At 19 years old, Juan Gomez wears many hats on Suffolk University’s campus. A business management major, Orientation Leader, and director of recruitment for Suffolk’s brotherhood Amplify, Gomez already has a full plate. But this semester, he is adding another title to his growing list; a musician. Under his stage name “Alë,” Gomez will open for A Boogie Wit da Hoodie at this year’s SGA concert Oct. 23.

For Gomez, music has always been more than a hobby. He described it as a dance he has known for years. His early days as a breakdancer evolved into a passion for performing. After a while, he realized that he wanted to be in the spotlight for singing, not just dancing. He would perform at talent shows with songs by his go to artist at the time, Bruno Mars. 

After taking a break from performing to focus on managing other artists, Gomez decided it was time to step back into the spotlight. He chose “Alë” as his stage name, as it carries deep meaning. Growing up, Gomez always struggled with his name since his father and brothers had the same first name. He had to go by his middle name, Algenis, which he once disliked.

“I tried to find myself, and I found myself being ‘Alë’ as ‘Algenis’,” said Gomez. “So, when I came out with the stage name, ‘Alë’, it’s more so bringing homage to like, my dad, to my mom, to me being proud of who I am.”

That pride also runs through his music. Growing up with influences such as Alicia Keys, Tupac, J-Eye, Lil Uzi Vert and artists from his Dominican and Puerto Rican roots like Romeo Santos and Prince Royce, allowed him to create a sound that Gomez describes as versatile. His music evolved from R&B melodies to more upbeat rhythms and Latin influences. 

His favorite track, “Q.Y.S” from his single “More Than Music,” is one he considers his best work yet.

 “That’s the song where I realized I could do this.” Gomez explained that it’s the best representation of himself, his Hispanic heritage and is an introduction to his story.

“This song shows you I’m not a SoundCloud artist,” said Gomez. “Everyday I get [told]  ’Oh my god, this is actually great. Like, wow, I was not expecting that.’ Nobody ever is expecting that out of me.” 

Gomez described the moment he was chosen to be the concert opener as insane. 

“I’m a very religious person,” Gomez said. “I believe my higher power really spoke down on me after that interview and was like, ‘Yeah, you got this.’” 

Since then, he has been pouring all of his free time into rebranding and refining his sound.

Music is also a way to honor his family and his late father, Juan Gregorio Sr., who passed away during Gomez’s senior year of high school.

“He was larger than life, so that means I got to be larger than life,” said Gomez. “He showed me what it is to be a man and to be proud of what you do.” 

Recently, Gomez also lost his aunt, another major influence.

 “This is why I spread so much love,” said Gomez. “,‘Cause if not me, nobody else will. I really believe if at least I do it, somebody is gonna do it with me and more people are gonna do it with them.”

As the concert approaches, Gomez admits he is nervous but ready, considering this will be his first time performing on his own in front of such a crowd.

 “I think right before the concert when I’m hopping on stage…it’s gonna hit me,” said Gomez. “I’m going to be so happy, going to be so scared…you’re definitely going to see a tear coming out of my eye.”

During the interview, it was clear Gomez is already somewhat of a campus celebrity as a countless number of students passing by stopped to congratulate him every few minutes. But for him, it’s not about fame.

 “A lot of these people are people that I built a connection with, I built a relationship with,” said Gomez. 

These connections have pushed him to climb higher up the ladder to reach his dreams, which includes getting his degree, managing his mother’s company and using that to fund his music. For now, his success continues to grow as he announced that he has been unofficially signed to an independent label. Gomez explained that it is all about creating a legacy.

 “My whole point of me being in music is legacy, so I’m trying to do it big,” said Gomez.