Love it Local

'I never focused on the music scene until a few years ago," says Alyssa Jacey. "I always listened to music and appreciated everyone who was on the radio, selling out shows, but ever since I decided to pursue music instead of a dance career -- such as a choreographer for someone like Usher or one of JT's backup dancers -- I have been paying more attention to acoustic artists and local talent, not so much bands."

Jacey is a native San Diegan, born and raised, having left a few times for college and a stint in L.A. for nine months. "I am about to have to make the decision at some point in early 2008 to either move to L.A. or stay in S.D.," she says, "and I'm just not sure I can leave here again."

Alyssa is currently in the recording studio for her first album, entitled BitterSweet. "I've been working on it for about one and a half years now and have to start from scratch -- long story. But it's all good since I've become better at recording in this time -- more experience, and I have newer, fresher, better material and a professional studio and musicians to work with. I hope for it to be out by June."

IF YOU COULD HAVE LUNCH WITH ANYONE...

"I'd bring my grandma down from heaven and have lunch with her; I miss her. As for music, I would grab the president of Geffen, Sony, Virgin, or Atlantic, whoever was most free that day, and sit them down and have a little heart-to-heart about why they should sign me."

FAVORITE DEAD CELEB?

"I don't really have a favorite dead celebrity, but the first person that comes to mind is Aaliyah. She was talented, beautiful, and from what I can tell from what everyone says about her, a good, kindhearted person."

FAVORITE LIVE CELEB?

"I have four. Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn, Steve Carell, and Stewie from Family Guy (yes, he counts)."

SEXIEST LOCAL PERFORMER?

"Vocally, Ernie Halter or Jason Mraz. Their voices make me want to grab my boyfriend and start making out with him."

LAST BOOK READ?

"All You Need to Know About the Music Business by Donald S. Passman."

FIRST BOOK EVER READ?

"Maybe a pop-up or coloring book, while chewing on a blue crayon. Once out of diapers, I got into reading every Nancy Drew book I could find, then the Fear Street series. I remember being so into one of those, one day I didn't leave my room and read a whole book in one sitting. It was magic."

FAVORITE WEBSITES?

"I am constantly checking out other artists' websites to see what's new and hot, what I like or don't like, what I can learn. Lately I've been on the following websites: Joss Stone, Jason Mraz, Brett Dennen, Ernie Halter, Sara Bareilles, and Colbie Caillat, all of whom are my current inspiration."

GUILTY PLEASURE?

"Buying designer jeans has always been something my credit card could probably use a break from...lately I've been obsessed with buying new purses with matching wallets."

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT -- REAL OR IMAGINED?

"I used to be a firm believer in things such as love at first sight, thinking that when it ever happened to me I would know then and there that I found my soul mate. Then the real world slapped me across the face and told me to snap out of La-La Land. Recently I have learned that true love comes with time and truly getting to know someone inside and out. It's more infatuation and attraction that can happen at first sight."

BEST ADVICE...

"Think before you speak."

WORST JOBS?

1. Nannying three kids -- all under 9 years old -- when I was 17.

2. While living in L.A., one of my three jobs was talent scouting for child actors and models. It sucked.

3. Working for Victoria's Secret during the holiday season -- you haven't experienced mayhem until you've been around hundreds of women fighting over bras, panties, and dressing rooms."