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Every Monday we will be bringing you interviews with UK or Ireland artists for Independent Music Monday. Recently we caught up with Eastbourne artist Alexander Mountain to find out more…

Where are you from and how did you first get into music?
I am a singer-songwriter from Eastbourne, East Sussex and have been interested in music from a very young age. It wasn’t until I started secondary school I soon realised music was my passion and I performed at various events throughout the years.

When I turned 15, we were required to compose a song for one of our final music units. I had always loved poetry but never had seriously considered putting words to music, especially as I didn’t play any instruments at the time. So, naturally I forced myself to learn and as soon as I grasped the basics of guitar, I put the two together and it blossomed from there.

Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
I listened to a lot of Craig David and Daniel Bedingfield as a kid; their CDs seemingly had permanent residency in my mum’s car, fortunately they never had to pay rent. But as I grew older, the artist who was the catalyst in spurring me to write was Gabrielle Aplin. I followed her musical journey online, and in turn, her music taste influenced mine and introduced me to some of my other big inspirations like Bon Iver and Ben Howard.

It has only grown from them as my music taste has become more refined; I find myself inspired by new artists regularly. Most recently Maggie Rogers, Holly Humberstone and Dermot Kennedy.

How would you describe your sound?
I would say my music falls under the ‘contemporary folk’ umbrella but I would say not all my songs are all necessarily cohesive. I get inspired by different music all the time and I try to integrate those sounds and ideas into my own, I don’t intend to write for one genre or try to replicate what I have done before, it is just what comes naturally to me at that time.

What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
My latest release is my debut EP, “A House, Not a Home”. It is a deeply personal and deep-dive into love, loss, and self-discovery that navigates through the trials and tribulations of a deteriorated relationship. It comprises of five tracks, each with a unique identity, mood, and feel, yet intricately tied together by enchanting string sections. The EP is designed to be experienced in the order it was created.

What’s your local music scene like?
East Sussex is renowned for its bustling music scene, as it is home to a diverse range of talents across the county. Since joining it, I have met so many wonderful and talented people who have welcomed me with open arms and it is actually where I met my collaborator and producer of the EP, Henry Bristow.

What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
I will continue to churn out content for this current EP but I imagine I will probably take a bit of a break! Releasing music is hard work and I don’t always feel it’s appreciated how much work and time goes into it, behind the scenes – additionally it’s expensive and people don’t always have the funds to make the project that they want, and with music being so personal you want to present it at its best.

That said, however, I am always writing and working on other things and I already have something in mind for the next project but for that you’ll just have to wait and see!

Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
It would be a dream to work with any of my inspirations, although I would probably feel a little bit too starstruck or inept to work with them if I ever got the chance.

Any funny stories surrounding your live performances?
Once, and this was a very long time ago, I was dragged along to an open mic by one of my friends. I had not performed to an audience in a very long time and was so anxious and nervous. I decided to have some liquid courage to calm the nerves. Let’s just say it didn’t stop at one and I was too drunk to go on stage.

What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
My music has always been inspired by first-hand experience, which seemingly lends a hand to the range of different styles and genres that make appearances throughout my releases. As an artist, music has always been therapeutic for me; a way to exorcise my emotions and demons and to create something beautiful from something dark; as there are no shadows without light.

Upcoming live dates and performances
I will be performing on the seven seas on P&O Cruises’ ship Arvia until the 30th November 2024 as their resident “busker” / solo guitar vocalist.

You can find out more about Alexander via Apple Music, Facebook, Instagram, Linktree, SoundCloud, Spotify, TikTok, X (Twitter), YouTube Music or his YouTube channel.