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

Hi Ivan, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I guess I’ve always been drawn to unconventional paths. Having worked several jobs over the last decade or so, it just makes sense with my personality and lifestyle. I need to have structure but I get so bored with doing the same thing day in and out. Not to mention, I find it hard to be passionate about things that don’t bring me or others joy of any kind. There’s something about music that brings people together, not just anybody either. The nomads, the outcasts, the peculiar, the enigmas, the ones that radiate creative energy. They make everything worth it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have a pretty lengthy story but I’ll try to condense it as much as I can. I started playing guitar at 12 and immediately started joining bands and performing anywhere we could. My first real gig was at the legendary Fitzgerald’s and some of my best performances were on the stage upstairs. However, I’ve been recording, producing, and performing under the name Alcoda for 6 years now. It has been a challenge doing everything on my own, from booking and marketing to writing and recording. In return, I’m given the space and time to do what I want when I want, and that’s a freedom I never knew as an artist before. To this day, all of my achievements are still pretty surreal to me. Music is an unpredictable journey, so I never know what’s going to work or not, but I’m always thrilled to face the risks.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I don’t think I could give a full itinerary but some of my favorite and most recommended places for sure: -Jupiter’s Pizza & Waffles, great for brunch -Guru Burger, awesome for lunch or dinner -Cidercade, for drinks and arcade games -La Lucha for dinner or late-night eats and drinks -Las Mananitas, perfect for dinner and ice cold margaritas -Popfancy Dessert Bar, nice little spot for sweets and treats -Axelrad Beer Garden, large selection of local craft beer and cozy spots to hang out or watch live music -Sixes & Sevens, fun spot for cocktails and vibes -Sugar Room, an upscale(ish) place to drink and visit Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a shoutout to Couchloaf Records and The Houston Soiree. Both are full of extraordinarily talented musicians. These are all amazing individuals that are always looking for ways to support and lift each other up. Though things have been silent during the pandemic, there are still many artists doing what they can to showcase and network with each other.

Website: smarturl.com/alcoda

Instagram: instagram.com/alcoda777

Twitter: twitter.com/alcoda777

Facebook: facebook.com/alcoda777

Other: alcoda.bandcamp.com alcoda.threadless.com

Image Credits
Aaron Melendez – @vibee95 Rena Morin – @spookyrenm

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