gear.

I made it to my last show like a train that plowed into a bus and you watch in horror as it slowly halts long after it should have but the damage has been done. My voice was shot, my eyes were bloodshot, and I was running on fumes. I left that gig like an abusive relationship. Totally battered and bruised but I still loved it. I felt bewildered like the music was gas lighting me, but it had been me the whole time.

Losing my voice has been emotionally and physically challenging. Like I’ve lost my purpose and my role in society. I’ve been suffering from chronic acid reflux that is living in my throat which is not ideal for a singer to say the least, but I’m finding it is closely related to stress. So, I’m learning to manage that more effectively. I’ve been in therapy and rehab for months, not just for my voice, but my lifestyle. I’ve had to relearn how to sing, learn how to eat, learn how to say no, learn how to listen to my body, and be ok with slowing down. Now mid march, I haven’t played a show since December and I’m being very selective in where and with whom I spend time with.

Since the breakdown, my to do list has consisted of little more than eat, sleep, and rest. I’m slowly incorporating more in and I have started to feel the urge to play my guitar and write. I hadn’t wanted to play for fun or creative reasons for a year. I am feeling energized by music and social events again. While I’m not out of the woods yet, I am seeing the light shining through the trees. I hear the birds and I’m starting to be able to sing with them a little. I’ve slowed down enough that I can see and feel my surroundings. I’m not just racing by as a blur of smoke.

This has been an important lesson that my work isn’t my life and I’m not responsible for everyone else’s happiness and health. I really love what I do and I am very fortunate to lead this life, but my life is a variety of things with priorities that change from moment to moment. I can only do one thing at a time and if I don’t take care of myself, I can’t take care of anything else.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I’m a singer/songwriter/performer/producer in Northern Colorado. The quality of my music that I hear about most is my voice. I have always loved to sing and I feel a deep connection with the voice more than any other instrument. When I perform, I play the acoustic guitar and occasionally bass when I play with a band. I struggle to claim a genre. I love so many different types of music and I enjoy putting my own spin on well loved covers. My own music, I try to paint a picture and let the music speak for itself.

I have had the honor of writing and performing for film which have won awards all over the world. I would say I am most proud of the music I wrote for a documentary surrounding the life and works of Dr. Temple Grandin. The film hopefully will be released later this year. I have long admired Dr Grandin for her trailblazing for animal rights, informing about neural diversity, and her unrelenting desire to educate and share knowledge. It was a true honor to be a part of that project.

Recently I have been diving into producing and have been enjoying helping clients develop their songs into full production recordings.

I also enjoy helping other artists song write. It’s really fun hearing other peoples music and collaborating to make their art come alive!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well if you’re coming to Fort Collins, you can’t get away without tasting some beer. I don’t even know how many breweries are in town but some of the staples are New Belgium, Odells, Horse & Dragon, and Funkwerks. They are all conveniently located on a strip that you could ride your bike from one to the other. (Make sure to drink responsibly)

If it’s summer time, I love tubing the Poudre. It’s cold but so fun! You can either tube through town for a more lazy ride or if you’re feeling more adventurous you can tube starting in the canyon.

Then of course there’s live music. Music is bursting at the seams here! You could check out music at some small venues in town like Lucky Joes, Avogadro’s Number, or Panhandlers or make it up to the Mishawaka for an unforgettable experience.

Lastly, my favorite restaurant in town is a place called Little on Mountain. It is small but the food is Ah-Maz-Ing! It’s a little boujee but I would only recommend the best.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be anywhere if it weren’t for my fans. I cringe calling them that because so many of them have become friends but I suppose that we wouldn’t have met if it weren’t for them coming to see me play live. They have checked in on me, sent sympathy cards, sent gifts, they share their art with me, and they continue to support me in a multitude of ways. I can’t explain how fortunate I feel to have an audience waiting for a show and to feel them cheering me on. They motivate me to come back stronger (with a better work/life balance.)

Website: ChristineAliceMusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinealicemusic/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christineAliceMusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Ei1qbel5LJuPrpl1ef6kA

Image Credits
Gii Astorgs Dana Paige Jasmine Mallow

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.