Alessia Caracciolo, better known as Alessia Cara, is the latest young star hitting the music scene and taking it by storm. The Italian-blooded, 19-year-old hails from Brampton, Ontario, Canada.

Much like Justin Bieber, Alessia got her start on YouTube, making acoustic covers of her favorite songs, including Jessie J’s “Price Tag,” The Neighbourhood’s “Sweater Weather,” and most recently, “Bad Blood” from Pop princess, Taylor Swift. When Tony Perez’s, founder of EP Entertainment label, daughter came across Alessia’s covers, she showed her father. He took the young musician under his wing, until Def Jam talent scout, Tab Nkhereanye, was able to get her signed to the label.

Alessia decided to take a gap year and put her music career first. In May, her first single “Here” dropped, and she has been topping the charts since.

This November, the artist’s debut album "Know-It-All" was released and received a five star rating on iTunes. Alessia’s album is one of the most relatable of teen albums in the business. It is clear in her music she isn’t afraid to be an outsider. For instance in her song “Here," she could be heard saying, “Excuse me if I seem a little unimpressed with this, An anti-social pessimist but usually I don't mess with this.”

Alessia is an outlet that many teens are looking for. In a world where a lot people in that age group are out partying, drinking, and socializing, it is good to know that there is someone else who may not want to take part in what some consider “normal” teen activities.

When asked about her song “Here” in an interview with Def Jam, Alessia said it was a true story. She called it a, “Party song that was the opposite of a party song...it shouts out the person in the corner of the party looking around uncomfortably. I feel like this song narrates what the wallflower is thinking.”

In a generation filled with teens who obsess over Tumblr and a loner persona, Alessia presents a realistic image. She does not appear highly glamorized and dresses much like any regular Forever 21 shopper. Alessia admits to not wanting to change her style and the way she dressed when looking for a label.

Just as much as Alessia appears as a positive role model, she was happy to be able to, "Say something meaningful and positive without being preachy.”

Her advice to fans was, “To not be so caught up in what everyone else is thinking.”

You can follow Alessia Cara on Twitter @alessiacara and continue to subscribe to her YouTube channel.