1. Thank you very much for your time! Before we introduce your new release to our readers – what kind of drink would you recommend to zip on while they listen to your new music?
I’m a big negroni fan – a little sweet, a little bitter, and bonus: it’s red.
2. Please give us an update about – new single, new album, tour dates, new videos?!
My new single, Red Planet, is streaming now, please listen to it! We also launched a music video for the song shot by Winnipeg-based photography phenom, Joey Senft. This song has been a work in progress for a long time so it’s nice to see it out in the world. I’ve got big touring plans. I’ll be performing in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico this winter until spring and then over the summer I’m stoked to be hitting the road with instrumental psychedelic jazz rock band, Apollo Suns for stops across Canada and the U.S. I’ll be joining them on sax and opening for them on certain shows. After that, we’ll see! I haven’t made it to Europe yet, but it’s on my wishlist …
3. We live in times of many conspiracy theories. Which, harmless, theory would you wish were true? (For example Dinos living inside Earth or E.T. living in a home in California)
This is a great question. I’d like it to be true that Big Sock is in cahoots with Big Dryer and that’s why you always lose one in the wash. There has to be an explanation!
4. What fashion style or brand would best describe your music?
I’d say streetwear. It’s inclusive, urban, draws influences from many different places and it’s easy to slip into.
5. Tell us more about your songs! Topics! Message!?
At its core, this latest song, Red Planet, is about change. Just looking back on the last few years, it’s wild to think how much change people worldwide have dealt with. I was reflecting on the noise of everything about me and the emotions that come out of feeling powerless in the face of it all. When I commuted home at night, I would see the planet Mars up in the sky, just above the horizon and it struck me as a metaphor. Giving in to helplessness, and the resentment, depression and even anger that it brings, we self-isolate and become even lonelier. Instead, I think we need to get out of that orbit – to be accountable, proactive in everything from our relationships to what we can do for the world at large.
A lot of my songwriting is inspired by global issues. My last EP, Dream Final, was really focused on the climate crisis and greed. I also write a lot about what it means to exist in this digital age where we’re more connected than ever but also polarized. Then, of course, I also write about love.
6. Beside music, do you have any special talents?
I’m a basketball fanatic so I’ll say three-point shooting.
7. Name 5 things we all should know about you as an artist?!
- I’m a loop artist so when you see me perform live, you’ll see me play SPDS drum pad, vocals, electric guitar, synth, keyboards, alto sax and beatbox. I do it all on the spot.
- I’m based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada now, but I was born in Toronto, spent my teenage years in Nanaimo in British Columbia, and spent years in the music scene in Vancouver.
- My last name is pronounced “Mar” like the Spanish word for sea.
- I grew up playing jazz under the instruction of Bryan Stovell and had a chance to perform with some greats like Diana Krall.
- I was on a science scholarship in university and my plan was to go into medicine until the band I was in at the time, Flannel Jimmy, got signed to Nettwerk records.
8. How did you learn to sing/ to write/ to play??
I started playing sax in public school in Toronto at the age of 11. I also started teaching myself drums, guitar and singing around the same time. I didn’t start writing songs until I was in my first band and that’s when I started thinking more seriously about pursuing songwriting and production. When that band decided to part ways, I took the songs that I wrote for that group, finished some other works in progress, and released my own self-produced independent solo LP called ‘East Eighth’.
9. A question you’d like to answer, but never been asked in an interview before?! + Answer pls
What’s your favourite season of the Sopranos?
Tough one, but I’d have to say Season 4. Things haven’t got too dark yet and there’s lots of epic Christopher and Adriana scenes.
Your Instagram: @alexmahermusic