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NEW MUSIC

Surprise, right!? Well, to those who are in the Pnut Gallery on Patreon, they have been following the process and hearing the demos over the last year.  The stars aligned and thanks to executive producer Kirk Pasich and KZZ Music (a production company spinoff from Blue Élan Records), I went into the studio last week with a dream team:  Paul Bushnell producing and playing bass (Tim McGraw/ Elton John/ Sarah McLachlan/ Sinead O’Connor/ Neil Young/ The Commitments/ Edna Swap), Zac Rae aka @grumpybeard on keyboards (Death Cab For Cutie/ Stevie Nicks/ Leonard Cohen/ Lana Del Rey/ Morrissey/ Ringo Starr), Dave Levita on guitars (Alanis Morissette/ Tim McGraw/ Dr. Dre/ Sara Bareilles/ Five for Fighting/ Sheryl Crow/ Lana Del Rey), and Thomas Lang on drums (Peter Gabriel/ Robbie Williams/ Glenn Hughes/ Falco).  Zackary Darling was behind the board engineering and is currently in custody of the tracks in order to mix! I just heard the rough board prints and they are wonderful!

I’m very excited to share these songs which run the gamut from modern singer-songwriter to indie pop punk. I’m bringing back some of the rock and quirkiness from my early days, but maintaining that sing-a-long quality and lyrics that are t-shirt worthy.  You will laugh, shake your bootie, and yes, there will a ballad to make you cry.  In a good way 😉 This group of A-listers truly elevated the songs.     (Pic below L to R- Kirk, Dave, Paul, Moi, Thomas, Zac and Zack)  Lots of behind the scenes videos on Patreon.

The “I Hope I Remember How to Do This” Tour:

In April 2021, my last CD “While the Angels Sigh” was released.  Unfortunately, all of my tour plans were canceled due to the pandemic.  So, I’m FINALLY gearing back up to lift the curtain and perform those songs as well as my new ones for a live – in person – audience!  I really hope to see you at one or more of these upcoming performances.  Singing for you keeps me sane. Sort of.

APRIL 30, HOLLYWOOD, CA  HOTEL CAFE 

MAY 13 – WASHINGTON, VA  BENSON HOUSE CONCERT 

MAY 14 – ROCKVILLE, MD  HANK DIETLE’S TAVERN

MAY 15 – MARTINSBURG, WV  ARLENE’S HOUSE CONCERT 

MAY 21 – CARMEL, CA  FOREST THEATER 

JULY 31 – CARMEL , CA   DE TIERRA WNERY TASTING ROOM

MY HAPPY PLACE

I live in my “Happy Place,” so It’s easy to NOT leave town.   My local walk “in the hood” is to places like this:

I can’t wait for you to hear my new song “House without Windows” on the new EP – I’ll be playing it live at shows before the record comes out. THIS is home – Big Sur.

If there was ever a time to come visit Big Sur/ Carmel, it’s the weekend of Saturday May 21st.  I’ll be doing a very special show at Carmel’s beautiful outdoor amphitheater – the Forest Theater.  Tickets available HERE. (Click on “Music in the Forest” through Pac Rep website)  Wine provided by Galante Vineyards- portion of the proceeds to be donated to Guitars not Guns: Monterey County Chapter.  If anyone wants to go hiking the next day, I’m happy to organize one.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Please let me know how YOU are, what music you are listening to these days and your tips for raising teenagers (click the contact page!). Jette & Perry are turning 13 in a couple of weeks – they are amazing, wonderful, brilliant and mostly functioning hot messes.   They are my teachers in this life, and I am so lucky to be their mom.  And wow does it make me miss MY mom.   My angel mama leaves me feathers and wisdom in the wind.   Chip is doing great – he has created a beautiful home studio where we can both create.  I’m hoping for a new Bella Portal CD from him in the near future.  He is also collaborating with his longtime musical partner/genius Gregory Markel in their band, All in Your Head (“AIYH”).

Thanks for reading! I have a new email platform through MailChimp, and you can subscribe HERE.  As always, if you ever want off the ride, just let me know – no harm, no foul.

For those of you who have stuck with me through the years, I am forever grateful for your support.

Sending you a big hug from Big Sur,

Cindy aka pnut

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My records are all creative births. They are the inspired and crafted musical poems and stories that encapsulate a certain period of time in my life. They are raised by a village – the band, producers, engineers and the team at the record label. And when the time is right, they are released out into the world, where they will grow, change, and form new attachments. If you happen to hold my baby, I hope you listen with your heart. She laughs, cries, and sings to you, and for you.

I hope you have had a chance to listen to While the Angels Sigh, which was released April 23rd. Autographed copies and merchandise are available from the Blue Élan store, and you can stream it on all major digital platforms. One of the most enjoyable aspects of this particular release has been my collaborations born of necessity. Since I haven’t been able to tour to promote the record, I decided to create content for the internet to support the release. I have hired wonderful dancers, actors, film makers, animators, and directors from all over the world to create video/visualizer companion pieces for each song on the record. I am truly enjoying this form of enhanced expression of the music, and I hope you do too! Please subscribe to my YouTube channel and check them out!

I was FINALLY able to perform live for an audience of 1 person + 2 camera operators and a video director for my CD release live stream. And in the first time in over a year, I was joined on stage by 2 other people – my new friend, Jesse DeCarlo (who lives near my new home in Carmel Highlands), and my long time writing partner/band mate, Paul Trudeau, who traveled up from Los Angeles. Now fully vaccinated, I can’t begin to tell you how good it feels to make music with other people. I look forward to the world continuing to open up so that we can all gather again, and give each other much needed hugs!

BamBam and Pebbles

I’ve been lavishing my extra affection onto my newly adopted kittens, Pebbles & Bam Bam. My 12 year old twins are finally back in school so thankfully, I can cross home school off the task list. I just need to teach my fur twins to stop destroying my furniture!

Lately, I’ve been spending more time out doors, exploring Big Sur and Carmel. I am very inspired by my new surroundings and the shift in perspective over the last year and a half. I’ll be sharing the new songs in the Pnut Gallery on Patreon.

I hope you and yours are well. I do love hearing from you – drop me a note (cindy@cindyalexander.com) and let me know how you’ve been and what music is resonating with you lately! I’ve opened up the tour book for 2022 and welcome your ideas. House Concerts and intimate shows are my favorite – let’s make them happen! Thanks for all of your support.

Love,
Cindy

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“Only dead people never get stressed, never get broken hearts, never experience the disappointment that comes with failure …”
Tough emotions are part of our contract with life.
You don’t get to have a meaningful career, or raise a family, or leave the world a better place without stress and discomfort. Discomfort is the price of admission to a meaningful life.”

-Dr. Susan David

Each time a CD is released (and “Nowhere to Hide” is my 9th, or 10th if you count the Christmas is Here EP which was digital only), I go through a post partum depression of sorts. There is a huge build up during the months preceding the creative “birth,” and then after first week sales and the CD release party, the powers that be are onto the NEXT (unless of course, you’re on the top of the charts or get some big “break”). No artist can depend on the industry’s notoriously fickle adoration. For the artist, once the record comes out, the work has just begun to keep the project relevant. We virtually tour on social media, and we physically hit the road playing shows to say “look at my baby!” These days it’s “Ok, so you don’t own a cd player and you play me on Spotify. I get it. So how ‘bout a t-shirt? Or a show ticket? A cookie?” Having been in the music business professionally for over 20 years, I can honestly say that it’s harder than it’s ever been. But at the same time, the playing field is wide open if you’re willing to do the work. The HARD work, the never ending work. And it’s not for the faint of heart, or ego.

This is a typical scenario: The Entertainment Industry holds your favorite treat of all time in front of your nose. And each time you (the artist) get closer, the treat is pulled back just slightly. They lure you in, closer and closer and closer. As soon as you taste the treat, they grab your soul. When they’re done with your soul, they hand you back only an ego that has been tread on by their own. It’s uncomfortable, it hurts, and it’s heartbreaking. Artist then searches for their soul to reclaim. The industry is not pure evil. I’ve truly met some of the greatest people I’ve been blessed to encounter. But the bad eggs are, well… disappointing.

As an artist, I must remember that I do not serve the Industry – I serve those who have made my music part of the soundtrack of their lives. Yes, an artist needs to monetize in order to keep serving. We need to monetize to feed families, stay healthy and take care of ourselves and each other. But, I don’t do this for the money, I do it because I HAVE to.

This life I’ve chosen as an artist – it’s a Calling. I write songs and sing because if I didn’t, I’d emotionally and physically, spontaneously combust. I can hear my husband reading over my shoulder saying “You’re a Drama Queen. “ Yeah, but you wouldn’t have me any other way! And this crazy play is my Life, and I thank G-d that you’re all a part of it.

“Are you along for the ride, or just here for the song? ‘Cause I’m here for it all.” – Cindy Alexander
(From the song “Passenger” on Nowhere to Hide)

I’ve been writing a lot over the past few weeks, and if you join me on Instagram @pnutsings, you’ll find that I’m writing songs in front of you. You’ll read lyrics in process and experience my mind working through life and images and turning them into song. Hope to connect with you there- I enjoy watching everyone’s posts and what images captivate YOU.

I am not fighting the future – Spotify is here to stay and I’ve started making playlists and discovering new music. I’ve got you covered if you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day OR Single’s Awareness Day.  If you use the platform, PLEASE follow my artist page.  My label will be happy.  Yes really!  Blue Élan Records has found some benefit to the platform’s  “discoverability” element.

In other news, I’m adding tour dates constantly and I’ve planned an online concert for 3/11. If you post a picture of yourself on your socials with some CA Nowhere to Hide merch/swag and the hashtags #nowheretohide #cindyalexander, we’ll find you and send you the invite/password to attend. We’ll draw a name out of the invitees to choose the set list! If you don’t want to use your own image, get creative like Daniel Molinares – the pic he posted with Elvis makes me smile every time I see it.

And now, I’m turning off the phone and the computer and going for a hike. Nature is my temple. And sometimes, as much as I crave connection, I need space. Do you ever go off the grid? And if you do, where do you go and how do you quiet your mind?

Thanks for reading Please stay in touch ~ I love hearing from you. Hope to sing for you in person soon!

XO
Cindy