Rock-itt Magazine Interview

Alex Lindsey Jones - An Interview by Pat Frisina

After listening to his brilliant debut album, ‘If She Knew' you've got to ask yourself, where has local singer songwriter, Alex Lindsey Jones been hiding all this time? Well, he spent a few years treading the boards with his band ‘Falling Down' in the tough UK music scene, then after feeling a little homesick, he returned home and continued to dedicate the 4 years it took to craft and put the finishing touches to the newly released studio piece, which now finds him riding the crest of a wave with his music turning heads in both the music industry and the populous. The first single ‘Your Love Is Amazing' and the video clip (featuring Craig Mc Lachlan) showcases his amazing talent which has aleady been discovered by music media company ‘Talentcake' having played an integral part in getting Alex's music out to the people with big plans still in the pipeline. Another fan, Brian C Miller- a brilliant US Director, heard Alex's single and also jumped onboard to direct the music video.
Gifted with a unique, instantly recognisable voice and exceptional songwriting skills, Alex's destiny was already paved from a very young age. His songs and live performances are a refreshing change and speak for themselves making him a hot new item just waiting to be discovered. I caught up with Alex for a chat and a few inspiring ‘brew ski s' after playing a show at the Old Manly Boatshed to promote the album.

Paz: How do you describe your music?

ALJ: I would like to think of it as a throwback to the 80's stadium rock era that I love so much. It's casually catchy, summer radio, driving music type stuff. I often get a lot of Bon Jovi/Bryan Adams comparisons and even a James Reyne-esque comment which I happily agree with.

Paz: What are your main influences?

ALJ: Well my whole style and material has always been directly influenced by the classic American 80's rock I grew up on like; Huey Lewis and the News, Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, Bryan Adams and Bon Jovi. They stuck with me and I listen and draw inspiration from those guys still today.

Paz: You began writing at such a young age, penning over 200 songs before you turned 18, where does your inspiration come from?

ALJ: Who knows, It's hard to explain but with me, a thought will come into my head and I have to immediately grab my acoustic and develop it while it's fresh, but it sometimes hits me in the oddest places like on a bus and I'd have to pull out a bit of paper to write a lyric or start humming a tune which I'd have to remember until I got home. It definitely comes from the inside and I find if you try to force material or labour over it too much, it doesn't feel honest and you don't want to play it anymore.

Paz: What is your best moment so far?

ALJ: Well, having Craig Mc Lachlan appear in my video ‘Your Love is amazing'. I remember being about 10 years old and watching Craig's video for ‘Mona' and now 18 years later; he's doing a cameo in my own video. We had a chance meeting and he loved my album and wanted to help out. I can't say enough good stuff about the man. He is a true gentleman and one of the most underrated performers in the country and most people don't realise he is an extraordinary multi talented musician. He has also just started in Chicago the musical which is gonna blow people away.

Paz: What is your worst moment so far?

ALJ: I don't know if I can find just one moment but I can tell you that after a decade of struggling as an independent artist there has been many frustrations and many disappointments, mainly to do with being ignored and not having anyone be a champion for my cause, which is why it's so great and rare to come across amazingly supportive publications like ‘The Rock it' and also talentcake.com who produced my music videos and debut single.

Paz: For those that don't know yet, what is Talentcake?

ALJ: Talentcake are very soon going to be an essential destination for all up and coming artists serious about their career. They are essentially giving artists the tools they need to stand out with fully functional band websites, their own online store, promo interviews and much more and in my case are featuring me in their next radio advertising campaign, something which they will be doing for future artists also.

Paz: What are your short and long term goals?

ALJ: Well the rest of this year is about promoting the album trying to peddle some tunes to other writers and then early next year I will be hoping to start recording album number two (or at least a new single) and I can tell you anyone who likes this album will LOVE the next record, there's something very special brewing inside me right now.

Paz: Where does the album title ‘If She Knew' come from?

ALJ: Well, If I told you that then she'd know.

Paz: Where can people find your debut album 'If She Knew" or more information on you?

ALJ: The album is now available through iTunes and you can find all the info you could ever need about me at: talentcake.com/alj

‘Your Love is Amazing' video clip featuring Craig Mc Lachlan can also be viewed online