Alex G - The best-kept secret on the Internet

We caught up with Alex Giannascoli via email, on the occasion of the European release of “DSU“, handled by Lucky Number and set for November 10th. Here's what the talented Philadelphia songwriter had to tell us.

Hi Alex! Thanks for taking the time to talk to us. What's it like going from being “the internet's best kept secret” to recording an album so warmly received all over the world?

It's nice.

Do you feel comfortable getting all this attention?

I think it's fine. I try not to think about it too much

You grew up around Philadelphia and now attend Temple University. American colleges have always been fertile ground for new bands. Tell us about your experience as a musician in college. I read that you prefer working alone, but that you still need other people to play live…

I don't think college influenced me as a musician. I've always made music the same way, ever since I was a kid. I've been playing shows with my childhood friend Sam for years. The other guys in the band I met more recently, but not at school.

You're very young and extremely prolific. Before releasing “DSU” with Orchid Tapes, you recorded a lot of music, including four albums, all available on your Bandcamp. What can you tell us about those songs? I think there's some great material in there. Exploring your Bandcamp is a fantastic experience. Songs like “Kute” or “Crab”… I really love them. Do you think they'll ever be “officially” released someday?

I don't know if they'll ever be released. I like all my songs equally. On some of the older releases I was definitely less skilled at playing and recording, but I put the same amount of energy into it now as I did then.

From the outside, joining Orchid Tapes looks like joining a big family. Is that true? Knowing their mission, it seemed like an almost natural choice for you. Plus your record sold out in no time.

Everyone at Orchid Tapes is really supportive and has a lot of drive. I'm glad I released “DSU” with Warren [Hildebrand, the founder of Orchid Tapes ed.].

Not really, to be honest. I consider myself a songwriter, but I'm not comfortable with the word “bedroom”. It feels meaningless to me.

What's the secret behind your so multifaceted music? You've often been compared to big names like Built To Spill or Elliott Smith. Is that flattering to you, or more of a burden to carry? Meeting people's expectations is harder than ever now. Did they play an important role in your musical education?

I listened to a lot of Elliott Smith when I was younger, so it's natural that my music reflects his sound. I've never really listened to Built To Spill. I just try to make the best music I can.

Your lyrics sometimes reflect an adolescent restlessness. As if you were afraid of growing up. How much creative energy comes from being a post-teenager? I'm thinking about how songs like “Change” work perfectly on an emotional level both in Philadelphia and over here, in the Italian provinces. You feel the same thing. Have you ever thought of your music as a kind of coming-of-age novel?

I make music that's meaningful to me. I think that's what makes it accessible to other people. When I listen to some of the older stuff and compare it to how I think now, it doesn't feel like a coming-of-age story at all. But you can think of my music however you like.

How's the tour going? Now that your album is coming out in Europe, I imagine there'll be a European tour soon too. Also, your name suggests Italian roots. So we'd love to have you over here for at least a couple of dates.

I hope there's a European tour coming up soon, and I'd really love to play in Italy. My dad is Italian. I'm sure my family would be really happy if I played some shows in Italy. [In the meantime the tour has been announced, but no Italy for now. You'll find the dates at the end of the interview, ed.]

One last thing: the cover art was drawn by your sister, right? When “DSU” came out, I was rewatching Friday Night Lights, and that probably made me appreciate the record even more. Is there a story behind it?

Yes, Rachel drew it. She dreamed up that image and we decided it would make a great cover for the record. She's a great artist.

Thank you, Alex.

Thank you.

Alex G UK Tour Dates 2014

Mon 17 Nov London, Rough Trade East

Tues 18 Nov Manchester, Sound Control (w/Ought)

Wed 19 Nov London, Sebright Arms SOLD OUT

2015

Mon 23 Feb Berlin, Berghain Kantine

Tues 24 Feb Hamburg, Molotow

Weds 25 Feb Amsterdam, Paradiso

Thurs 26 Feb Antwerp, Trix Bar

Fri 27 Feb Paris, EspaceB

Sun 1 Mar Brighton, Green Door Store

Mon 2 Mar Bristol, The Cube

Tues 3 Mar London, Chat’s Palace

Thurs 5 Mar Manchester, Soup Kitchen

Fri 6 Mar Glasgow, Broadcast

Sat 7 Mar Leeds, Brudenell Social Club

Ride the wave of great music

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