New York City based rocker Alex Nackman is climbing to the top of the proverbial singer-songwriter music scene with his personal blend of acoustic rock fare that critics have described as insightful and introspective, yet also melancholy and inquisitive. His well received 2003 studio debut “Good Impressions”, and following tour, gave Nackman the chance to hone his live performance. After a solid year of touring in the northeast, Alex’s songs could be heard on College-town coffee shop mixes from Washington DC to Bangor, ME. With continued self-publicity work, touring, and free sampler mailings to all fans (at which point three post offices in three states in the northeast knew Alex’s first name), Alex’s honest songs were spreading. Soon, he garnered opening spots for an impressive host of headliners including The Roots, Norah Jones, Glen Phillips (formerly of Toad the Wet Sprocket), Pat McGee Band, and Ari Hest among many others. Peter Baker of Fly Magazine said in 2003 of Alex’s “Good Impressions” release, “He writes lyrics that betray the fact that Nackman himself is just 20 years old.”
Nackman has toured extensively and successfully throughout all parts of the U.S. and many parts of Europe hitting top venues, colleges, and universities. With the amount of touring and road experience Alex has under his belt, there’s little mystery as to why press from L.A. to London has continued to back him. Now 22 years old, Alex has managed to rack up hundreds of shows (including two separate full European tours) with an international following, on the strength of his sharp and clever songwriting, and personable stage appeal. It also should be noted that as the consummate businessman and negotiator, Alex has booked every single show he has ever performed.
In August 2004, Nackman released a live EP entitled “Stages | EP,” bringing together live tracks recorded at Eddie’s Attic (Atlanta), Makor (NYC), and The Point (Bryn Mawr, PA). It was in September 2004, when Alex first brought his touring to Europe, as he earned a residency at “Loonees,” a well-regarded club in Florence, Italy. In addition, he was offered multiple playing opportunities in London highlighted by opening for UK based “CoStar” at the 12 Bar Club as well as a co-headlining date with fellow songwriter Sylvie Lewis, at the Lush Bar also in London.
Alex has always had a penchant for connecting with people through the music. His willingness to open himself up is shown brightly in the honesty and intensity of his songs that discuss real issues and ask moral questions. Where some songwriters find it difficult to face the realities and utter failures in life, Alex has embraced them as driving forces behind his songs. It seems as though his approach has been right on with the fans and listeners from L.A. to Italy that Alex has swooned. Through grassroots promotional efforts of a dedicated street team, Alex has impressively created a strong legion of fans from all across the country and abroad, earned growing album sales, and has been gaining enthusiastic response from U.S. and UK press. “His energetic and upbeat melodies, coupled with insightful lyrics and superb guitar skills make this young artist one to watch,” writes Cheryl Zack of Vibe-Rate Music, Philadelphia. The BBC in London also jumped in writing, “Nackman, a New Yorker, dishes acoustic fired gems.” Drawing influence from Ben Folds, Van Morrison, Pete Yorn, Paul McCartney, and James Taylor, Alex has been able to solidify his fan connections with artful melodies and infectious hooks.
From Los Angeles to New York to London to Rome and everywhere in between, Alex Nackman has grown well beyond the days of his earliest efforts and has turned into a true craftsman. On June 21, 2005, Alex released his 3rd studio release, “A Boy Who Thought He Knew,” with the aid of producer David Shaw (Van Morrison, Jerry Garcia, Etta James) and performance appearances from Fred Berman (of the Amos Lee band) and former Ray Charles bassist Steve Beskrone. The critically acclaimed record was backed by a 25 city U.S. and UK summer tour. He is currently working on his forth release.
