Alexander McKay

Alexander McKay, a Somerset-born singer-songwriter toting an acoustic guitar and a blues-y drawl à la Tom Waits/Chris Rea/Ray LaMontagne. He opened with Until The End, a gentle love ballad which he introduced with the words “My grandparents taught me about love… this is their story”. That was followed by Stones, which is where we first encountered Alexander’s signature, a Logarhythm stompbox that provided his acoustic solo performance with a heavyweight backbeat. Alexander then took us to the interval with Mistakes And Regret, a brand new song featuring an impressively intricate fingerpicked intro. - Songwriting Magazine

Inspired by his adventures and misadventures, Alexander McKay’s upcoming album “Bring Us Together” will be released in February 2014. In the meantime, he has already given his fans a treat: three songs are already out and ready to soothe your ears.

He has spent years and years touring in rock and hardcore bands but, now, Alexander feels ready to do the music he truly likes. Balancing between folk and rock, displaying a pure guitar sound working in cohesion with his raspy voice, McKay’s music is a delight to the ears. His first single “Stones”, released in June, has a nice persistent rhythm and a catchy guitar melody.
“Let Your Heart Wonder” is definitely rockier, edgier. It holds a great message: keep going, don’t let your heart out, do not hesitate and just go for it. Alexander’s raspy voice is emphasized by the track, or maybe it is working the other way around… On this track, you realize the singer’s background with rock bands.
Last but not least, “Winter” is a fantastic ballad that will give you a warm, snugly feeling, despite its title. There is a nice counter time and rhythm that makes it an ultimate favorite love song.

Alexander McKay’s songs are well balanced between clean and pure instruments and his unique voice. Easy to listen to, even if it is just for the lyrics or just for the music, his music is definitely one of a kind.
- MusicNews.com

Ahead of his February release of brand new ep; Bring Us Together, Alexander McKay has released tasters to keep fans happy on his website.

We got the chance to chat to Alexander about his career, inspirations and loyal following.

What was it that drew you into the music industry?

I've always been obsessed with everything music. It's my great escape. I'd lie on my bed at home listening to my favourite albums. I'd read about who was in the band, who played what and who produced the album. I read of the exciting times bands would have and I loved the pictures of them playing in the studio. I was really inspired and couldn't wait to go out and experience that for myself.

Where do you draw inspiration from as an artist?

Life! I write from the heart about the places I've been, people I've met and things I have experienced.

Have you faced any challenges in this industry?

Lots! Anyone who makes music and wants to make a life in music knows it's going to be a rocky road. I played in many bands as a teenager and when my first band got the call from Nude Records to showcase in London I was really excited! Then our singer went AWOL! To this day I still don't know what ever happened to him.

How did those close to you react when you told them you were setting out to be a musician?

I've never had anything but huge support from my friends and family to follow my dream.

What can you tell us about your upcoming album?

Emotionally it's about racing down an unknown road with your heart in your throat, the excitement, the freedom, the exhilaration, the fear, the unknown. A soul searching collection of songs inspired by my adventures and misadventures.

What can you reveal about being asked to write the music for an upcoming film?

It's all very exciting but scary as I never thought I'd be acting as well!! The story is "one guitar, one dog, one week to sober up"! I found the script really moving. All the songs will be from the album with a couple just for the film.

The writers are looking at locations at the moment. South Africa is the favourite so far.

You already have a loyal following of fans - what message do you have for them?

Keep following!

In all seriousness I am hugely grateful for their support. The response to "Stones" was truly touching, especially as I wrote the song about my Grandmother.

What's been the best moment of your career so far?

Definitely touring Europe. I loved waking up in new countries, meeting new people. It was a circus!

Where do you hope to be in 12 months time?

I'd really like to touring the album, opening up for Ben Howard, or Ryan Adams.

What upcoming projects can you tell us about that we may not already know?

I'm hoping to play South By South West in Austin, Texas next year. The filming of "Stones". Most importantly, the release of my debut album "Brings Us Together".

'Stones' is out now. 'Brings Us Together' is scheduled for a 2014 release. - Female First

Road trips, I love a good road trip. Nothing beats hours of driving with excellent friends – blissful day dreaming; out the window conversation that goes from shallow choices of which road side stop suits our itinerary best to sharing my deepest ideas, thoughts and questions. I am sure it is something to do with being trapped in a confined space (hopefully with people you like) and watching the world go by at speed. Invigorating. Deep chit chat, that is what road trips are for.

And every good road trip needs an equally good playlist.

That is where this lovely bearded gentleman comes to the party (and no, not just for his beard). I’m very excited to hear the new sounds from British singer/songwriter Alexander McKay, his husky vocals are sure to be a hit no matter who’s in the passenger seat. His lyrics are thoughtful and heartfelt. Go on, get lost in that slide guitar, sing along with those delightfully rich husky vocals – turn it up, wind down the windows and enjoy. - Captain & The Cook

Ahead of his February release of brand new album 'Bring Us Together', Alexander McKay has released tasters to keep fans happy on his website.

We got the chance to chat to Alexander about his career, inspirations and loyal following.

What was it that drew you into the music industry?

I've always been obsessed with everything music. It's my great escape. I'd lie on my bed at home listening to my favourite albums. I'd read about who was in the band, who played what and who produced the album. I read of the exciting times bands would have and I loved the pictures of them playing in the studio. I was really inspired and couldn't wait to go out and experience that for myself.

Where do you draw inspiration from as an artist?

Life! I write from the heart about the places I've been, people I've met and things I have experienced.

Have you faced any challenges in this industry?

Lots! Anyone who makes music and wants to make a life in music knows it's going to be a rocky road. I played in many bands as a teenager and when my first band got the call from Nude Records to showcase in London I was really excited! Then our singer went AWOL! To this day I still don't know what ever happened to him.

How did those close to you react when you told them you were setting out to be a musician?

I've never had anything but huge support from my friends and family to follow my dream.

What can you tell us about your upcoming album?

Emotionally it's about racing down an unknown road with your heart in your throat, the excitement, the freedom, the exhilaration, the fear, the unknown. A soul searching collection of songs inspired by my adventures and misadventures.

What can you reveal about being asked to write the music for an upcoming film?

It's all very exciting but scary as I never thought I'd be acting as well!! The story is "one guitar, one dog, one week to sober up"! I found the script really moving. All the songs will be from the album with a couple just for the film.

The writers are looking at locations at the moment. South Africa is the favourite so far.

You already have a loyal following of fans - what message do you have for them?

Keep following!

In all seriousness I am hugely grateful for their support. The response to "Stones" was truly touching, especially as I wrote the song about my Grandmother.

What's been the best moment of your career so far?

Definitely touring Europe. I loved waking up in new countries, meeting new people. It was a circus!

Where do you hope to be in 12 months time?

I'd really like to touring the album, opening up for Ben Howard, or Ryan Adams.

What upcoming projects can you tell us about that we may not already know?

I'm hoping to play South By South West in Austin, Texas next year. The filming of "Stones". Most importantly, the release of my debut album "Brings Us Together".

'Stones' is out now. 'Brings Us Together' is scheduled for a 2014 release. - Female First