Art Alexakis Inspiration And Fans
Everclear Founder Tells Suite101 About His Connection Through Music
Art Alexakis from much-loved band Everclear spoke to Suite101 in a special interview series. Here, in part one, we talk about impending fatherhood and his special fans.
- Genre: alternative / indie / rock
- Art Alexakis (vocals / guitar), Davey French (guitar / vocals), Sam Hudson (bass / vocals), Josh Crawley (keyboards / vocals), Brett Snyder (drums / vocals)
- Sounds like: Tom Petty, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen
- Home: Portland, Oregon, US
- Everclear
A Gentleman And A Scholar
In the fickle world of rock music, there are few artists who can genuinely say they have inspired a generation of fans-turned-performers. There are even fewer who don't pander to their egos and shout this from the rooftops. Everclear front man Art Alexakis is one such man.
Currently touring to promote the new album Welcome To The Drama Club, released on their new indie label Eleven Seven Records and seeing the band return to the sound that was their trademark, Art sat down with Suite101 to discuss everything from his early years to dispelling stories about the band. Articulate, funny and humble, and never one to shy away from any subject, Art's is probably one of the most enjoyable interviews I've ever had the pleasure of conducting.
Here, in part one of our special five-part series, we talk about a new chapter in Art's life as he prepares to become a father again, and the special bond he has with Everclear fans.
Art Alexakis Interview Part 1: Inspiration And True Fans
Suite: You've been around for the best part of 15 years now. How do you stay motivated to keep going?
Art: You know, it's going to sound clichéd, but it's something I'm good at. I couldn't really do anything else, you know? I'm an okay singer; I'm an okay guitarist; I think I'm a good songwriter, and that my songs seem to connect with different people at different times, so you know, when you put all that together, it's pretty easy to keep going. Although I'll be honest, as much as there are things I love about this business, there are things I hate as well.
Suite: Such as?
Art: Well, although I love playing live, the touring can be a drag, being away from your family and loved ones. I have a lovely 15-year old daughter from a previous relationship, and she's really sprouting and I'm missing that. Plus, my fiancée is expecting our first baby, and by the time this tour finishes in June, she's going to be showing and everything, and I've missed that while we've been promoting this record.
Suite: Wow, congratulations! You must be pretty excited to get home.
Art: Yeah, definitely, although at the moment, she's going through the sickness stage and everything, so maybe I'm not missing that much (laughs)! But yeah, thanks man, it's definitely a good time in my life. For the first time I really feel that this is it, you know? I'm with a wonderful, beautiful woman who knew me when I was down, seriously underweight and unhealthy, and not when I was making $2 million a year, so I know she's genuine. I've made a lot of mistakes in the past, and for the first time, I feel strongly that this is anything but.
Suite: When is she due?
Art: November; she's only just over two months gone, so it's going to be a wonderful Christmas. Of course, come back and ask me if I still feel the same when it gets near the birth and my girl is peeing at all hours in the morning and keeping me awake (laughs)! But it's all good; I have a good life and I appreciate that every day.
Suite: Your music inspires a lot of fans to overcome their hardships. Is this a direct result of your own troubled early years?
Art: Possibly, yes. I mean, everyone knows I had a rough time with my dad leaving when I was young, and I got into a bad way with drugs and that, so I guess that I know what it's like to be down in the gutter. Plus I had a really bad time before this record – my mother died, I got divorced and I filed for bankruptcy, so you know, it wasn't a good time for me and I think my fans and anyone who listens to my records know that, you know, I never shy away from my problems. All the songs I write have some connection to what I've gone through, and I know a lot of people have the same problems.
Suite: Your fans definitely seem to be some of the more loyal ones around, as well.
Art: You know, we only opened our MySpace page last year, but I spend a lot of time on there, and I read what people write to me, and I talk with them, and it's a great connection. I honestly care about my fans, they're like an extended family to me, and if I can help in any way by sharing my songs and music with them, then it's the least I can do for them taking the time out of their life to listen to me, or talk to me.
- Art Alexakis Interview Part 2: Myths And The Early Years
- Where To Buy Welcome To The Drama Club
- Contact Everclear
