record release / some thoughts

Hey Hey...

The boys and I really had a ball last week in New York for the record release party at the Mercury Lounge on 3/13. It was pretty amazing seeing so many of you out there. It’s been a long winter with ups and downs...i’m always trying to push the new music in all the good ways we can. There is a brand new www.alexnackman.com up if you have not seen the new website.

If you haven’t picked up the new album "Still Life Moves" yet, I hope you will. Go to iTunes or www.alexnackman.com or www.amazon.com, etc, etc, etc...There are just some stories on this album I really want you to hear. I also want to hear your feedback. So, please drop an email anytime to alex@alexnackman.com

I’m not some elusive artist that never responds. Many of you already know that I get back to everyone.

We’ll be jet-setting this weekend to the west coast for a week-long run. Many details have gone into the tours. More cities will be added soon. Thanks for your patience friends...I’ll keep writing, you keep listening. It means so much.

{Setlist - 3/13 - New York}
-wait for me
-aloud
-sunrise falls
-banking on november
-holiday
-with or without you
-a letter
-something remains
-proximity
-polaroid face
-thoughts of paris

SHOWS:


3/23 - Seattle, WA - Showbox Sodo
3/24 - Vancouver, BC - Railway Club
3/25 - Portland, OR - Dante’s
3/27 - San Francisco, CA - Cafe Du Nord
3/28 - Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour

Love As Always...
-Alex

New Album OUT TODAY!

Go on, grab it. "Still Life Moves" has been released. It's out today March 4. There is also a brand spankin' new www.alexnackman.com. So, enjoy these new toys.

I have a promo in/store this week at Borders out on Long Island, then we kick it back in Manhattan next week on March 13 for the record release party at Mercury Lounge. More tour dates on the schedule, so go check it all out. We're on the move.

BUY THE NEW ALBUM: www.cdbaby.com/cd/alexnackman5

March*

March will be a big month for the boys and myself. The new album is released on 3/4 and we'll be doing a bunch of U.S. tour dates shortly thereafter. Here's a brief run-down. See you all out at the rock show. It'll be great to be doing it all again....

3/04 - "Still Life Moves" released worldwide
3/07 - Borders Bookins & Music (in/store) - Westbury, NY
3/13 - Mercury Lounge - New York, NY
3/23 - Showbox Sodo - Seattle, WA
3/24 - Railway Club - Vancouver, BC
3/25 - Dante's Live (Justin King opens) - Portland, OR
3/27 - Cafe Du Nord (Justin King opens, with Ari Hest) - San Francisco, CA
3/28 - The Troubadour (Justin King opens) - Los Angeles, CA

more to come...don't worry, we're working on it all. Trying to cover all the territories. And it's always a little slow getting it al together.

~Alex

POSTED FROM BROOKLYN, NY AT 5:10PM

Films notes & New Album Arrives March 4, 2008

Many of you already know that I'm an enormous film buff. I have a huge DVD collection and I've never used NetFlix. I always buy movies because I want to have them at my desposal whenever I'd like them. After seeing a few "oldies" this past weekend, I felt it necessary to express some of my all-time favs...and those films that all should see.

If you agree or disagree with this list, give me a shout. Oh, and in music news, THE NEW ALBUM WILL BE RELEASED ON TUESDAY MARCH 4! Oh $%&, this is huge! It's called "Still Life Moves" and will comfort your ears thoroughly (at least I hope). Set you calendars. Pre-sale info coming shortly.

On to the films (in no particular order):

- The Talented Mr. Ripley
- Jules et Jim
- Vanilla Sky
- Strangers on a Train
- Shadow of a Doubt (Hitchcock)
- Rebecca
- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (amazing score composed by Jon Brion)
- Uncle Buck
- Eyes Wide Shut
- Scent of a Woman
- 8 1/2
- School Ties
- Dazed and Confused
- Cold Mountain

...many others, but that should get you started

-A.N.

XM Satellite Radio Sessions

Hey Hey--
Hope you guys got a chance to hear the XM Satellite Radio Session with "Ted Kelly in the Morning" we did yesterday at the Washington DC studios. Dan and I came down from NYC for an acoustic session. If you missed it, there will be a podcast of this released soon from www.alexnackman.com

We were pushing the new album and having a 'lil interview action at Worldspace UPop Studios of XM, Channel 29.

~Alex
POSTED FROM NEW YORK, NY AT 10:55 AM

notes

I've been getting some really great notes from many of you guys anticipating the new album. i appreciate this very much. it all means so much. there have been some doubts and some up and down moments in the last several months. the record wasn't easy to make (and they never are). but, the contact i get from you all keeps me in check...and gets the ideas in a lucid state.

still writing a few new thoughts in the last two weeks that are staying with me. i find if i can remember the vocal melody of a song idea without having to hear the demo again on my laptop, then it's the making of a good song. working, working, working. stay with me my friends...

~AN




POSTED FROM NEW YORK at 2:24 PM

Live in New York - Mercury Lounge 12/30/2007

DECEMBER 30, 2007
THE MERCURY LOUNGE
NEW YORK, NY

The last of 2007 was pretty slammin'. The boys and I were back at the Mercury Lounge for another terrific night right before New Year's Eve. We were all excited and even hung Christmas lights behind the drum kit for festive purposes only. I decided to down 3 glasses of Disaronno Amaretto before the set...I usually do this to warm the 'ol vocal chords, but this time I was also trying to soothe a sore throat and take some edge off. For some reason, I was a little nervous before this one. I don't really know why for certain. Usually, I'm totally fine and ready to rock. Perhaps it was because the band and I were debuting a few new songs or maybe it was from the fact that we were home in NYC and there are usually more people that know me personally at home in New York. I wanted it to be a good one.

In all honesty, it's been a long 2007 filled with plenty of truly great times as well as some down moments. I lost my drummer and friend Chris Williams at the end of 2006 and also went through some frustrating industry-related things that made me question all that I was doing. Nonetheless, the band and I had a terrific summer tour between NYC and L.A. and even had a considerable amount of MTV love. We decided that recording a new album in the Fall and Winter of 2007 was the best decision to push things in a further positive direction. We had so many new songs and lyrical ideas...there had to be a place to put it all together.

I get nervous when I venture into a new project, especially an album. There is expectation from those listening and watching and there is also self-expectation. I don't want to fail. I want people to latch onto the songs and understand what I am saying. I want people to really become part of what I'm doing. Those that know me personally and even just on myspace know that I spend a lot of time conversing with email and messages to people...But, pressure to perform and continue to do relevant things create times of uncertainty. All these things probably came to a head on 12/30 at the Merc, when I began the process of infusing the setlist with some of the new material....there is that "Ok, here we go again from the beginning" feeling that one gets when they're starting something new and presenting it to a room full of eager listeners who, mind you, are educated music lovers.

We had a great crowd on hand at the Merc and I hope we're off to a good start now that 2008 has arrived. I hope the audiences grow and the people already involved in my world fall in love with the new songs. The new album will be released in early March.

The support means so much. You all have no idea. Being an artist is thankless 90% of the time...not by the fans of course, but by the nature of the pursuit.

Love Always,
~Alex

Setlist:

HOLIDAY
SUNRISE FALLS
WAIT FOR ME
A LETTER
INDIFFERENCE
AMSTERDAM AVENUE
DIONYSUS
VENICE
OCTOBER
PROXIMITY

encore
---------
STAY WHERE YOU ARE


blurry cell phone photos from merc lounge, nyc

From London with Love

Hey Guys-

In London at the moment. I'm getting to know the town quite well now, having been able to get back to England a couple times a year, at least, for touring and all. Spending Christmas and the holiday here and currently writing down a few new song ideas. I know what you're thinking: "Alex, you have a new album coming soon. What the hell do you mean by new material at this point?" Well, I can't seem to stop I guess. When I have something, I have to write it down. I heard a melody on the plane over from New York and recorded it on my Mac, humming the tune in my seat.

Ok, another cool thing about this trip....Continental Airlines bumped me up to First Class for free. I asked nicely and they just gave it to me. I was astounded. Perhaps my charm is worth even more than I thought.

Anyway, sitting here in cold and sort of rainy Mayfair section of London, near Oxford St. It's gorgeous despite the melancholy weather.

~Alex

POSTED FROM LONDON, GREAT BRITAIN AT 4:02 PM

LIVE in LANCASTER - Chameleon Club

DECEMBER 8, 2007
THE CHAMELEON CLUB
LANCASTER, PA
w/ Tim Reynolds


Had a great time back down in Lancaster, though we almost hit a horse and carriage. This thing came out of no where on a city street while at a traffic light. The band and I have been able to play the Chameleon Club quite a lot at this point. It's just an amazing room with super sound. Although, we did have to wear scarves and coats during soundcheck. The heating inside the venue seemed to be a challenge. The boys and I were with Tim Reynolds on Saturday night, Dec 8. He was terrific.

Dan decided to leave his entire cymbal bag in Manhattan (he realized this small detail when we were 20 miles outside of Lancaster), so we had to make a snap decision to find a music store in Lancaster, just hours before the gig. Next time, I'll try and forget my guitar in San Francisco when we have a show in Boston.

...fortunately it ended well. Now we can laugh. Show was slammin'. Great to see so many of you out there.

-AN


Setlist:

VENICE
SUNRISE FALLS
WAIT FOR ME
AMSTERDAM AVENUE
DIONYSUS
PROXIMITY
STAY WHERE YOU ARE

Pics - from home

a few more pics from the studio. sorry for the lack of tour dates guys, but the new record has to be right. these things always take longer than expected, but c'est la vie...i'll be in london over the holidays, taking a short break from the road and studio. it may give me a chance to reflect a bit and perhaps even work on a few side song ideas. the thoughts never stop, the work never stops, but i guess that's how we maintain creativity. and there's no break from that.

love to everyone. thanks for your patience and every ounce of support.

-Alex

Instructional music videos

When I'm not doing the "artist" thing, I give extremely interactive lessons on how to read music and feel comfortable in a recording studio. Here are some still-shot images from several instructional films I've made that are now on sale throughout most Target retail stores in the U.S.

-Alex



This is myself showing bassist Jeff Kerestes that playing music is fun and educational





This is myself also explaining to Jeff that too much fun in music can lead to drinking and substance abuse





Showing Jeff how to rock....for realz

Almost Caught The Light

Jeff, Dan, and myself have nearly caught the light at the end of the tunnel on the new album...it's been a great couple months in the studio with so many great ideas put down on tape. I'm starting to cook again, as well, to fend off some stress. I'll have some more recipes up on the blog soon enough.

+ Alex


Some more visual aides....

Continued studio love (NEW ALBUM PROGRESS)

Ok, yes, I'm here. Literally out the door and on my way to another session at the studio. It's been going great, but also time consuming...hence my lack of touring and whereabouts.

But, rest assured all is good and the tunes coming from this new canvas will warm your ears thoroughly. There has been a lot of thought put into these songs and how they're going to affect the listener. It isn't just about me this time...

Yes. back to the laboratory

Sweet, we got back into the studio last week. We had had a solid week of pre-production before and now have begun laying down the tracks for real. These new tunes have such vibe. We've been sculpting them like little blocks of mental marble.

Here is some still footage....

Where Am I? Yes, a new album

Ok, so few tour dates? Not a lot of bulletins? Lapse in consistent blog entries? This is just crazy. Some may be wondering where the hell I am...maybe not, but I'm gonna tell you anyway. The new record is coming. It's coming like a freight train and there's a lot of weight behind it. I am so psyched about the new songs. They have great energy and some sweet ethereal moods.

Jeff, Dan, and I have been hard at work here in New York doing pre-production. So, that may be the reason for our silence. But, rest assured, there is a terrific bunch of songs coming your way and there will be full national tour and a few European dates to follow the release. The album release date is up in the air, but we're shooting for the Winter, if that is vague enough for you.

SHOWS: We are doing a small amount of Northeast U.S.A. shows and always keeping our eyes peeled for nice little colleges who need a rockin' night...if your school wants to be on the Fall tour, shoot an email to BOOKING@ALEXNACKMAN.COM so we can get it done for you.

Catch songs from the current album SUNRISE FALLS all over MTV this Fall season...and grab a copy at APPLE iTunes or www.alexnackman.com if you have not already. It will warm your little ears.


.....till next time, with more studio updates and some photos.

Much Love,
Alex

Live in New York - Mercury Lounge 8/14/2007

THE MERCURY LOUNGE
AUGUST 14, 2007
NEW YORK, NY

The guys and I have finally been home for a couple weeks since returning from the road. Working on plenty of new songs and taking a breather is sort of what we all needed. The tour has been great, the people we've met along the way from L.A. to Boston have been amazing, but home is home. New York welcomed us back. The Mercury Lounge has become a pretty familiar place for us. We know the smells, we know the look, we know the vibe.

The 8/14 show was no different. It was a rock night. I made sure to keep the Fender on tight and try to really turn up the 'ol volume nob on the Vox for this one...the crowd was terrific. We had our own team of dancers in the front and some romantics in the back. I was a little uncertain about only doing the trio for this big NYC return show, but by the end, I was convinced that Dan and Jeff are able to bring the rock...hard. Brian was not with us, as he was on tour with Pat McGee. Either way, we had an absolute killer time in the east village. "Tuesday," an unreleased/new song felt pretty great. We're working on a slightly new arrangement of that one. More studio news later my babies...

Setlist:

SUNRISE FALLS
OCTOBER
HOLIDAY
PROXIMITY
LOSING THE GLOW
AMSTERDAM AVENUE
DIONYSUS
TUESDAY
STAY WHERE YOU ARE
VENICE


-Alex

POSTED FROM NEW YORK, NY AT 11:52 AM

Notes from the pacific northwest

In Seattle at the moment...drove up from Oregon with the band. It's been a good west coast run thus far. Eugene was a blast with the Justin King Band. It's been blazing hot though. I thought the Pacific Northwest would be a much needed relief from the New York City heat wave. I was quite mistaken.

Yesterday we were on the hunt for the Turtle Sundae at Dairy Queen. The band and I drove 150 miles to find what we were searching for. Finally we found it. It was quite delicious. There is video blogging footage of this. Check on Youtube.com in the next day or two. Last night we also enjoyed a Seattle dinner at P.F. Chiengs. The Singapore Noodles are quite good.

-Alex (tired)

new song ideas

hey guys:
there is a new section for you guys on my Virb.com page (virb.com/alexnackman). i've decided to create a proverbial tennis ball hopper of song ideas, record them, and toss them in raw form onto Virb.com

You guys can check them out, hear me make mistakes, hit wrong notes, and basically sus out some ideas in a very organic way from my studio. The first song up there right now is a working version of a track called "something remains." the song has slightly changed since the recording was made, but hey, that's what this is all about, right?

P.S. the music video for "Proximity" is also up there (Virb.com, Myspace.com, Youtube.com, alexnackman.com, etc, whatever)

-Alex

Back in New York City. Good to be home

Mercury Lounge
June 10, 2007
New York, NY

i had a really nice return home to New York at the Mercury Lounge on 6/10. Despite Sunday being a huge HBO night, people still fit Alex Nackman in their schedule. It's been a wild ride touring with the new band and getting used to everyone's idiosyncracies. The guys and I are meshing so well. It's a difficult thing to find truly great musicians that you can glue together in a meaningful and "untransient" way. There is so much talent out there, but not all of those talented people are best for one's own band. It takes time. Getting back to the Merc was sort of an affirmation that things are heading in that positive direction. I say "positive" because I've learned the hard way about getting hopes up about things-- in everything. I very much take things in stride and often with many grains of salt. I think being a musician, on the road, constantly developing his craft, figuring out what works, and not always having a clear direction of where to go lends itself to patience and perspective.

so great to meet a bunch of you guys after the Merc show. Thanks for the multiple Coronas as well.

Setlist:

UNLOCK MY GATE
SUNRISE FALLS
HOLIDAY
HOLD THE LINE
AND SHE'S BEAUTIFUL
OCTOBER
AMSTERDAM AVENUE
DIONYSUS
PROXIMITY
STAY WHERE YOU ARE
VENICE
LOSING THE GLOW

*encore:
TUESDAY

-Alex

Much sweat and fog...June 10 @ The Mercury Lounge, NYC

the relentless performer (even with extreme perspiration)

fighting the heat at New York's Mercury Lounge....

wow! Gross.

Alex