from Berklee to the Big Stage: Alissia BenvenisteS musical Journey
at just a teenager, Alissia Benveniste made the bold move to Berklee College of Music, where she quickly gained fame after her first viral YouTube performance in 2015.
“That’s how Prince discovered me,” Alissia recalls. “Back then, social media wasn’t as prevalent-no TikTok or Instagram. I was simply sharing my practice sessions on YouTube. Then,a video featuring my Berklee band went viral,and suddenly,I was in the spotlight.”
When she received a call from the legendary Prince, Alissia initially thought it was a prank. “I wasn’t very active on Twitter at the time, but I noticed a DM from him. He had seen my covers of tracks by The Time.Shortly after, I got an invitation to jam at Paisley Park, but I hesitated to respond becuase I thought it was a joke!”
A Diverse Musical Palette
Beyond her unforgettable jam session with Prince, Alissia has cultivated a diverse musical career. “Musical variety is essential for me,” she states. Her impressive roster of collaborations includes icons like Bootsy Collins, lenny Kravitz, Bruno Mars, and Mariah Carey.Recently, she featured Nile Rodgers and the hip-hop duo EarthGang on her latest single.
“2025 was a pivotal year for me. I received a Grammy nomination for Producer of the Year, and spending more time in the studio has allowed me to collaborate with even more artists. Now feels like the perfect moment to start sharing my own music.”
Discovering the Bass
What led you to play bass?
Initially, I started with the piano and entered Berklee as a vocalist. It wasn’t until my second semester that I switched to bass guitar. Influenced by artists like P-Funk, Prince, The Brothers Johnson, and Michael Jackson, I realized that the bass was the heartbeat of the music.
How did you get into Berklee?
I didn’t go through a customary audition process since I had a scholarship. My classical piano training didn’t include jazz, but I had a good ear and could sing well.
What was the first bassline you learned?
The first bassline I mastered was from Good Times by Chic. I remember picking up the bass and quickly connecting with that groove.
Who inspires you as a bassist?
My bass heroes include Bootsy Collins, Larry Graham, louis Johnson, Bernard Edwards, and Paul Jackson.I’ve gone through phases of trying to emulate their unique sounds.
Collaborating with Legends
What was your experience working with Nile rodgers on your single?
It was phenomenal.Nile has this amazing ability to fit into any musical context from the last four decades.His versatility is truly remarkable.
Did you use any special effects on the track?
I utilized a Mu-Tron pedal that Bootsy Collins gifted me. My first major project as a producer was on his album Worth My While,where he generously shared several effects pedals,including his original Mu-Tron.
What’s your approach to effects?
Bootsy has a unique way of using effects. He’s always experimenting with the Mu-Tron,distortion pedals,and various delays and reverbs,treating them like a guitarist would.
Are there any essential pedals you rely on?
The MXR envelope filter is another favorite of mine. Sometimes I blend it with the Mu-Tron for a cleaner sound, but the Mu-tron is like a secret weapon-it just sounds incredible.
When did you first meet Bootsy?
His manager invited me to a show they were filming in New York. I thought it would be a grate possibility to watch, but when I arrived, Bootsy was behind the drums, Bernie Worrell was on keys, and George Clinton was on the mic. Bootsy looked at me and asked, ‘Where’s your bass?’ I was just there to enjoy the concert!
Fortunately, we found a bass at the venue, and within ten minutes, Bootsy was counting in Flashlight. I was lucky to know those P-Funk basslines, but it was definitely a learning experience! Bootsy has been a mentor to me ever since.
You’ve also collaborated with Anderson .Paak.
He’s an extraordinary talent who can do it all! He introduced me to various projects, including work with Mary J. Blige and Rae Khalil. I also collaborated with him and bruno Mars during their Silk Sonic sessions.I even connected them with Bootsy, who is always eager to support the next generation. It’s a mindset shared by nile Rodgers as well, and I truly admire that.
Handling Nerves and Preparing for Success
Do you ever feel nervous before a performance?
I don’t get nervous; I get excited! It’s about managing that adrenaline rush. My focus is rarely on the artist I’m working with but rather on the music and what I can learn from the experience.
I don’t recall feeling starstruck when I met Quincy Jones,one of my biggest influences. I was just focused on learning!
How do you prepare for a session?
When I got the call from Prince, I prepared rigorously. I studied his live performances extensively. The same went for my session with Mariah Carey; I made sure I was ready. I never want to miss an opportunity because I feel unprepared.
during a session with lenny Kravitz, I was set to showcase a fast-paced progression. He’s such a phenomenal guitarist that I didn’t even end up using it! But I was ready just in case he wanted something special.
What advice do you have for aspiring bassists?
If your dream is to collaborate with legends like Lenny Kravitz or Bootsy Collins, ask yourself how prepared you would be if they called you tomorrow. This mindset has guided my journey as a bassist and producer.
It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with their back catalogs and live arrangements of studio recordings. You never know when that call will come,and being ready always pays off.
