Well hello again Excitable nation! A new week is upon us and that means time for a new 311 fan spotlight. This week let’s meet Alicia Sastamoine-Rackley!
It was the age of 16 when Alicia was celebrating her birthday with some friends, and her bestie put on “Fuck the Bullshit.” “I instantly was drawn to the energy of the song. As a teenager, I was living with my functioning alcoholic mother. I was severely depressed. I was also deep in the closet. I had zero relationship with my father (still don’t). This music was really a good way to get that anger out but also focus on the good around me. They truly saved my life listening to their music.”
Show count for Alicia is at 70. She’s been to one 311 Day (2022). Her first show was in March of 2000 in Portland, Maine, at the State Theatre. They played with Jimmie’s Chicken Shack. “Absolutely love seeing them play at that venue.”
It was too difficult to pick just one favorite show. Alicia said part of why she loves to see them live is she always ends up with a good story to share afterwards. “I have gotten a flat tire (in a different state) and had to drive home with a donut. I have been kicked out of a venue and had to repurchase a ticket to go back in. Simply for holding a beer for someone! I have been center, front row and fainted when Nick took his shirt off (psssstttt I’m gay). Ive met them just walking around town before a show! There is just always good stories involved when you see a 311 show!”
Song that means the most to Alicia is “Beautiful Disaster” because it hits home for her on a personal level. “The lyrics say it all.” She also really loves “Inside Our Home” because seeing it played live really connects with her. “They played this at 311 Day in 2022. Everything was just starting to lift and slowly return back to normal. When this song came home it was very subliminal. Everyone in that venue was moving, smiling, and cherishing the fact that we were there… finally enjoying live music. It just felt very comforting. I will never forget that moment. I straight up cried.”
As for a favorite lyric, Alicia chose words from “Born to Live:” Everything I need is right in front of me, I wanna bridge the gap & feel the unity. Yeah, everything I need is in the air I breathe. You get back what you give, and I was born to live, born to live.”
A small town in Maine is where Alicia grew up. At the age of 15 she moved in with her older brother. Once she graduated high school she went off to college. It was during this time that her mother was diagnosed with lung cancer and she passed away just 6 months later. “I was pregnant 2 years later. And came out when my son was 2 ( I was 25). I got married at 30 & started a business. I turn 40 next year! As you can tell, my life was chaotic but I wouldn’t be who I am without any of that chaos. And I am forever grateful I came out of the chaos with a positive mindset. I love uplifting people around me. I love complimenting strangers. I love to give back when I can.”
Fun fact about Alicia, she is a burlesque dancer! “I lean more towards loving modern burlesque. It really is so out of my comfort zone but I find it incredibly therapeutic. My stage name is Anna Stay-sha.” She is also really great at photography and was a successful wedding photographer. “I was featured on the Today Show and Business Insider! And even won some pretty prestigious awards. So incredibly grateful for everything.”
Guilty pleasure for Alicia? It’s Phil Collins. “He is the man!” When not listening to Phil Collins or 311, she loves bands like Rage Against the Machine, Tool, State Radio, RHCP, Limp Bizkit, Beastie Boys, Sick of Sarah, Madonna, New Polics, Prodigy, Salt N Pepe, Weezer, Fugees, No Doubt, and Nirvana. “I could go on and on and on and on. Music is therapy to me.”
If allowed to say one thing to 311, Alicia would like to send this message: “Fuck the Naysayers and THANK YOU for being the weird, funky, positive, eclectic guys you are!”
Now here are her words to all her fellow 311 fans:
“Let’s keep spreading the positivity and living your most authentic life. Remember, fuck the naysayers! Thank you for being YOU!”
Huge thank you to Alicia for sharing your story with us all! Of course, always grateful for the readers and supporters each edition of this little blog. Hope you all have an amazing week my friends!
Much Love – The Runt