Growing up, Todd Alsup’s parents paid for music lessons of all sorts, piano, singing.
He’s putting them to use, as a New York based recording artist.
“He started being musically inclined when he was about 5 ? all his school teachers said he was musically talented,” said his mother, Linda Mosier, of Independence Township.
“He started writing his own songs when he was about 6 or 7, deep songs. Love songs. Very emotional songs.”
“I was born with a deep passion for music ? I felt the need to make music from as young as I can remember,” Alsup said.
He received a recognition letter from Gov. James Blanchard for a song about Michigan he wrote commemorating the nation’s bicentennial.
As a student in Waterford, he performed in talent shows, stage musicals, drama, jazz band, choir, madrigals. At Oakland Univeristy, he performed with Interlakes Conservatory Academy Singers.
But his dream was to perform in New York City, she said.
‘I took him on a whirlwind tour of New York City when he was about 10,? Mosier said. ‘We went to three plays, toured the city, lunch at the World Trade Center ? it inspired him.?
‘I always knew New York was the place for me,? Alsup said.
“I like the vibe. New York was the right fit for me ? big, loud, and shiny.”
That’s how he creates music, he said.
“A lot of artists need a quiet space to work,” he said. “For me, I’m the opposite. I need mayhem. I walk on a busy street, the sound makes a big whirlwind in my head ? that’s how I create songs.”
He earned a scholarship to New York University, and has traveled around the world with his music.
“He worked hard, took 3-4 jobs to pay for school ? it’s so expensive there,” she said.
“I’ve always been very proud of him. He sets goals and works hard to attain them. He knows what he wants and goes after it.”
He is coming home this Friday, June 13, to perform at the Pike Room in the Crofoot, Pontiac, with singer Beth Stalker, also a native of the Clarkston area, a trip he’s looking forward to.
“It’s really amazing ? there’s a huge group of supporters there. My family is there,” he said. “They spread the word. They’re my best publicity team.”
His parents, teachers, family, and friends have always be supportive, he said.
“The biggest thing he’d like to say to them is thank you,” he said. “They made me who I am. They nurtured my music, pushed me to go after what I wanted. Many people who are interested in the arts are discouraged ? that was never the case for me.”
The Crofoot concert, 1 South Saginaw, is set for 8 p.m., June 13. For more information, check www.toddalsup.com.