Band Frontman Visits for October Solo

Musician A.L.X. originally pushed aside piano lessons, but rediscovered his love for music via old-school punk and post-punk during his mid-teens. This new turn of events led him to begin studying guitar around age 17.

“I have unfortunately always had a bit of an anti-authoritarian streak that made me resistant to studying in a regimented way, and moving around a lot made it impossible to stick to a single teacher, so I am largely self-taught,” A.L.X. explained.

Heavily influenced by first-generation punk and post-punk as well as classic rock, A.L.X. fronts the New York-based band Love Crushed Velvet. He describes the group's musical style as a hybrid of these genres, saying the band's debut album is obviously influenced by them.

“We definitely wear our roots on our sleeve in our debut album, but that sound will evolve,” he said.

Billy Idol's "Rebel Yell" record is an especially significant element of Love Crushed Velvet's style, since a band member actually played on that album. A.L.X. says this band member, Thommy Price, definitely made an impact on Love Crushed Velvet's sound.

“A lot of people have compared Love Crushed Velvet to Billy's work of that era, and I think that a lot of that comes from Thommy putting his stylistic imprint on the music.”

Along with stylistic influences, A.L.X. is also affected by his environment and emotions. Love Crushed Velvet's current album is a prime example.

“This album was very much a product of living in modern-day New York City, where we're surrounded by money and fame and largeness of every form and manner. Many of the songs on the album are a reflection of trying to preserve our own sense of self within that environment, and the contradictions that you often have to face while trying to do so,” said A.L.X..

A.L.X. is playing an upcoming show at on Friday, Oct. 14. He said he wants to expose as many people as possible to the music of Love Crushed Velvet. He enjoys presenting the full-band songs in an acoustic format and the way this transformation allows him to really connect with his audience.

“I make new friends and have great conversations with audience members after the unplugged shows far more often than with the full band,” A.L.X. explained.

About Woodstock, A.L.X. said the impending show date will be his first visit. A.L.X. encourages everyone to visit the band's website to familiarize themselves with the music.

“And if you like what you see and hear, make sure to sign up so that we can keep you in the loop. We promise not to smother anyone with spam and constant updates about what we had for lunch.”

CD's available through CD Baby, Amazon and Bandcamp.