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NEW RECORD

Yes, I make a big mess and make art out of it.  And I can finally share that with you!  MESSY came out July 21st and people have some nice things to say about it!  You can listen HERE and purchase the CD and limited edition merch HERE.

“Alexander’s ten-song book “Messy” is one of her more edgy, yet it’s artfully sequenced with a variety of styles that shows off her gorgeous vocal abilities. The songs reflect many sides of her personality, from cheeky observer to deeply introspective philosopher. And the song forms and production artistry elevate the music to a very high level.”
– Beth Peerless, Monterey Herald.

“If something is different about Cindy Alexander, it’s not the power of her lyrics. The singer-songwriter, who has held on to the edgy credibility of an emerging artist through 10 previous albums, has crafted something anthemic, infused with pop yet true to herself.
The sound may represent a departure, but Alexander’s lyrics remain defiant, honest, bitter and sweet, with jabs of humor that compel listeners to hone in on her words and know the something that is presented.”
-Dave Faries, Monterey Weekly

My new hometown is embracing the record, and our local radio station KSQD is spinning multiple tracks, including “Messy,” “Candlelight” and “House without Windows.”
I LOVED making this record for you, and can’t wait to hear what songs resonate with YOU, personally.  Please send me an email!

GRATITUDE

Hotel Cafe – CD Release Show 7/22/23, Photo by Dakota Whiting

I’ve been so busy parenting, touring and trying to keep up on my social media that I was way over-due for checking in here on my own website!  I have said to myself many times over the summer that it would be so much easier JUST to sing and write songs.  But, this is the life of an indie artist:  we have to run a business, dot the i’s and cross the t’s, make travel reservations, find the lost guitar pics, and do all of the things that are NOT creative so that we can BE creative.  All this keeps me grounded, humble and overwhelmed.  I am truly grateful to the team at KZZ Music and Blue Elan Records, my manager Dave and the outside consultants who keep nudging me back on track when I venture off the path.  I am so blessed to be able to make music.  This week I am 10 YEARS cancer free!

ON TOUR

I’m adding new tour dates often, so make sure to follow me on Bands in Town or Songkick (or check in here) for the latest tour schedule.  I’m excited to announce that I’ll be back with my dear friends, The Bacon Brothers for dates in Texas, PA, and VA in the Fall, with my own headlining dates sprinkled in between.  I continue to book house concerts across the US, so reach out if you’re interested!
Thank you for stopping by.
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

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Fidgeting with festive wrapping, I find people struggling to cope. Beneath the mistletoe, I see heartbreak. Illumined by the candles, I witness a world that wants to be more than it is at this moment. I don’t write this because I’m unhappy. I write this because I’m empathetic. I can’t help but me moved by the suffering I see around me, and the absolute line in the sand that’s been drawn between political sides, races and religions. It is my hope and prayer over the next few weeks, and in the New Year, that introspection allows us to commit to lovingly embrace our common humanity and this beautiful earth we are so blessed to inhabit. I am eternally grateful for my family and friends, and the heavenly gift of music that moves me, and moves through me, in darker times….. it saves me. Thank you to all of you who have made my music, your music. I’m truly honored.

I’m looking forward to sharing “Nowhere to Hide” with you on January 5th, when it’s released worldwide. 2018 Tour is in the works, so please check the schedule regularly as new dates are being added. Hope to see you on the road!

With love and my best wishes for the Holidays & New Year,
Cindy

PS:  On December 11, I spent the day in the studio with my Blue Élan family recording a beautiful Christmas song by Gina Sicilia called “Shine Down On Us” to benefit the Alliance for Children’s Rights, and their efforts to help thousands of foster children.  Every stream or purchase helps the Alliance because Blue Élan Records is donating 100% of the profits.  Here’s a video from our day in the studio – please share!  https://youtu.be/4b4h5pUnHGE