Alex Hendrix On Her New Single, Blame It On Mercury

August 3, 2021 by Grace Treutel

Artists, Huntsville, Musicians, News

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When you need a scapegoat for the chaos that is your post-2020 life, look no further than the stars and planets.

Blame It On Mercury is local singer-songwriter Alex Hendrix’s newest single which drops this Friday, August 6^th.

Hendrix’s newest track blends country with her signature moodiness to create a song which has been musically described as ‘a malaise of summer.’

We sat down with Alex to get her thoughts and insights into what went into making Blame It On Mercury the perfect close-of-summer vibe.

HuntsvilleMusic.com: Hi Alex Hendrix, welcome back to HuntsvilleMusic.com’s interviewing hot seat. Are you ready to reveal your most intimate secrets?

Alex Hendrix: I have had two very large, iced coffees and I am ready to spill everything

HM.com: Godspeed. So, we’re here today to unpack your newest upcoming single, Blame It On Mercury. First, I want to know – what was the last thing you blamed on the alignments of the planets?

Alex: You know, I would love to say it was something very large that sticks out in my memory. But in reality, it was probably something I said in passing to my cat when he got angry with me for not letting him look out the glass front door. My cat is very into astrology

HM.com: That tracks. Speaking of tracks, this one is a notable deviation from the last track you released: Necromantic, a song that was equal parts eerie and ethereal. Blame It On Mercury feels more straight-forward and twangy – a little bit less off-the-wall while still retaining some classic ‘Alex Hendrix’ melancholy.

What were the differences in the songwriting process for these two?

Alex: Necromantic was more of a theatrical writing exercise, so I got very immersed in gothic literature and film for it. Blame It On Mercury is much more along the lines of my usual writing. I remember it all coming very quickly as well, it wasn’t a song that I labored over for very long at all

HM.com: Hearing that both impresses and enrages me, since the lyrics for Blame It On Mercury are so damn good, and I was kind of hoping you’d really struggled to get them out.

It’s hard to pick a single favorite line, but one of mine is

It feels just like laughing when I’m not in on the joke / And my lungs keep on filling up with secondhand smoke

How do you think this song compares to your previous work in general?

Alex: Thank you, that’s very kind of you. The production for this song has gone heavily into the country realm, which is different for me in a very fun way. It’s always been a fun song to play live, so I’m glad we got to add little elements that keep the sort of melancholy feeling while adding these retro neon-y vibes to it. Lyrically, it’s very self-focused, very much about spiraling and wondering why you are the way you are, but in a way that isn’t quite as dark as I usually go.

A paired down version of my angst, really.

HM.com: That self-curiosity and discovery is such a prevalent theme through all your work, I think it’s why people connect so deeply with the lyrics.

You mentioned that this has ‘always’ been a fun song to play live – when did you initially write it?

Alex: This was written a couple of months after the big Notre Dame fire of 2019, which is actually specifically referenced in the song. So right around this exact time two years ago.

HM.com: The world has changed so much since 2019 – did you do a lot of editing to the song as a result of that, or did it always stay pretty true to its first iteration?

Alex: Nothing has changed from the first draft of the lyrics aside from a few minor phrasing things.

HM.com: Let’s talk about Blame It On Mercury, genre-wise. It has totally different vibes than Necromantic and than a lot of your other music – how would you describe this one from that lens?

Alex: It absolutely skews more Country than anything else I’ve done. I was really inspired by the idea of a gritty dive bar and a neon glow and just the sort of innate moodiness that brings. I worked with Johnny Okwu again, who is amazing, and Adam Renfro came on to do slide guitar and it morphed into this 70s Cosmic Country moment that I really love.

HM.com: Same, and I’m not typically a big country fan, but this song is something special.

Lyrically, which is your favorite line from Blame It On Mercury, and why is it the bit about Persephone?

Alex: It IS that bit! I feel like a Greek mythology reference immediately followed by an outdated pop culture reference is a great glimpse into the way my brain functions.

But obviously I relate strongly to Persephone specifically, this character who had to spend her entire life split between the light and the Underworld and never fully belonged in either place.

HM.com: I think Persephone and Hades’ ‘love’ story is one of the best stories ever written, so I’m glad it found its way into one of your songs alongside Veuve Clicquot and Joe DiMaggio. Speaking of Veuve Clicquot, I love that you referenced it in this song – it really classes it up. Have they reached out regarding a sponsorship yet?

Alex: They have not, but I expect their team to contact me on release day, either with a brand deal or a cease and desist.

HM.com: If they know what’s good for them, it’ll be the former.

Now, with the title and the themes of astrology, I have to ask – what’s your sign and how do you feel about astrology?

Alex: I am a Gemini, which will surprise no one. It fits me, which probably skews my perspective and makes me believe it more.

HM.com: That does fit you perfectly, I love that I know that about you know.

Okay, last question – if you could tell listeners one thing about Blame It On Mercury before their first listen, what would it be?

Alex: Be ready for a melancholy summer jam, I suppose is what I would warn them.

HM.com: Warning taken and heeded, we could not be more ready for Blame It On Mercury’s release. Until then, we have a teaser for our readers – and for me. Check it out below, pre-save Blame It On Mercury on Spotify, and stream Alex’s newest single this Friday, August 6th. Thank you for hanging out with us again, we love you.

Alex: As always, it has been a delight to have any excuse to monopolize your time.

Grace Treutel

Grace is the Content Director of HuntsvilleMusic.com and lives in Madison, AL, which really isn’t that far, guys.

Got ideas on how we can help build Huntsville’s music scene? We’re all ears. Send me an EMAIL with any questions, comments, or suggestions, and SiGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER for important updates. Don’t worry – we won’t overload you. Important stuff only, promise.

huntsvillemusic.com/

Music: Alive and Kicking in Huntsville, Alabama

July 27, 2021 by Matt Guenther

Huntsville, Musicians

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Having come from Canada some years ago, I was able to take a look at the music in North Alabama with fresh eyes and, most notably, fresh ears. The rich history of blues and early rock and the enormous amount of soul that came, seemingly, from the depths of the waters in Muscle Shoals in the last few decades seemed overwhelming at first. And from time to time, it seems that those who are from here don’t know anything different.

I can tell you that from an outsider’s point of view, and one who has been in the music profession for over 20 years, the richness and diverse musical history of the area is truly inspiring. And I believe that its effects are still felt to this day. There are so many talented musicians in this area and venues that still value live music and the heartbeat it provides to a culture.

I am proud to call Huntsville, Alabama my home because of this value that is placed on live music. The arts are amazingly powerful to the world that surrounds it. It has been the pulse and lifeblood of cultures throughout history and the music culture here in Huntsville is alive and kicking. I think the Scottish writer and politician Andrew Fletcher said it well when he said, “Let me make the songs of a nation, and I care not who makes its laws.”

The health of the music scene locally, I believe, has a lot to do with its roots: the very musicians themselves. There is a healthy support of musicians among peers in the area. Where I am from, the competition could get so fierce that it felt like everyone was out to get everyone else. Here, I have had the pleasure to work with, and alongside, some extraordinary people. People who build each other up rather than tear each other down. And that is fast becoming a rarity in other places.

One of the first venues I played here in Huntsville was at Rocket Republic during a Battle of the Bands cancer benefit some years back. It was an amazing event (made moreso when my band won!) and I was lucky enough to share the stage with some amazing talent and all-around good people. People like Benjamin Luthy (then of the band Falcon Punch) and Dave Anderson. It was my first exposure to the Huntsville music scene and I was so pleasantly surprised. The camaraderie and support among musicians was a breath of fresh air. We cheered for Falcon Punch, and they cheered even louder for us.

The art and skill locally in Huntsville is surprisingly plentiful but I feel an even bigger asset is the peer respect and support felt among musicians and music-lovers. Maybe it’s just the southern way. Maybe it is that famous “southern charm” that keeps people humble and kind. Whatever Huntsville is doing, for the love of music, let’s keep it going and keep it growing.

Them Damn Dogs on Writing Music, Huntsville, and Their New Album

July 5, 2021 by Grace Treutel

Artist Spotlight, Huntsville, Musicians

huntsville al live music, Huntsville Festival, huntsville live music, huntsville music, Leigh Acres, live music huntsville al, live music huntsville alabama, outdoor event

Them Damn Dogs has a new album out and if you haven’t listened to it yet, you’re wasting your (damn) time.

HuntsvilleMusic.com sat down with Jerome Villarreal Jr., vocalist and frontman, and guitarist Russ Savage to crack open their new album, Unpoetic Flavor, and learn more about the Huntsville-based band that’s rapidly becoming one of the most prominent and beloved acts on the local music scene.

But, just as a trio, Them Damn Dogs weren’t complete.

“We used to play Voodoo Lounge a lot and that’s where Chris Salib, our bassist, heard us one day. He basically said ‘I’m your bassist now,’” Jerome remembers with a laugh. “We just wanted to make really fun rock music and that’s what happened.” He adds that, once they were a full band, he saw an opportunity to play his own music and seized upon it. “We were playing together all the time and I was writing all this music and I just thought hey, why don’t we play my songs?”

Jerome has always been the Them Damn Dogs’ primary songwriter, serving as the main songwriter on all 11 tracks of Unpoetic Flavor as well as their previous album, Let Loose, and a smattering of singles.

Their sound is the product of growing up in the 2000’s, reflective of influences including Weezer, the Strokes, the Ramones, and Pink Floyd. It’s a new-wave evolution of these artists, calling to mind contemporary acts like Young the Giant, Jack Antonoff’s Bleachers, and Bad Suns in their alt-pop approach to lyrics and musical syntax.

I ask how they’d describe the genre of Unpoetic Flavor and Jerome hesitates. “I don’t know,” he muses, looking to Russ, who doesn’t miss a beat. “More alternative with a little West Coast influence, some new wave with the synth. It’s a bit less edgy than our first album – a little more melodic.”

Jerome, nodding, adds, “Yeah, a little more mature, too, in a sense.”

This maturity is reflected in the darker themes that wind through Unpoetic Flavor, most obviously in the album’s breakout single, “I Wish I Was Dead.” The song’s chorus flirts with the bleak reality of post-breakup depression:

You came into my life before / Now you’re leaving out the door

Was I wrong? / You messed up my bed and played with my head

Now I wish I was dead.

But the music itself doesn’t slide into morose, staying upbeat throughout the album, songs you can roll your windows down and sing along to. “I’ve always loved how really poppy songs can have really dark lyrics, it takes you into a certain mood,” Jerome explains.

“[This album] a little more regretful and aware. A little more introspective,” says Jerome. Russ nods, agreeing, “I think it shows a different side of what we have to offer. The first album is definitely more party-punk, fast-paced, more roots-punk, whereas this one is more alternative and a little bit more of like, ‘this is what we can actually do. It stays true to us, though. You can recognize the sound, that it’s us, but it’s a little bit different.”

For a more melancholy album released in 2021, it’s a safe assumption that the events of tumultuous 2020 influenced the mood. But that isn’t the case for Unpoetic Flavor. This album was written and recorded in 2019, with an initial release date of May 2020 – a release that was derailed by the chaos of 2020.

“If we were to record this today, it would be completely different,” Jerome says. “It’s weird to listen to it now; it’s like a weird little relic from a lost time.”

I ask if they listen to their own music. “I do,” Russ shrugs, but Jerome cringes at the thought, saying no, he can’t – that he generally listens to it to be critical, and that he can’t quite get past that inner critic to just enjoy the music.

As for their fans’ listening style, I ask them both – what’s one thing they would want listeners to know about Unpoetic Flavor?

“Lyrically, there are dark times but it gets brighter. It’s an album of hope wrapped in the visceral melancholy of the moment,” says Jerome, ever the songwriter. Russ is focused on the sound: “Pay attention to the subtleties. Listen to this album with headphones on; listen to those little background parts. It’s very us and our stories and the sounds of the time.”

The album release party for Unpoetic Flavor was June 11th at The Camp, where fellow local musician Aaron Bradley opened and a good portion of the Huntsville music scene turned out to hear them play. And it’s easy to see why – Jerome is enthusiastic when it comes to supporting his fellow Huntsville musicians.

“There are so many artists now that are coming out with some really cool stuff. Everything’s different. So many different vibes all around. It’s exciting and intimidating.”

I prompt Russ for his thoughts about the Huntsville music scene – specifically, if he feels it’s open to hungry artists with original music.

“It kind of depends where you are in Huntsville. If you’re at a bar downtown, you’re gonna get some cover requests. But if it’s a newer place like Goldsprint or even Voodoo Lounge, the crowd is gonna be into it. You might get an encore or even people comin’ up after the show to tell you how awesome it was. It’s kind of a nice give and take. If you do capture a crowd, it’s like you’ve done something right, it feels good.”

Jerome agrees, saying, “It’s very rewarding for artists to feel that.”

What about their local following? I notice that both of them tend to say ‘friends’ instead of ‘fans,’ and both enthuse about the caliber of people who support them.

“We have a great fan base,” says Jerome, and Russ elaborates, “They’re the type of people who, if you lost your wallet in the crowd, you could probably go ask for it at the bar and it would probably have been turned in. With all the cash still in it.”

It’s easy to see how guys like this would attract fans like that – like recognizes like, after all. Speaking of which, before I let them go, I ask them one last question – what are their favorite songs by other local Huntsville musicians?

“Simulation by Wanda, and maybe… maybe a song called East Tennessee by Aaron Bradley. It’s not out yet, but it’s so good,” says Jerome, teasing Bradley’s future releases. Russ has his ready, and it’s even more Wanda love: “Lazy Susan by Wanda. That’s a great song.”

And Unpoetic Flavor is a great album. Stream it and the rest of Them Damn Dogs’ discography now and support your local artists by checking our live music calendar and coming out to a show!

Grace Treutel

Grace is the Content Director of HuntsvilleMusic.com and lives in Madison, AL, which really isn’t that far, guys.

huntsvillemusic.com/

Midsommar’s Festival: A Defiance and Celebration of Nature

June 25, 2021 by Grace Treutel

Festivals, Huntsville, Leigh Acres

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Midsommar’s Festival is a summer solstice music festival and day-long experience happening Saturday, June 26^th from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Leigh Acres – and you’re not going to want to miss this. The festival’s hosts encourage white and floral attire and, while libations won’t be on sale, it’s BYOB with camping spots available. The festival will be an all-night celebration revolving around four rock and metal bands though there’s far more than just music on offer. Bonfires, yoga, massage, a maypole, merchandise vendors, and more will be stationed throughout the festival grounds, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own acoustic music makers to contribute to the solstice vibe.

The summer solstice, also known as estival solstice or midsummer, occurs when one of the Earth’s poles has its maximum tilt toward the Sun. Since prehistory, the summer solstice has been seen as a significant time of year in many cultures and has been marked by festivals and rituals. Festivals themselves are unique to the human race – no other creature gathers for the sole purpose of revelry and celebration. Music is an integral part of this revelry.

Music Lineup

Obed Edom – Experimental, long form, trance inducing rock band

XY Spaces – Vaudeville meets metal

Dropdiver – Dirty rock-n-roll

Evelyna – Traditional metal

Over the last year, COVID has not only taken a toll on the physical health of humanity as a whole but has damaged our collective psyche. Now, we are all coming together to heal and celebrate as a unified force – to mark the beginning of summer, the end of isolation, and the rebirth of us all. There is no better personification of both humanity’s defiance and revelrous nature than through gatherings and music, a festival of metal. A Midsommar Festival.

“Music is a part of it but it is also an excuse to get out in the fresh air and have a good time,” promises Austin, one of Midsommer Festival’s orchestrators. Know Huntsville and HuntsvilleMusic.com met with him and Ben, both musicians with headlining band Obed Edom and the hosts of the festival, to find out their motivations for creating the festival and what we can expect to find there.

Buy Tickets Here

Festival Details Page

Grace Treutel

Grace is the Content Director of HuntsvilleMusic.com and lives in Madison, AL, which really isn’t that far, guys.

huntsvillemusic.com/

Concerts In The Park At Big Spring Park Starts June 7th

The sun is shining, the temperature is rising, and the humidity has come out to play. Typically this abrupt reintroduction to Summer would have us hiding in our homes with four fans pointed at us, but the season does hold one very particular advantage – the return of Arts Huntsville’s Concerts in the Park.

This free summer-long series has been a staple in Huntsville for years, providing a fun weekly entertainment option for families, couples and friend groups alike.

Beginning June 7th and continuing over ten weeks, local bands will be set up outside the Huntsville Museum of Art while music-lovers hang out in Big Spring Park on lawn chairs, blankets, or whatever seating arrangement your heart desires.

Some of our favorite food trucks and vendors will be parked along Williams Avenue and Church Street for you to turn your concert into a picnic, or you’re free to bring your own food and drink to enjoy.

Some of the food trucks you can expect to see are Hippea Camper, which is plant-based comfort food; all-beef hotdogs and treats from Golden Years Ice Cream Parlor & Diner; Happi Pappi beignets and more; Yum Yum’s Gourmet Popcorn & Lemonade Stand; O Taste & See BBQ; Mac & Snacks gourmet mac & cheese; mega-burgers from The Piled High Grill; and Iceworks shaved ice.

And bring your four-legged friends, too – leashed dogs are welcome to come and groove with you.

Staring June 7^th, mark your calendars for your new Monday night tradition and meet us at Concerts in the Park every Monday from 6:30-8:30pm through August 9^th!

MUSIC LINEUP

JUNE 7 – The Unique Live Band / JUICE

JUNE 14 – Victoria Jones and Jordan Moore / JED Eye

JUNE 21 – Luke and Jay / Kat Elizabeth

JUNE 28 – Maneuver Center of Excellence Band (MCoE)

JUNLY 5 – A.M. Brown / Darien Omar

JULY 12 – Chelsea, Who? / Remy Neal

JULY 19 – Seeking Babylon / Groove

JULY 26 – Kristoffer Leshaun / Rocket City Latin Band

AUGUST 2 – Jimmy Henderson Trio / .45 Surprise

AUGUST 9 – Weather Make-Up Date (bands TBD)

Alex Hendrix

Alex is a native Huntsvillian and a singer/songwriter, culture promoter, and content creator.

Got ideas on how we can help build Huntsville’s music scene? We’re all ears. Send us an EMAIL with any questions, comments, or suggestions, and SiGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER for important updates. Don’t worry – we won’t overload you. Important stuff only, promise.

info@alexhendrix.co

Interviewing Patterson Hood About The Princess Theater, Songwriting, and His Ties To Huntsville

Southern rock fans, listen up – Patterson Hood (of the Drive-By Truckers) is playing the Princess Theater in Decatur, Alabama on June 26th, and he may be more excited than we are about the show – and that’s saying something.

HuntsvilleMusic.com’s Tom sat down with Patterson for an exclusive interview to talk about all things music, performing, and what’s to come, and wound up lucking into an in-depth conversation spanning politics, family, Kendrick Lamar, and more.

Patterson was especially passionate when reminiscing about his ties to Huntsville, saying of the growing city:

“I grew up in Florence, Alabama and the Muscle Shoals area, so […] I’d see concerts at the Von Braun Civic Center. I saw Kansas more times than I can count. Eddie Money, Billy Squire, I went to all those shows. When Cooley [of the Drive-By Truckers] and I formed our first band 36 years ago, Adam’s House Cat, we used to play the Tip Top.“

Watch the full interview below to hear Patterson shed light on what it was like to write music during a pandemic, how his songs and their meanings have changed over time, and what upcoming projects he has in the works.

As for us, Tom, the man behind the interview, is an avid Truckers fan and has been following Patterson’s career for some time. He knows the old adage ‘don’t meet your heroes,’ but in this case, he says it couldn’t have been further from the truth.

“He’s one of those instances where you don’t have to worry about separating the artist and the art – he’s just an all around genuine, thoughtful person,” enthuses Tom.

And Tom plans on bringing his enthusiasm to the Princess Theater, where he’ll see Patterson Hood play solo live for the second time.

There are still a few tickets to the June 26th show at the Princess Theater in Decatur, Alabama, so grab them before they sell out. And if you see us, come say hey – we’d love to sing a few bars of our favorite Patterson Hood chorus with you.

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Tom Patterson

Tom is the Creative Director of HuntsvilleMusic.com and lives in Huntsville, AL with his two boys Danny and Jackson.

huntsvillemusic.com

A Taste of Panoply’s Live Music

I think we can all agree that as 2021 progresses, things are seriously looking up – vaccines are rolling out, the weather is beautiful, and, best of all, Panoply is back on.

Panoply is Huntsville’s famous three-day arts festival that takes place every spring at Big Spring Park and is a round up of local artists, food and drink vendors, and awesome music that brings the community together. This weekend, Panoply’s back, and it’s going to look a little different – but one thing that remains the same is the presence of local musical talent.

We had the privilege of spending an evening with Lana White and her bandmate, Kira Hughes, of Lana and the Seekers, who’ll be performing in the coveted Saturday afternoon spot to open for Southern rock sound the Vegabonds. They gave us some insight on what to expect not just from their act but from the festival as a whole.

First, though, let’s dive into what this year’s Panoply will look like and why Arts Huntsville is referring to it as ‘A Taste of Panoply.’

‘“A Taste of Panoply,’ a scaled-back version of the annual three-day arts festival, will be held from April 23-25, 2021, in Big Spring Park in downtown Huntsville. This year’s event will look different from previous years while providing the community with an opportunity to safely interact to celebrate and support the arts community.” – Arts Huntsville

This means a few major changes, most of which focus on social distancing, increased cleanliness and sanitizing protocols, and a donation-based pay structure. Find out more details here at the Arts Huntsville Panoply page.

What this year’s Panoply isn’t scaling back, however, is music. Their weekend lineup is an astounding collection of local and national talent, outlined in detail by Arts Huntsville:
&nbsp &nbsp

FRIDAY APRIL 23

“The ticketed “A Taste of Panoply” Friday Festival Preview event kicks off with the Lamont Landers Band. Closing out the evening is Nashville-based headlining act The War And Treaty. The dynamic husband-and-wife duo were named emerging artists of the year by the Americana Music Association and were featured on the Today Show and at the 2021 Rose Bowl Parade Spectacular. The War And Treaty has previously performed with Mumford & Sons, toured with Jason Isbell and will be opening for John Legend on multiple tour dates this summer.
&nbsp &nbsp

SATURDAY APRIL 24

Saturday on the Showcase Stage features local and regional talent throughout the day including the following acts: Tyler A.K., Them Damn Dogs, WANDA, Joe Cagle, DMRSoul and Lana White. Saturday night, the Unique Live Band will open for the headlining act The Vegabonds, who will close out the evening with a night of Southern rock music. The Alabama-born, Tennessee-bred group of five musicians released their fifth studio album “V” in 2019 and have previously opened for acts such as Lynyrd Skynyrd and the late Gregg Allman.

The Lamont Landers Band

The War & Treaty

Them Damn Dogs

WANDA

LANA WHITE

SUNDAY APRIL 25

On Sunday, “A Taste of Panoply” celebrates a day of Alabama Music, featuring a full-day lineup of artists from North Alabama with the following acts: Cotton and Clover, Alan Little and the Giants, Ally Cat and the Stray Dogs, Midlife Chrysler and The Beasley Brothers to the Showcase Stage.”

HuntsvilleMusic.com sat down with Lana White and Kira Hughes of Lana and the Seekers to talk Panoply, the Huntsville music scene, and women in music.

Lana and the Seekers is a Huntsville all-girl band comprised of Lana White, Kira Hughes, Canita Rogers, Alli Johnson, and Kim Coffey, all talented Huntsville musicians who play in other acts or solo but who are coming together with the shared vision of creating Huntsville’s own all-female rock group. And, for most of the band, it’s their first time playing Panoply – a fitting starting point for the 256 fixtures.

LANA AND THE SEEKERS INTERVIEW

They promise rock with intricate melodies, harmonizing, and ear-pleasing guitar riffs to kick off the Saturday evening lineup. I ask Lana about the band and their sound and she is, as always, easy to talk to, warm and open as if she’s an old friend and not someone I’ve only met once before. She and Kira have easy rapport and volley compliments back and forth with a genuineness that you can’t help but lean into, charmed by their earnestness.

“She’s the best drummer I know,” Lana enthuses at one point, as Kira, shyer by nature, affectionately shakes her head. Fewer than five minutes later, however, Kira’s giving it right back, describing how easy it is to put together a set list from Lana’s original music – “It’s all so good, there’s so much great stuff to choose from.”

And Lana and the Seekers will be playing their original music at Panoply, along with a few ‘girl rock’ power anthems to get the crowd singing along.

“We wanted to pay tribute to other all-female rock groups that have paved the way, so we’ve got the Bengals, the Go Gos, Heart,” Lana says, Kira nodding along as she speaks. This cohesion comes from years of knowing one another, though Lana and the Seekers haven’t gotten the chance to play together yet.

And we can think of a better stage to debut than Panoply’s.

Panoply arts festival will be happening at Big Spring Park this weekend, April 23^rd – 25^th, and will feature all manner of eclectic art from local and regional talent as well as good food, cold drinks, and fantastic music. Visit Arts Huntsville to learn more about ticketing, safety, and more – and we’ll see y’all there.

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Grace Treutel

Grace is the Content Director of HuntsvilleMusic.com and lives in Madison, AL, which really isn’t that far, guys.

huntsvillemusic.com/

First Annual Tennessee Valley Music Showcase, Free At Mars Music Hall

April 9, 2021 by Grace Treutel

Art, Culture, Huntsville, Live Music, News

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Get ready to rock, Tennessee Valley – Huntsville’s hosting the first Annual Tennessee Valley Music Showcase, a free event happening at Mars Music Hall on April 17^th, 2021 all day long. This free event is the first of its kind at Mars Music Hall and will be showcasing local talent from all over the southeastern region.

Derek Welsh

Southern rocker Derek Welsh of McQueen Street fame and award-winning country star Paige King Johnson will be headlining the show and setting the tone for genres, which will be a mix of southern rock, country, and classic rock ‘n roll. Supporting regional acts include Inclination of Direction, Bad Ethyl, Cameron Dubois, Zoe Burdett, Michael Clark, Tyler AK, and more.

Paige King Johnson

The event will also include vendors Serengeti Guitars of Hartselle, Redstone Harley Davidson, Copper Top Bar & Grill, and more. Doors will open at 12 to browse the vendors and showcase, with music beginning at 2 and going until 10. There will be merch giveaways throughout the day.

The showcase is organized by long-time Alabama native and music enthusiast Steve X, whose mission in hosting such a large-scale event is simple.

“[This showcase] is all about bringing people together and having a good time. Showing them that Huntsville’s alive and vibrant in the music scene. This is gonna be an annual thing, so this is the first of many showcases to come in the city of Huntsville.”

His mission echoes ours at HuntsvilleMusic.com – to show the Tennessee Valley that you don’t have to make a drive to a neighboring city to hear great music.

“All these artists are gonna be playing some of their original music and it’s such good stuff. It’s gonna be a great time to come and discover your next favorite band. There will be some covers for everyone to enjoy, but we really want to showcase our local talent.”

The event was conceptualized by Steve and the Von Braun Center’s Mike Vojticek, who worked together to create this unique, tailor-made experience to promote music and culture within Huntsville, by Huntsville.

Mars Music Hall

“We’re very grateful to Mars Music Hall for letting us do this, as well as Mike and his staff. We really just can’t thank them enough and all the bands, of course. We have no idea what to expect for the showcase – we’re ready for 300 people and we’re ready for 1700 people. We’re excited to see how Huntsville embraces this.”

For many of the bands, this showcase will be their first experience playing on such a large stage, and for others, it will be a return to humble roots. Most of the acts will be available to the public after their sets to sign autographs, take photos, and talk shop.

The event is a come-and-go, free event, so music lovers can pop into Mars to hear a set, then take a walk downtown to eat, drink, or soak up the sun in nearby Big Spring Park. The showcase is open to all ages, so bring your rock ‘n roll mini-me’s, and get ready to enjoy some live Huntsville Music.

“It’s the first showcase of many, our first annual Tennessee Valley Music Showcase. It’s a free show and I just hope it’s a great night for everyone.”

We’re with you, Steve.

For more information, visit the Mars Music Hall site.

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Grace Treutel

Grace is the Content Director of HuntsvilleMusic.com and lives in Madison, AL, which really isn’t that far, guys.

huntsvillemusic.com/

Gilbert And Sullivan In Rocket City: An Upcoming Outdoor Operatic Experience

Huntsville is about to get a whole lot more cultured thanks to Opera Huntsville’s upcoming series, an operatic performance bespoke to the Rocket City called Gilbert and Sullivan in Rocket City.

We sat down with Erin Huelskamp, stage director of the production, to get some insider insight on challenges, highlights, and what to expect, but first, some background on this eclectic experience.

According to Opera Huntsville, “Gilbert and Sullivan in Rocket City is a one-of-a-kind production set in Huntsville and highlighting each of the 14 operas created by the iconic duo W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan (G&S).

This show combines some of G&S’s best-known pieces such as Three Little Maids, The Matter Trio, and Poor Wandr’ing One with brand new, clever dialogue by G&S lover and expert, Jaie Deschene. Tailor-made for Opera Huntsville, the three little maids transform into three little engineering nerds from UAH. The nerds wander through Rocket City building robots, spaceships, and, of course, looking for love. Hilarity ensues.

This fully staged, hour-long production features ten stellar singers alongside the Calhoun Chorus and a nine-piece orchestra. Set outside, performed with masks, and socially distanced, it should be an experience that brings musical excellence and a sense of joy to Huntsville. The singers and the orchestra will be amplified in order to hear them clearly while outside and masked.”

HuntsvilleMusic.com got a chance to interview stage director Erin Huelskamp, who shed some light on why this production is a must-see for opera lovers and Huntsvillians alike.

“I think that one of the coolest things on earth about Huntsville [is that it’s the Rocket City], and to have an opera that engages with that is just really fun. There are lots of little things that reference Rocket City in the show. In some of our opening lyrics, we say, ‘if you marry me, a rocket I will build you.’ Of course, that’s not the original lyric, but you’ll notice lots of cute things like that.”

Lyrics aren’t the only thing that were changed to accommodate the current climate, however – the show will be performed outdoors, something that’s unusual for an operatic performance. But Erin and her troupe aren’t deterred – in fact, they’re excited.

“[Our outdoor venue choices] were definitely influenced by the pandemic since we knew we needed someplace safe. Burritt on the Mountain and the Huntsville Botanical Gardens are so iconic in Huntsville, and it was exciting to be able to partner with them and present a show in a way that we hope is going to be as safe as possible for everyone involved.”

And when Erin says everyone involved, she means everyone – musicians, chorus members, and singers included. Which means masks for performers, which in turn calls for bigger performances.

“We’re going to have to engage a little bit more in what would be considered a grand opera staging where you use your body in its entirety to tell the story. If you can imagine how operas are usually performed, you would have people in nosebleed seats who could only kind of see the performers on stage through binoculars or what have you. People who are performing in those venues have to use big gestures because you’re playing to a house that’s huge. Even though we’re small, we’re masked, so we’re going to have to engage in a similar way.”

But Erin doesn’t sound deterred by the twist on a traditional smaller-scale operetta performance. In fact, she sounds excited by it, eager to share her and writer Jaie Deschene’s brainchild with the city that inspired it. Her enthusiasm is infectious, especially when she promises pirates – “you can’t do Gilbert and Sullivan without pirates!” – and spills over as she promises a good time for everyone, regardless of age or familiarity with opera as an art form.

“It’s intentionally kooky, it’s intentionally fun and random. I hope people enjoy it and have a good time. We want to make you laugh – there’s been too much heavy. We hope to make you laugh and enjoy our city.”

For more information and to grab your tickets, visit https://www.operahuntsville.org/gilbert-and-sullivian.

Gilbert and Sullivan
in Rocket City

Friday 4/9/21, 7:00 PM, Huntsville Botanical Gardens
Saturday 4/10/21, 2:00 PM, Huntsville Botanical Gardens
Sunday 4/11/21, 7:00 PM, Burritt on the Mountain

And for more information regarding instrumentalists and additional artistic staff members, please contact ebohn@operahuntsville.org.

*denotes Huntsville-based performer

Performers:

Shane Kennedy, tenor*

Charles M. Anderson, tenor

Amanda Nelson, soprano

Rachel Eve Homes, soprano

Celese Sanders, soprano*

Sierra Hammond, soprano*

Rachel Gibson, mezzo soprano

Chauncey McGlathery, tenor*

Justin Colon, baritone

Xavier Joseph, baritone

Erin Huelskamp Bohn, stage director*

John South, music director*

Calhoun Chorus, directed by Granville Oldham*

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Grace Treutel

Grace is the Content Director of HuntsvilleMusic.com and lives in Madison, AL, which really isn’t that far, guys.

huntsvillemusic.com/

Exclusive Interview With Alex Hendrix On Her New Single, Necromantic

March 25, 2021 by Grace Treutel

Art, Artists, Culture, Huntsville, Musicians, News

alabama, alex hendrix, huntsville, huntsville al, huntsville alabama, live music, necromantic

What do you get when you combine a dynamic songwriter-producer relationship, smoked honey vocals, and a pandemic’s worth of pent-up existential dread?

A fucking fantastic song.

Alex Hendrix’s latest single, Necromantic, is all of this and more. It drops this Friday, March 26th, and we have the inside scoop on it – plus a teaser to bless your ears.

Alex Hendrix – Necromantic

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Hendrix, a contributor at HuntsvilleMusic.com (and just about every other Huntsville-based institution), sat down with me today to discuss her new single. We covered everything from the recording process to Evanescence to quarantine coping.

But, of course, we had to start with the title.

NECROMANTIC

adjective

nec·ro·man·tic | \ˈne-krə-ˌman(t)ic

1.

: – an amalgamation of the Greek prefix ‘necro’ meaning death and the English word ‘romantic’ meaning characterized by or suggestive of an idealized view of reality. Or, according to Alex, “A play on necromancy, which is communicating with the dead.”

Grace: Hello, Alex, welcome to the interview. Are you excited?

Alex: NO. Next question.

Grace: I’m keeping that in.

Alex: Please do.

Grace: We’re here today to talk all about your shiny new single, the name of which is probably my favorite song title in the history of music: Necromantic.

Can you tell me where ‘Necromantic’ as a title came from?

Alex: I am so glad you enjoy it! Necromantic was actually not the original title, so I’m extra glad you appreciate the change. It was originally something very self-referential that tied back in with the line about Death Knells, but once Necromantic popped into my head I knew it was the one. It’s a little bit of a nod to what the song tries to do, which is tie in these gothic romantic themes with ghosts and hauntings, but more than that I just thought it sounded clever, so here we are.

Grace: I like it so much because it’s such a marriage of the eerie/creepy with the beautiful and romantic – like the song.

Alex: Thank you, I thought it sort of wrapped up everything I was going for into one memorable word.

Grace: I think so, too.

The song itself is a pretty big change from your usual sound. You describe it as ‘part gilded ghost story, part synthy melancholia.’ Why the departure from your usual folksy vibe?

Alex: During Quarantine, I got very into writing these gothic songs and eventually gothic short stories, it was such a weirdly specific catharsis for some reason. There’s a cinematic quality to this song that I knew as soon as I started writing the lyrics had to be involved if I was ever going to record it. But, I also think that there’s usually a large difference in the way I write songs in my head and the way I play them. This was my first time working with Johnny Okwu, who produced this track and was absolutely amazing, and my style probably would have expanded a long time ago if I’d met him sooner. This was the first time I was really able to articulate what I heard to someone who could make it happen.

Grace: Your voice and intonation sounds different, too – you told me that [Johnny Okwu] told you to ‘whisper’ some of the words.

Alex: Yes, I ran through the vocals once for a draft version as we were building the track and he said, “That was great-” which I knew meant it was not, in fact, “- but try whispering it this time.” And we ended up rolling with those placeholder vocals and never re-recording finals.

Grace: It worked so well. Your voice sounds fuller and richer – can I make the comparison?

Can I say it? About Amy [Lee, the lead singer of Evanescence]? Cuz… damn, girl.

Alex: Please do, I will bask in that comparison for all my days. There are so many little quirks in my voice that came through on this recording that always get buried or muffled, it’s really a night and day difference.

Grace: It is. And no one ever changes the radio station from Amy Lee – it’s physically impossible not to sing along. Necromantic has that quality, too.

Alex: Thank you, that is incredibly generous. I grew up crying in my bedroom to Evanescence, there is absolutely a bit of my soul that was forged by Amy Lee.

Grace: So not much has changed?

Alex: I have always been operating at this level of emotional flamboyance, yes.

Grace: ‘Emotional flamboyance’ should be the title of the album.

Alex: That’s what I’ll call the tour.

Grace: I cannot wait.

Let’s talk lyrical content for Necromantic. It’s such a rich, visceral song, and I think a lot that has to do with the flickering images you feed the listener. What led that choice?

Alex: It was a little bit of a writing exercise, honestly. I wanted to add elements you’d find in gothic literature, so the verses are very much about scene building and aesthetic. That was a different way to write songs for me, because usually it’s very feelings-forward. I love that genre of writing because it is such a haunting juxtaposition between these vivid beautiful images and the horrifying things that are happening. I feel like that speaks to me on a personal level, also.

Grace: I’m glad you used the word ‘juxtaposition’ since you do a lot of interesting play with juxtaposing two unlike things in this song and making them like.

For example, the drama and dated-ness of the imagery paired with the casual way you use ‘babe’ – something about that feels wrong but also so right.

It’s rare that you get ‘babe’ and ‘parapet’ in the same song.

Alex: I mean, what an oversight for songwriting as a whole! I focus a lot on singular word choices, almost to the point of weird obsession sometimes, so anytime someone recognizes one of those agonized choices I am thrilled.

I wanted a little disorientation there in places, because as much as it’s a song about grief, it’s also a song about romanticizing your grief.

Which, for me, always go hand in hand no matter what.

Grace: That is very type 4 of you.

Alex: It is maximum type 4 energy.

Grace: What do you hope listeners will take from Necromantic?

Alex: I would say that maybe more than any other song I’ve ever written, Necromantic is a “for me” song. It’s all these dramatic elements I love paying homage to a genre I am obsessed with paired with subject matter that is not as relatable as, say, a breakup anthem. Everything about it was really very selfishly for myself. I hope people find a little bit of an escape in it, and more than anything I hope they put it on their Spooky Season playlists

Grace: That’s funny since I feel like when you finally have that little break through and make a piece of art that you think, ‘screw it, this is just for me, I’m not gonna try to adhere to what will ‘sell’ or get views,’ that’s when you make your best work.

And I really feel that this is your best work yet.

Alex: From your mouth to god’s ears!

Grace: I was raised Catholic, so. I’ve got that direct line.

Alex: Don’t tell him we want it too badly, though, I’m trying to preserve my cool image.

Grace: We’ll keep a lid on that part for now.

Alex Hendrix, thank you so much for taking the time to talk to the humble outfit that is HuntsvilleMusic.com.

Alex: It has been a true pleasure, thank you so much for listening to the song and still wanting to interview me.

Grace: I literally cannot stop listening to the song. It’s not just on my Spooky Season playlist – it’s on every single one of my dramatic melancholy sad-girl playlists, which is… a lot of them.

I can’t wait for all your fellow 4’s to put it on their moody playlists, too.

Alex: I hope 4s specifically enjoy this song, and if you don’t, then don’t tell me!

Check out Alex Hendrix’s site for more updates on releases, music videos, and more. And follow her on Instagram for a very aesthetically satisfying take on Huntsville, songwriting, and cute pets.

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Grace Treutel

Grace is the Content Director of HuntsvilleMusic.com and lives in Madison, AL, which really isn’t that far, guys.

huntsvillemusic.com/