Sharing a love of music

Delfs has become a regular in Fernandina music scene

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For Fernandina Beach musician Alix Delfs, nothing beats the feeling of performing in front of a crowd.

Her mom was part of a band in her 20s, so that passion for music was easily passed along and she always had a lot of various instruments to choose from around the house growing up.

Delfs played the clarinet throughout middle school, and she credits that experience for being the start of the musical journey she has been on since.

“That was my learning curve for how to read music,” Delfs said.

The first time she began playing guitar was as a 14-year-old freshman in high school, and four years later it continues to be her favorite instrument.

One of the things she takes pride in is the fact that she is self-taught when it comes to playing the guitar and singing.

She even played the ukulele for a while to help build up her finger strength to make her a better guitarist.

“Riptide” by Vance Joy was the first song she learned how to play on the guitar.

“I thought three chords wouldn’t be too hard,” Delfs chuckled. “Once you get the first few songs, then you start trying different chords and really experimenting with things.”

According to Delfs, playing for herself or her family is much different than playing in public.

“You really just have to tune out every one else and all the opinions,” Delfs said. “At the end of the day, if you believe in your talent, that’s all that matters. It’s important to stay true to yourself.”

She used to work at Tasty’s Fresh Burgers in Fernandina Beach, and she got her start performing live on the restaurant’s outdoor patio on Saturdays.

“You definitely begin to open up the more you’re on stage,” Delfs said. “I remember being pretty nervous the first time I performed for others.”

She had done some musical theater in the past at school, and although she believed that experience of performing in front of others helped, it was also very different.

“I’ve played a character before, but it’s a more vulnerable feeling when you’re putting yourself out there to essentially be judged,” Delfs said.

Three years ago, she got her musical performers permit, which has allowed her to perform for tips in downtown Fernandina Beach.

“The first year I didn’t use it as much, but it has been great to have and has really helped me get my name out there,” Delfs said.

She prides herself in enjoying and being able to play a variety of music from the 1960s to early 2000s.

“You’ve got to be able to play to your audience,” Delfs said.

Delfs is not sure what her what her future in music looks like, but she is embracing the journey and is enjoying every chance she gets to perform and do what she loves in the area of the First Coast she calls home since her family moved to Fernandina Beach six years ago from the state of New York.

“The root of Fernandina for so long has been its live music culture,” Delfs said. “The Fernandina musician community has been so welcoming.”

She is a regular performer at Fernandina Beach Market Place and other festivals, as well as providing live music at weddings and other private events.

All the opportunities she has received through music she credits to the support of her parents who have always been by her side throughout.

While her mom uses her experience in the music world to help with the day-to-day operations and scheduling, her dad is her “personal roadie” and helps with getting equipment setup on site.

“They are definitely my biggest fans in the world,” Delfs said.