advice.

"In this life, just find something you really love doing. Then, simply learn to do it better than anyone else, and you won't have anything to worry about."

-Chet Baker




POSTED FROM NEW YORK, NY AT 11:43 PM

Fun times at All Points West

Some visuals...w/ Coldplay, from APW last weekend...smelly mud, but amazing.

-Alex





POSTED FROM BROOKLYN, NY AT 8:10 PM

Films (noir et les autres)

While writing and working on the new songs, I've been also watching a ton of old films that I had always heard and read about, but never had a chance to see. In recent weeks, I've watched "Amarcord" and "8 1/2" by Fellini, "Last Tango In Paris," as well as "Breathless" and "Band of Outsiders" by Godard. One of my favorite films of all time that is in my own DVD collection: "Jules et Jim" by Fançois Truffaut. There is something amazingly true and honest about these films. Admittedly, Fellini can be pretty odd and unrealistically dream-like at times, but the language and the writing has just hit me certain ways because it reminds of me of how some musicians phrase their lyrics-- a good song, lyrically speaking, phrases lines in a way that isn't out-right obvious in its meaning, but can be understood if thought about only for a few more seconds (does that make any sense??). I hope so. Here's a clip from "Band of Outsiders" ("Bande à Part" en Français).





-Alex


POSTED FROM BROOKLYN, NEW YORK AT 2:07 PM

Just saw "TRAINSPOTTING" again and couldn't resist:

"So why did I do it? I could offer a million answers, all false. The truth is that I'm a bad person, but that's going to change, I'm going to change. This is the last of this sort of thing. I'm cleaning up and I'm moving on, going straight and choosing life. I'm looking forward to it already. I'm going to be just like you: the job, the family, the fucking big television, the washing machine, the car, the compact disc and electrical tin opener, good health, low cholesterol, dental insurance, mortgage, starter home, leisurewear, luggage, three-piece suite, DIY, game shows, junk food, children, walks in the park, nine to five, good at golf, washing the car, choice of sweaters, family Christmas, indexed pension, tax exemption, clearing the gutters, getting by, looking ahead, to the day you die.

- RENTON



POSTED FROM NEW YORK, NY @ 8:17 AM

McCartney

I got a chance to catch Paul McCartney's performance atop the David Letterman marquee at the Ed Sullivan Theatre yesterday...pretty darn cool to say the least (massive Beatles fan).

-Alex





POSTED FROM NEW YORK, NY AT 8:18 AM

Greener

I think last year while touring, the road began to wear on me a bit. I could see the fatigue in the band as well. I decided in November of 2008 to take a breather and really hunker down on writing a great bunch of new songs. I wanted them to brew a bit. I had just moved to a new place in Brooklyn and I knew my unfamiliar surroundings would help keep inspiration strong. Since November, I've been able to get together roughly 50 new songs (some much, much, much stronger than others). I really feel that the break was a success. Having been in my studio to write and record for more than 8 months, I can also say that the road is calling. I miss it. I miss the cramped van, the sweating to load gear into the venue, the frustrated sound-techs who may not want to be at the venue that night, my band, and the feedback from all you guys afterwards.

What is hard about taking a touring break for an artist is that he/she fears that those who've followed him will leave or worse, forget. There is only so much an artist can do to keep people at his side for the long term. Much of it depends on the motivation of the fans. So many of you have been asking what's been going on and when I'll be returning to the stage...the time is soon. I thank you for staying with me and pushing this forward. In the end, an artist needs an ear. I don't write just for myself, otherwise I'd lock myself in a room below ground and just play all day everyday and never leave. The pull comes from those who listen and those who care. I'm like a kid who wants to show his parents a new trick, but the trick in this case is a serious trick-- one that just may have the power to affect someone in a significant way.

-Alex


POSTED FRO BROOKLYN, NY AT 8:16 AM

More studio photos

yo everyone...thanks for the kind emails on the "Forever Young" cover. If you still haven't gotten it for free yet, please do. It is, a mentioned, totally free. Just visit www.alexnackman.com for the details.

Here are some new studio photos, working on some rough vocals.

-Alex

POSTED FROM BROOKLYN, NY AT 5:38 PM

"Forever Young"

Hey Guys,

In the interim of hearing tracks from the upcoming new album, the boys and I have been working on a few cover tunes that struck our fancy. So, up on the mypace player right now is a new cover of "Forever Young," the Alphaville song we all know and love.

Hope you dig it. We tried to keep some of the original elements and also added our own little touch. The new album is sounding so great and you'll all hear it very soon...thanks for the love and patience. It all means so much. It's been a long road.

If you want a FREE mp3 of "Forever Young," it's yours. Just sign up on the email list at www.alexnackman.com. No catch.

Much Love in the meantime,
-Alex, Dan, Keith

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POSTED FROM BROOKLYN, NEW YORK AT 3:36 PM

Ramblings? Or, Ruminations.

During the process of working on this new album, I've gone through many moods-- satisfaction, happiness, frustration, anxiety, and all the rest. It's been pretty conducive to the "art," which I like. But, the point is, each album has its own drive. It's like getting into a new car. Yes, they all have 2 pedals and a steering wheel, but the feel is different each time-- thus there can't be any expectations before the process starts. I've had ups and downs this year and I'm hoping the new songs will strike a chord (seriously, no pun intended) in you guys who've stayed behind me. Fortunately there seem to be a lot of you; that support of which I can't fully express how much it means to me.

I've even had thoughts of moving away from my long time home of New York...trying something new, a fresh landscape. But, in the end, the music keeps motivating me and I'm not tired of it, despite the inconsistencies of this pursuit. I can only write what drives me and create something that will stir thoughts in myself and others who connect with it.

...some cool cover songs are coming for you all soon (sort of a small sample in the interim of hearing the new album). I think they'll hit in a good way.

~Alex

POSTED FROM NEW YORK, NY AT 5:52 PM

Quick shots.

Just a few shots from late last night working on some backing vocal ideas. I could feel some ear-fatigue coming on...thus, the beanie.

On a totally tangential point, my cable television hasn't worked for a month due to apartment building ridiculousness (argh!), which has prevented me from watching BBC America and Gordon Ramsey's "Kitchen Knightmares."

--- Not happy about it.

-A.N.






POSTED FROM BROOKLYN, NY AT 3:05 PM

On and On.

i thought i was done writing, but then something came. pushing ahead with guitar in lap, hands on piano, mouth to mic. good things arriving guys...

LOVE,
Alex

POSTED FROM BROOKLYN, NY AT 10:48 PM

New Song...Progress, right?

Hey Guys,

It's been awhile, but all is ok. I swear. I've been locked in a really productive studio with loads of coffee.

Ok, so there is a new song up right now on the WWW.MYSPACE.COM/ALEXNACKMAN profile. It's truthfully a b-side, because I'm not so sure it'll make the cut for the new album, but I wanted to toss some of the new ideas out there in the meantime. So, grab a listen. The song is called "Things I Could Say." Hope you dig, even though it's a b-side. It has a rough and raw vibe to it, but there's something about the track that I like. Perhaps its imperfections.

Hope you've all caught the tons of love we've been lucky enough to get on MTV this season. They been super-supportive, which has been truly great.

More soon...and yes, the real album with all the hot tracks.

Much Love,
-Alex

----------------------
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POSTED FROM BROOKLYN, NY AT 8:17 PM

Writing

Writing lots..sorry for the lapse my friends. Been head-over-heels for some new ideas I've been mulling over. When I get into writing mode, I can't leave my guitar.

-Alex

POSTED FROM BROOKLYN, NY AT 11:16 PM

Feature at MTV

Hey my peeps,

there is a nice little feature at MTV right now from Real World Brooklyn. They have been showing some love and it's been pretty darn cool of them at the network.

check it out:

http://soundtrack.mtv.com/the-real-world-brooklyn

-Alex


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Seattle.

Just hangin' in Seattle...DVDs and cocoa anyone?

Music on Real World: Brooklyn

Hey Guys,

I was just made aware by my astute (and well-connected) manager, that two tracks from the "Still Life Moves" album will debut tonight on the season premiere of Real World Brooklyn tonight Wed Jan 7 at 10PM EST. It should be "Indifferent" and "Banking On November." Listen closely...pick up the tunes and album if you haven't yet.

I've been lucky enough to have a lot of love from MTV in the last two years and I'm stoked they want to continue having the music on their shows...It's been a good ride. Still at the studio today, working hard.

Much Love,
-ATN

-----------------------------
www.alexnackman.com


POSTED FROM BROOKLYN, NY AT 12:57PM

Twiiter?

hey guys...just FYI, I've started the Twitter thing. I didn't really know what it was until I read an article about it. But, I think it's a cool way of keeping you guys updated during the writing and recording process in quick little bursts.

I really want you all to be connected to what's going on since i'm not on the road right now, without having to wait for really verbose and sometimes infrequent blog posts. so, if you're on twitter, jump on and follow me. It's been an exciting couple months gathering all the new material. I think it'll knock your socks off, when it's finished. I'll have more specific updates on the aforementioned twitter posts so everyone can get a little sense of what goes on in a given day.

...thanks for all your patience during the recording process and for all your love.

www.twitter.com/AlexNackman

-Alex


____________________
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evidence and explanation

ok, the promised evidence of costume from 10/31. Surprisingly, many of you asked who I was trying to be. Here I thought it was all too obvious.

Think Kubrick 1971 people.

-Alex

Halloween? Serious Business

Peeps,

I haven't really taken Halloween all that seriously in recent years. It's too much for me. It's stressful, damn it. So much expectation and yet so little time.

But, this year, I have decided to make a concerted effort to put out a statement. Some friends have invited me to a grand 'ol Halloween Party in New York and I have to come En Masque. Thus, I have devised a killer (pun intended) costume. Now, obviously I cannot reveal what my costume is now on the blog until November 1 (when there will be ample photographic evidence of the aforementioned "killer costume"), but, I will say now that I have reached back into the vault of Hollywood cinema and brought back a classically frightening character. I am not saying that this idea is the most original or that it has never been emulated before. But, what I am saying is that when I do something, I do it right. I make sure every detail is just as it should be. So, while others may have merely imitated, I will be resurrecting this character in all its brilliant form and detail.

Photos to come.

-Alex

new brooklyn digs

yo guys,

So in the last week I have moved to a new apartment. The move itself was surprisingly easy, compared to moves in the past that involve serious stress and sweat. this time, it was only sweat. but, driving a U-Haul in Manhattan is treacherous. I wouldn't recommend it. It reminded me of that scene in "Dumb and Dumber" when the dog truck flies over a hill and slams onto the pavement at 50 mph (van driven by Jeff Daniels).

Anyway, I'm still getting settled, but I have huge place with tons of sunlight, plants everywhere, and a gorgeous roof-deck on top of the building facing Manhattan. It's all very comfortable, but it's still not "my home" yet. That'll take a few more weeks I think. My new place is like having a new girlfriend: comfort comes with time. I'm not ready to walk around my kitchen naked in the daylight yet.

This week, I've been rebuilding my recording studio now in my new place. It's all coming together quite nicely. I broke out the acoustic and a microphone late last night in my living room just sampling a few ideas I've been working on lately. The new songs are taking great shape and great emotion.

...more soon.

-A.N.

POSTED FROM BROOKLYN, NY AT 1:04 PM