By DONNA BALANCIA
American Idol favorite Alejandro Aranda, known as Scary Pool Party, has been a well-loved fixture on the Southern California music scene and even won a college music contest in 2017.
Aranda impressed judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan on American Idol a few days back with his amazing original songs and his phenomenal guitar and piano playing.
But if Aranda wins American Idol, it won’t be the first time he’s selected as the top musician in a contest.
Two years ago, Aranda was selected Artist of the Year 2017 in the annual talent contest held by Five of Five Entertainment and California State University at Northridge. Aranda, of Pomona, Calif., was voted Artist of the Year overwhelmingly by voters at the yearly showcase.
Aranda told CSUN’s newspaper, The Sundial at the time of his win that he created his ScaryPoolParty identity and decided to become a musician after attending a party.
He told CSU Sundial of his first contest win: “My experience was great. The whole night ran smoothly and everyone was super nice.”
While Aranda told American Idol judges he admired Chopin, Bach and Nine Inch Nails, he told Sundial reporter Jonathan Ramses he also was inspired by John Martyn and Dead Can Dance. He told Ramses he became inspired to create music when he saw a band called Backtrack.
Aranda has played his music in Southern California for only a few years and makes it a point to support his community. Last August he played a Pomona event presented by indie music blog Girl Underground Music.
Check out the story in CSUN’s Sundial here.