Interview with Alex Souter, an Up and Coming Musician from England

I recently had a chance to interview an up and coming artist from England named Alex Souter.

Here is what Alex had to say about his music, goals, and inspirations.

Question: Who are the members in your group and where are you from?
I (Alex Souter) am the lead singer and guitarist. Matt Crozer plays the keyboard and Bass. I am from Rochester which is in south east England.

Question: How long has your group been together?
"We have been around for 2 years now."

Question: What is the meaning of your name/bands name?
Well it is my own name, I thought about making up some sort of band name for my music but decided to just stick with my name.

Question: What first caused you to be attracted to music as a career?
Well I have loved music for a while now and after I started writing songs and playing guitar it just seemed to work.

Question: What is your goal as a musician or group?
To get signed as soon as possible and release the album I have been waiting for a long time. Then I plan to progress as a big time musician.

Question: Do you write/produce all your own music?
I write all the lyrics and the music apart from the music on a few tracks, Matt Crozer records it all for me.

Question: Who do you cite as your major influences/inspiration?
Reese Roper, particularly his project 'Brave Saint Saturn' that had a big impact on me as did 'Five Iron Frenzy'. I also take much of my epic influence from power metal like 'Sonata Arctica'

Question: Would you like to explain what musical themes you like the most?
I just love acoustic music, I like songs on an album where there is a recurring theme. For example 'Manowar - Gods of war'.

Question: Do you compose using drum machines?
Technically yes but the one we use is a very sophisticated one which are properly live recorded.

Question: Did you do any vocal training?
Yes, I have a singing lesson once a week and practice during the week.

Question: Would you share some of the ideas behind your band/music?
The album coming out is called 'Long Distant Hope' which is divided into two discs 'Lover Lost at Sea' and 'Long Journey Home'. The ideas behind this is a story about Elizabeth whose fiancé is sent off to war at sea, he is gone for a long time and she then receives a letter stating that he was lost at sea. The first disc focus's on her love for him and the pain she is going through, the second focus's on her lovers journey back home after we find out he is still alive, we see the trouble and pain he is going through to get home. This is a big project and will likely be finished next year.

Question: Would you like to share some information about your upcoming projects?
In the next few months I will be working on the 'Starlit Skies and Beautiful Eyes' E.P which is set to be released June 4th. It contains 7 new songs since my last E.P, it is a lighter CD containing more acoustic based songs which I tend to prefer. It will hopefully be a huge progression from my last disc.
Question: Is there anything else you would like me/fans to know about you?
I am dedicated to my music and I hope you like mine, this is my dream and I hope whoever is reading this will follow me on my journey to stardom.

Question: Where can I and your fans find your music?
My music can be found on the following sites: www.alexsouter.com, www.myspace.com/alexsoutermusic , and www.virb.com/alexsouter .