Alex Boye may not be a household name in the United States, but in Europe during the late ‘90s Boye was the lead singer of the boy band Awesome. With hits in more than 15 countries and more than half a million CDs sold, Boye has performed alongside artists such as N’SYNC, The Backstreet Boys, Missy Elliott, Mary.J. Blige and George Michael.
Boye will be stopping in St. Louis on Saturday, July 19 to give a free stage presence workshop and live concert. The workshop will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – 3905 McPherson Ave. (at Vandeventer) – from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. In the evening, hear Boye live at The In Spot, Dessert Bar & Lounge – 5854a Delmar Blvd. from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
These days, Boye’s life is much different from his boy band days. He lives a quiet life in Salt Lake City. Crazed fans no longer seek him out, and he likes it that way.
But Boye has not left the music world behind. He’s transitioned from pop to contemporary Christian rock music with his latest CD, Spirit. “Before, I’ll be honest, I used my music to get girls interested, make money, and be rich and famous. But I didn’t find much happiness in that,“ says Boye.
Boye also is a member of the world-renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Boye feels right at home in the choir which is surprising, considering that being one of many in a unified choir is a stark contrast from being the center of attention in a boy band. Boye is thrilled to do the occasional spirited solo with a back-up of 300 voices, but mostly he works to blend in.
“I have learned from the choir that anyone can sing a song, but not as many people can tell a song,” he says. “Once they learn to tell a song, they can change the lives of people who listen to their music, and it will change theirs too.”
Helping musicians and singers make the most of their gift is Boye’s passion. “I can show them how to make good money in the music industry even if they do not have great voices and do not have a record deal. It is possible and a lot easier than people think.”
Diverse artists attend his workshops, from rappers, to rockers, lead singers, duos and more. He once got a call from an Elvis impersonator in Vegas who needed help with his stage performance. Boye said, “The techniques I teach are universal and apply to artists of any background.”
Stage presence, Boye further believes, is not just about the performance, the techniques can help improve a person’s social and professional life.
In addition to helping artists, Boye enjoys speaking to youth groups, and presenting them with inspiring messages, an occupation which has brought him to St. Louis.
From his boy band days, Boye learned how easily impressed youth can be. He remembers once telling two young girls that smoking made them look ugly. The girls looked dejected, and Boye felt bad. But some weeks later the two girls sought him out to thank him for being an example of a performer who doesn’t smoke or do drugs. The girls handed Boye five packs of cigarettes and made a commitment to stop.
“I realized that day how much influence I had over the kids who were buying our CDs,” he says.
To register for the free workshop, call 314-533-0409. Learn more about Alex Boye at www.alexboye.com