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.

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/

An Open Letter From SheWrites’ Judy Allison

March 12, 2021 by Judy Allison

Art, Culture, Huntsville, Live Music, Musicians

huntsville musicians, huntsville singer songwriters, huntsville songwriters, judy allison, live music huntsville, purple 19, purple19, shewrites

Imagine being in a darkened quiet room full of people, sitting comfortably at a table with friends and family. You’re facing a colorfully lit stage and listening to a hushed voice tell the story of a broken heart. Or maybe the voice is strong and the story is of hope, that you’re not alone, or about how she wrote about moving on from an old relationship and she felt empowered. But then you laugh when that story became a funny song about being the designated driver, having to make multiple stops on the way home.

SheWrites and we listen. That’s how it went Saturday night as I hosted our 4th SheWrites Songwriter Showcase to kick off Women’s History Month. I am so very grateful for such a wonderful night because the spirit of the event felt like home. We laughed, we cried, we held our breath. At one point during the night I remember saying from the stage that it felt like one big “song hug”. Then after a few heartbreak stories, we warned the audience: “Don’t date a songwriter. You WILL become song material!” We really had a great time! Our audience was attentive and interactive, the best support you could ever ask for – a true listening experience similar to what I’ve experienced at The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville.

So, the lineup for SheWrites has evolved a bit from it’s inception in 2019. I think I’ve found an accidental balance this year when I had to replace our touring songwriter who had to cancel, with a local opener and then I split that time by adding a young performer to open the show! I think having a young performer who is new to the scene is a great way to show inclusiveness and opportunity to our aspiring songwriters. So I plan on keeping that format in the future!

I also plan to continue our pre-show vocal warm-ups! Special thanks to Karmessa who spent time with us in the green room, helping us learn relaxation techniques and the right way to warm up your voice for a show. Karmessa is a professional touring background singer for Ruben Studdard and also teaches voice at Maitland Conservatory.

I sure hope you’ll find us, give Purple19 a follow on IG and facebook and go show some love to your favorite woman songwriter today in honor of International Women’s Day.

Thanks for truly listening,

Judy Allison

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Judy Allison

Judy Allison is the creator of Purple 19. Purple19 is for connections, projects and education for music creators and songwriters. Purple19 is all about musical connections.

huntsvillemusic.com/

Huntsville’s Dueling Pianos On Going Virtual

The #iHeartHSV campaign is back, and this year, HuntsvilleMusic.com is getting in on the digital lovefest by shining a spotlight on one of Huntsville’s most unique, badass acts – Dueling Pianos.

WHAT IS #IHEARTHSV?

“Celebrating its eighth year, Huntsville’s biggest “digital lovefest” once again offers visitors and locals alike the opportunity to share what they love most about Huntsville/Madison County. This year, the CVB (Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau) is specifically shining a light on the area’s “heroes of hospitality,” local representatives across a variety of hospitality sectors that went above and beyond to rise to the challenges of the past year. Everyone is invited to join the CVB in celebrating all things travel and hospitality in the Rocket City by using the hashtag #iHeartHsv on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Starting Monday, February 1, and lasting through Sunday, February 14, social media users who respond to daily prompts posted via the CVB’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram channels using the hashtag #iHeartHsv could win big during the two-week campaign. The Huntsville/Madison County CVB will pick a daily winner each night at 8:00 p.m. CST, awarding them with $150 towards the local restaurant, attraction, or hotel stay of their choice.”

For more details on how to participate in the #iHeartHSV campaign and potentially win real money to spend at awesome local businesses, visit Huntsville.org/iHeartHSV.

See Know Huntsville’s interview with the Huntsville/Madison County CVB about the #iHeartHSV campaign below:

Throw out what you know about dueling piano acts – Huntsville’s own Dueling Pianos is an act unto itself, taking the traditional formula of two pianists battling it out with duets and crowd-pleasing classics and twisting it on its head.

Huntsville’s Dueling Pianos consists of Newt Johnson and Stephen Johnson on piano with Claire Johnson as the host and coordinator, a three-person act that is part dueling pianos, part game show, and all fun.

I had the pleasure of meeting with Claire on a chilly, windy Thursday at Stovehouse, where we talked about how she and her groupmates – one of whom, Newt, is her husband – formed Dueling Pianos and how it’s evolved over time.

“It started as standard dueling pianos where they were going back and forth, but it quickly became something else – this themed game show where the guys would play and we’d have trivia questions, we’d play games, we had prizes. It became this whole other thing. Now we always tell people, ‘this isn’t your typical dueling pianos show.’”

And she’s right.

Traditional dueling pianos shows involve two pianists playing duets, taking requests, and indulging in piano ‘battles,’ oftentimes at designated piano bars. Think the Big Bang bar in Nashville, Tennessee, one of the south’s most famous dueling piano bars. But Huntsville’s Dueling Piano group has taken this formula to the next level, incorporating games and prizes and finding ways to pull the audience into the show beyond just taking requests – and, despite all odds, they managed to keep this going during COVID.

I ask Claire how they pulled that off, and her tone is humble and grateful as she places credit for their success where she feels it belongs – with the people of Huntsville.

“During our very last show before [the initial COVID shutdown], we had a feeling that everything was going to shut down. And we had this audience that would always come out – we call them our family – and we thought you know, we want to be able to keep doing this, we want to still provide something.”

It was this desire to continue providing entertainment to a loyal fanbase during a time where, arguably, they needed it most that motivated Claire, Newt, and Stephen to figure out a way to keep the spirit of Dueling Pianos alive via a virtual platform.

“We set up our usual setup in our basement and we changed the format to be entirely virtual. Where people would usually fill out their paper trivia forms and hand those in, we built an online form they could use to submit their answers and suggestions. We took all of the audience participation games like Spin the Wheel and Name that Tune and created online versions [by building] this landing page with the games and the song request list that all came directly to us so we could perform the show on Facebook live.”

And their prediction was right – their usual fanbase did turn out to support their favorite local piano show from the comfort of their own homes, and they brought friends. I ask Claire if she felt Huntsville was supportive of this new format, and her answer is a resounding, unhesitant, “Yes.”

“The amazing thing is not only did we have our regular fans [supporting us] but doing it online opened [the show] up to so many people who couldn’t come before. Say they had kids at home, or it just got too late for them, or they had other activities that were going on; all these new people got to experience it for the first time. We saw our numbers grow.

Plus, we started to see people tune in from all over the country. We’d have our friend from South Huntsville say, ‘my sister-in-law is joining us from Destin and my brother’s in New Hampshire’ and we’d just have all these people – I mean, my mom watched from New York! People were tuning in and saying, ‘hello from Dallas, hello from wherever’ and we’d be just like, ‘oh my gosh, this is so cool’. To be sitting in our basement during a pandemic and getting to have a shared experience with people all over the country and playing along with us.”

Claire’s face brightens as she speaks of the support they’ve received from their fans, old showgoers and new alike. It’s clear that she feels passionate about this project – and not only this project, but the community that supports it. When I ask her about what she thinks of the music culture in Huntsville, she considers the question for a moment before answering thoughtfully.

“I have seen not only so much growth what with so many incredibly diverse different acts, but [also found] they’re all so supportive of each other. When you go to a local gig, whether it’s our show or concerts in the park or a brewery on the weekend, you can almost always find two or three local musicians in the audience supporting them. Or sharing [the gig] on social media and saying, ‘hey, I can’t make it out but y’all should go to this.’ And that’s one of the things I really love about [the Huntsville music scene] – it doesn’t feel overly competitive, it’s very supportive and very nurturing of its own.

With so much growth in the city through all the new restaurants, venues, bars, grills, outdoor spaces, everything – there’s more and more opportunity there [for musical artists]. I think if you just look for it, you’ll find that there are not only opportunities but a lot of support. And a desire for it.”

It’s this passion and dedication that we at HuntsvilleMusic.com believes makes Huntsville’s Dueling Pianos the prime example of #iHeartHSV’s Heroes for Hospitality recognition, since they found a way to take the difficulties of 2020 and create a silver lining to provide entertainment and a little bit of joy to our city when it needed it most. Congratulations to Stephen, Newt, and Claire – we can’t wait to tune in to your next show, and to come out in person to support this local talent!

Follow Dueling Pianos on Facebook to catch their next virtual 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/

Guide to Songwriting in 2021: The Year None Of Us Trust Yet

Over the past 11 months, a platitude I’ve frequently heard is how many great songs and works of art will come from this horrific time. There seems to be a confused optimism about how artists are handling the world events. Do you people not remember that we are the most fragile of you all? I understand that as the resident tragic figure in the shadows, you assume that I am well equipped to deal with the chaos that has existed, but hello, no thank you. I like to be the only one with trauma around here! What exactly do I bring to the table if we’re all equally messed up?

It has been much more difficult than expected to find the emotional energy to write and create, what with the entire world on fire around us. After so long, it almost feels impossible to return to a normal songwriting process. But we must pull ourselves up by the bootstraps- the streaming services simply will not wait. That’s why, for the sake of us all, I put together this helpful How-To Guide to Songwriting in 2021.

1. Categorize Your Art Immediately

First, let’s pick what genre you’ll be writing in. If there’s one thing I learned from High School Musical, it’s that labels are very important. Thanks to Spotify and their list of over 5,000 options (this part is not a joke, there are literally 5,071 options available on Spotify), genres are now very vague and offer no actual indication of what the music will sound like. In fact, you can basically just pick three random words, stick them together and say it’s a genre. No one is going to know. Now let’s get started on your Southern Glitter Serotonin hit single!

2. Choose A Topic That You Are Mildly Passionate About, But Not A Topic That Is Too Uncomfortable for Your Mother, Who Will Want To Share This On Her Facebook

They say to write about what you know, but what I know is how to accurately sort my pets into their Hogwarts houses based on their predominant personality traits. Songwriting is all about saying what other people want to hear, so you need to find a solid topic that will play well with a large audience of people you don’t know, and a disproportionately small audience of people you do know. Sometimes it helps to gather inspiration from the world around you when searching for the right song topic. Unfortunately, the world around us is currently an absurd combination of the absolute nothingness of quarantine and somehow every single bad thing from 1918 on. I implore you, do NOT gather inspiration from the world around you, it will only overwhelm.

3. Cultivate the Perfect Environment

You accidentally looked at the world around you. Now you must stare blankly into the void. Shhhh, it will be over soon. You’re doing great. Do you have a candle? I guess maybe light that.

4. Create Your Chord Progression

As a woman, I only know four chords – making this part of the writing process a breeze! My close friend and accomplished songwriter, Matt, has Synesthesia and can see the colors of music. Matt once told me that his brain processes each note as a different color, so he is able to arrange beautiful melodies through both an audio and visual experience. That sounds way better than what I do, which is generally just scrambling the order of my four chords and hoping for the best. I recommend Synesthesia, if you can.

5. Medicate, But Not Like That

Many songwriting legends have admitted to using drugs or alcohol to fuel their creativity but I’m almost 30 now and I simply don’t have the time or energy for a midday hangover. I don’t bounce back the way I used to; one writing session could put me out of commission for days. Instead, I recommend clinging to the intoxicating aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Plus, you can drink as much as you want, because at least it isn’t whiskey.

6. Countermedicate, You Moron

Your hand is now trembling with the force of 5 cups of coffee and 100 bad song ideas. You need water. Water is pure, water is elemental. Michelle Obama warned us about this, and like fools we did not listen.

7. Write Your Hook and Forget the Rest

Now we’ve moved on to my favorite part: the lyrics. Everyone knows that the most important thing a song can do is rhyme, so I recommend choosing a few rhyming words and simply making up the rest. Every word that does not rhyme is just filler; they do not matter. As I always say, “if the words don’t rhyme, I don’t have the time.” For an even easier experience, just stream-of-consciousness your entire song onto a sheet of crumpled notebook paper (paper is so retro) and strum languidly as you take time to feel proud of yourself. You’ve created something meaningful.

8. Get Ready To Go Viral

Editing is for chumps, why mess with perfection? This song is DONE. Sit back and get ready to be lauded.

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

What to Expect During COVID: Symphony Edition

In late September, we told Huntsville that the Huntsville Symphony was back – with a few modifications. And, in mid-November, HuntsvilleMusic.com decided to check these modifications out and report back so you, the lovely people of this weird rocket city, would know what to expect if you decided to hit up the Mark C. Smith Concert Hall at the VBC.

Our consensus on the modified symphony experience?

Awesome.

Our night kicked off with a few pre-show drinks at one of our favorite bars, the Poppy. Tom and I had both been to the symphony before, but we wondered aloud what it would be like in this COVID-cautious atmosphere. He guessed that there would be fewer musicians; I mourned the intermission, since we knew that the concert would be one full hour, start to finish, with no break.

After we warmed ourselves up with Guinness, we walked the short distance to the concert hall. Masks were a must, and we were in good company as we stepped inside, noting that the rest of the show-goers were masked as well. According to very clear signage, it was a requirement.

Another requirement was staying in your assigned seat since the seating is spread out to allow for deliberate social distancing. In between each group of audience members were at least two empty seats to ensure the health and safety of everyone in attendance.

We were helpfully directed to ours by an excited usher, who called out after us as we edged into our seats, “It’s so good to have you here!”

This level of cheer was infectious; you could tell that everyone around us was buzzing with excitement and had missed attending concerts put on by their beloved symphony. The greeters at the door had been just as peppy, with crinkled-up eyes that belied big smiles beneath their masks. (And all this joy with the concert hall’s cocktail bars closed!)

Even the musicians seemed more animated than usual: fidgeting on stage, jiggling legs, glancing out at the audience. The excitement was palpable. There was distance between them, too – each individual musician was spaced out from his or her fellow artists to allow for social distancing, and I whispered to Tom that I was curious how that would affect the sound. “Do you think it will be thin?” I asked.

But before Tom could answer, the lights dimmed, voices dropped to whispers, and it was showtime.

Music Director and Conductor Gregory Vadja took to the stage and, after a brief introduction, lifted his arms and rounded out a swell of anticipation that popped with the first clear, perfect note.

I can tell you – the sound was far from thin.

It was full and gorgeous and filled up the whole hall, all the way up to where Tom and I sat in the balcony. Our concert was from the Alps to the Appalachians, and I found that I didn’t miss the intermission one bit. Especially not when Aleksandra Kasman, the piano soloist who was resplendent in a gown seemingly made entirely out of winking, glittering stars, took the stage and poured her heart and soul out across the black and white keys.

After, Tom commented to me in a tone of awe, “I wish I could be half as good at anything as that woman is at the piano.”

The concert was punctuated with a tribute to all veterans in honor of Veteran’s Day: a medley of each military branch’s fight song, during which veterans in the audience were invited to stand and received a wave of applause in recognition of their service. It was a tasteful, uplifting tribute.

In short, even COVID-cautious the symphony makes for a remarkable night out. Whatever preconceived notions you have about symphony concerts, throw them out. It’s the perfect reason to dress up (or dress down – there is no dress code!), grab a drink or two, and sink into audible art that will take you to a completely different, stress-free reality. Something we could all use right now.

Thanks, Huntsville Symphony Orchestra – we’ll be back.

To see upcoming concerts and buy tickets, check out the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra online.

Grace Treutel

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

huntsvillemusic.com/

Wanda – Huntsville’s Accessible Yet Unattainable Frontwoman

Wanda Wesolowski, frontwoman of eponymously named Wanda band, is the queer girl-next-door you wish you had and the latest musical artist to have Huntsville’s ears perking up.

At just 25 years old, the 256 native has recently dominated the Huntsville music scene with the release of her debut album, One-Hit Wanda, a self-explanatory double entendre. She and her band – comprised of guitarist Jasen Tehan, keyboardist Bransen Edwards, drummer Nick Recio, and bassist Andrew Sharpe – got together in 2019, though Wanda has been gigging around Huntsville solo for the last ten years.

She got her start playing wherever she could – Bridgetreet, Diaper Drives, Panoply – and was well-received by her hometown.

So what made her form the Wanda band instead of just continuing on as Wanda?

“Story goes, Jasen comes to me after one of my concerts in the park and says, ‘your music’s really good, I can hear a bigger sound. You should really have a full-time band.’ I said whatever, but he came in to see me regularly after that. He’d show me a new guitar, he’d ask me to come play. He told me about Nick and Bransen. When I finally went, we had such a blast and we played so well together. And here we are.”

This persistent appreciation and admiration her bandmates have for Wanda is evident the moment I step into their rehearsal space. It’s Jasen’s place and you can tell – the walls are covered with guitars of every different make and color.

“He has over fifty,” Andrew tells me with clear pride and affection, a hallmark of the genuine friendship between the bandmates.

The atmosphere is loose and perfumed with sweet-smelling smoke. Everyone mills about, talking and laughing with each other. But they all speak to Wanda with a particular affection and deference, making it clear she’s the leader of the pack. And it’s easy to see why.

There is something undeniably accessible about Wanda – she carries herself with a humble confidence and smiles easily, greeting me as if I’m a longtime friend instead of a stranger she’s meeting for the first time. Complementing this warmth is a dreamy quality about her that feels just out of reach, as if she moves through a self-created space that’s by invitation only. It’s the entire combination that makes you want that invitation so badly.

She tunes her guitar, glancing up at me occasionally, always smiling, and explains her new album.

“It’s abstract and weird. It goes from genre to genre. There’s a song for everyone. If you don’t like one, you’ll probably like another one.”

Her favorite song on the album is Virginia is for Lovers, a sweet, earnest song about romance, but she recognizes that most people are really digging Lazy Susan. I tell her my favorite is The Slaughter and she indulges me with the story behind it.

WANDA REHEARSES THE SONG SIMULATION OFF THEIR NEW ALBULM.

WANDA PLAYS THE CURE’S JUST LIKE HEAVEN.

“The Slaughter was actually written – it’s a little bit of a story [about heartbreak] where I turned on my voice memos, started strumming out that A minor chord, and went on a tangent of lyrics. I listened to it, took the best verses, and turned it into a song.”

This depth of feeling and honesty in her music is something she’s always valued, though it has taken her until recently to go about finding it the right way.

“When I was doing the brooding singer-songwriter thing, the solo artist, I was definitely feeding into a stereotype. You know, you’re young and naïve and you just do what you see your heroes do and you listen to songs like When I Drink by the Avett Brothers at 17 and you’re like, ‘yeah, that’s gonna be me.’”

In what sense?

“I was definitely a raging alcoholic. A lot of the places downtown give you free beer when you play, and I’d take advantage of that. In a very big way, I did that on purpose. I purposefully chose to go too deep in. And then I realized it’s not going to help me in the long run; I have to get sober. I kind of screwed up an American Idol audition. I actually talked about that [in a different interview] but they didn’t include that I got sober, so make sure to include that.”

I ask if her sobriety is a point of pride for her.

“I’m cool with talking about it because I think a lot of people think alcoholics look a certain way. And they can be anyone. I also want to feel… I want more people to realize that getting sober is a really great decision. If you think you have a problem, just give it up. For like, 30 days. Just to see how much better you feel. My reflexes got better; I was playing more, even my bass player told me I played better. And then I started the band and it was, in a way, the new addiction. Like, okay, time to hustle because if you work hard you will achieve your dreams. And I was doing that crazy thing that entrepreneurs do where it’s like, ‘if you set yourself up for success, you will find it.’”

Wanda is a subscriber to the ideology that if you manifest it, it will come – but with a healthy dose of hard work on the side.

“Manifesting things is something I really believe in. I was listening to Sound and Color by Alabama Shakes – I was driving to Green Hill [to record our debut album] and I was thinking, ‘I love these vibes, I wish we could have these vibes on our album.’ And then we’re like… four hours into this session and we’re playing Talking to Yourself and Jay, our producer, is like ‘hang on, I hear something.’ And he pulls out this big Nord piano and he says, ‘this is the same sample they used on Sound and Color.’ And I was like, ‘let’s make it happen.’”

I make note of her rainbow guitar strap, tripping over my own words in my nerves as I confess that I’m a queer woman, too, but not out. Wanda’s response is instant:

“I suggest anyone be out in Huntsville.”

When I sheepishly explain that I’m bisexual and unsure if it counts, Wanda, in keeping with her ‘accept everyone’ ethos, scoffs and empathizes: “People wanna invalidate that shit. I don’t. I hate that.”

Wanda is open about her own sexuality, candid as she strums the opening notes for Lazy Susan on her guitar.

“This [entire album] is gay heartache in a nutshell. The longing, the yearning, the struggle with self-acceptance and self-love. People being fickle because they can’t accept themselves; their grief and joys. It’s the coming out process. The whole album is my coming out process, in a way. Every song on the album is about some woman I’ve loved in the past five years.”

I ask her how, exactly, she writes her songs, since she wrote all the music on One-Hit.

“You just play what you know. I’ve been songwriting since I was 16. Hopefully for our next album we’ll write all our songs together.”

Will they stay in Huntsville to do it?

“Huntsville is a great place for artists to live because there’s a pretty high quality of life for a pretty decent price. And I see it growing. I’ve seen slow growth – a lot of sideways and a little pivot, but moving forward. I think that Huntsville’s a place where a lot of people have invested in me and I owe it to Huntsville to stay here. I will make my home base here. I’ll stay as ‘from Huntsville.’”

Her influences become clear as the band begins to rehearse: the Alabama Shakes, Gregg Alexander of the New Radicals, the Beatles. They’re rehearsing specifically for their album release show at Gold Sprint Coffee, one of Wanda’s favorite places in Huntsville.

It’s a high energy rehearsal and I watch the way her bandmates all move as she moves, responding to her cues and watching her for instruction. They pause intermittently to tune a guitar, to laugh, to tease one another. All the while Wanda encapsulates that same air of easy, unaffected charisma, a comfortability in her own skin that makes you both want her and want to be her.

During a break, I ask Jasen if they’re all best friends.

“Yeah,” he says, grinning. “I guess so.”

“We go to brunch every Sunday,” Wanda says and Bransen nods as he walks by. “As a band, we’ve sampled every single brunch in Huntsville. We think the best one is Shagnasty’s. Make sure that gets in [to the article].”

When I suggest band friendship bracelets, Wanda laughs and enthusiastically agrees. It’s how the Wanda band seems to do everything – with laughter and enthusiasm. After all, as their van promises, ‘it’s a whole lot of fun.’

At their album release show at Gold Sprint later that week, this laughter and enthusiasm is infectious. It’s a socially distant, masked, inside-outside show with mandatory temperature checks at the door. Even despite these regulations, the show goers are in high spirits.

Them Damn Dogs, another local band, is the opening act, and Wanda is masked at the front of the audience, dancing harder and singing louder than anyone else. The musical community loves her hard and she loves it hard right back, as evidenced when she finally takes the stage and thanks everyone profusely not only for coming but for coming and being safe.

The show is a hazy, technicolor daydream complete with fog machine and most of the crowd singing along, having already memorized the lyrics after just one day of the album being released. Wanda is in a white jumpsuit and her bandmates are in matching navy jumpsuits – “We love Dickies!” she exclaims to cheers from the crowd, playing the opening notes for The Cure’s Just Like Heaven.

When I ask her afterward how the show went, she can’t temper her smile.

“I was really pleased with the turnout. I wasn’t too overwhelmed, and it seemed to be a really respectful crowd. Everyone got temperature checked at the door which I think mentally puts you in a different place.”

Wanda Live from Gold Sprint Coffee Playing Lazy Susan.

And the reception to the album?

“Oh, gosh. I’m overwhelmed with the amount of positive feedback that I’ve gotten. A lot of people told me they’ve been listening to it nonstop. I don’t know if they’re being hyperbolic but either way it’s a super great compliment.”

I reassure her it isn’t hyperbole – I’ve fallen victim to the Wanda bug, unable to stop listening to One-Hit on repeat. She laughs, audibly embarrassed by the compliment but still pleased.

“I’m hoping that it can stick. I’m hoping that it can be in someone’s regular rotation. I’m already thrilled – to me, I’ve already accomplished what I set out to do.”

And what she set out to do was make an album.

“That was the point. Because without it, I’m just a musician in Huntsville and you can only hear my music by catching my shows. Now, I actually have a real album, a real product. I can show people my band and what we sound like – and that was the goal. Just to have the product in hand and be able to share it with everybody.”

Her songs are all about real, relatable topics, mostly matters of the heart, and in listening to her album, it’s easy to apply her artfully crafted lyrics to your own personal experiences.

“That is honestly the greatest compliment you could ever give a writer. It’s one thing to be a songwriter that wants to tell everybody how they wrote the song, why they wrote the song, when they wrote the song, but to just release the song and just let everyone else tell you what it means… it’s just so much more special.”

And at HuntsvilleMusic.com, we think ‘special’ is the perfect way to describe Wanda and her Wanda band.

To stream One-Hit Wanda, check it out on Spotify. To grab Wanda merch and stay plugged in to what the band is up to, visit their website at www.wandaband.com and follow them on Instagram @wandaband.

Grace Treutel

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

huntsvillemusic.com/

Interview with SarahJayne of Jayne & the Huntsmen

October 21, 2020 by Alex Hendrix

Artists, Culture, Live Music, Musicians

huntsville, huntsville al, huntsville al live music, huntsville alabama, huntsville artist, huntsville musician, jayne and the huntsmen, live huntsville music, sarahjayne

With a voice reminiscent of Big Thief’s Adrianne Lenker and emotional songwriting that blends folksy lyrics with bluesy guitar, SarahJayne has been a staple in the Huntsville original music sector since moving to Rocket City.

Stylistically, her solo sets run the gamut from one genre to another, never fitting neatly into one single box. Listeners can expect to enjoy Liz Longley-esque Americana tunes, followed immediately by unusual chord progressions and scatting breakdowns. But one theme remains no matter what song is being played: passion. SarahJayne often gets lost in her own songs in the very best way possible, taking you along with her on a ride through her memories or stories of people she met once who made an impression.

Although many musicians are having to make large changes in 2020 in an attempt to restructure to fit the new world, SarahJayne’s transformation began before quarantine even started. This introspective soul has taken on a new role as frontwoman of Jayne and The Huntsmen, a project that was temporarily derailed when COVID struck.

“Our first show was supposed to be in April, and you can imagine how that went. The guys and I have taken a lot of precautions to continue practicing together to be ready for when everything opened back up.”

After kicking off her musical career 8 years ago, SarahJayne has played across the country at dive bars and proper venues alike.

The places she’s been and the people she’s met along the way have been a major inspiration to her songwriting, which started before she even played shows at all. But she always knew she wanted a bigger energy.

“Since I was thirteen, I wanted to be in a rock band, but I didn’t really know how. There’s a certain ability that a full band has to captivate an audience and I’m a sucker for a good bass line, so to me, there’s no question why I wouldn’t want to front a band.”

Enter The Huntsmen, full of faces already familiar to the Huntsville music scene. Aaron Bradley Anderson, a fellow singer/songwriter and soloist who you’ve undoubtedly seen playing around town, takes up lead guitar and showcases his knack for distortions and twang. Spinships member Michael Cummings grooves on the bass, and Jake Tucker keeps the rhythm on the drums (often with his boots sitting next to his kit).

We can expect exciting things from this dream team going forward, as they are actively booking shows and preparing to record an EP. They’re buzzing with excitement to bring their new sound to Huntsville music lovers. Most recently they played a gig at The Camp, and SarahJayne relayed her enthusiasm: “We’re still encouraging people to social distance when they come to our shows, but we’re so happy to see faces and hear everyone singing back!”

So what makes the Huntsville scene so perfect for a new endeavor like this? Cooperation.

“I’ve played in lots of cities across the US, but when you look at Huntsville, it’s so unique. It’s not a competition here. We’re cooperative. You see artists coming from various genres who all uplift each other. Go to the R&B show and find a folk songwriter there. Go to see that aspiring pop artist and you’ll find a metal guitarist in the crowd. That’s endlessly inspiring, to see people lifting each other up and wanting each other to succeed. And this all is not to mention the fact that – if you put in the hustle – you can make music your full-time job here. I have truly found the right place here in the people who appreciate eclectic song choices and the venues that let me do my thing.”

Photo credits to Eric of @hsvphoto

Alex Hendrix

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

info@alexhendrix.co

Local Artist Lana White Releases EP

October 7, 2020 by Grace Treutel

Art, Artists, Musicians

huntsville, huntsville al, huntsville alabama, huntsville music, lana white, local artist, local music, local musician, support local art

Huntsville’s own Lana White has a new EP out titled ‘Evergreen’ and I cannot get enough.

‘Evergreen’ is the kind of collection you listen to during an evening alone, when you’ve lit one too many candles, poured a glass of dark wine, and invited introspection in.

Says White of the EP, “The songs contained in Evergreen are very vulnerable, raw snapshots of what life is like for people who are in long-term relationships, pondering life’s meaning, dealing with mental health issues, and trying to live as authentically as possible.”

Vulnerable is an apt description. There are five songs on Evergreen, all threaded together by White’s signature indie-acoustic sound though each strong enough to stand alone.

“Making Up” has a rock edge to it, White’s voice earnest with both pain and accusation. “Wither” is a soft, mournful song where White’s vocals gentle into something defiant and heartbreaking. “Leave it Broken” goes more soulful, while “Rows to Hoe” slips into a narrative that captures White’s southern influence. The titular track, “Evergreen,” is reminiscent of early 2000s indie-rock, calling to mind the Goo Goo Dolls and Sheryl Crow all tied up with a sweeter, more feminine bow.

When asked about her songwriting process, White was forthcoming. “I write regularly, sometimes in just little segments of words and phrases, just to build ideas and subjects. I don’t always write from personal experience. Oftentimes, my muse is a friend’s experience. Social media is also a treasure trove of ideas!”

But why an EP? Why not release a full album? Like everything about White’s songwriting process, this decision was a purposeful one.

“I’ve written around 25 new songs over the last year and decided early on to release them in groups of 5 or 6 as EP releases because with streaming services, people have gotten used to skipping around. The thought of having 10-12 songs in a release made me feel like they wouldn’t get enough time from the listener.”

When it comes to the sound of ‘Evergreen’ versus past and future album releases, White has an explanation for that, too.

“My idea was to group the songs by how well they flowed together sonically regarding the theme, tempo, and overall vibe. I have a tendency to be very inconsistent with sticking to a particular genre, so releasing smaller groups of songs at a time helps me create a specific niche with each release.”

As far as what’s up next for Lana White and her advice for up-and-coming songwriters?

It's Not Over Yet

Beautiful Secret

Bridge Between

Better

“I’ve made 4 music videos for my new songs which are all on my YouTube channel and social media. I used my phone, a GoPro, a website called Canva for stock footage, and video editing software called Wondershare to create my videos. I have received such positive feedback from fans saying they connect to the songs even deeper with the imagery from the videos, so I encourage all indie artists to make them!”

She isn’t playing any live shows just yet due to COVID constraints and safety concerns, but White is optimistic that once the climate is a bit more secure, she’ll finally be able to showcase her new EP.

As for the local music scene, Lana sings Huntsville’s praises and offers a single suggestion: “We need more venues [in Huntsville] that will showcase original artists. I spent a lot of time doing cover shows last year, but I really want more opportunities to play my originals!”

To learn more about Lana White including an overview of her accomplishments (like radioplay and podcast theme songs), check out her website at LanaWhiteMusic.com.

To listen to the Evergreen EP, you can visit Lana White’s website to purchase the album or stream it on Spotify and iTunes.

Follow Lana on Instagram, Youtube, and Facebook to check out her music videos and stay up to date on live show updates.

Lana performing with Billy Pettinger on Know Huntsville below

Grace Treutel

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

huntsvillemusic.com/

HOW HUNTSVILLEMUSIC.COM HELPS ARTISTS

September 24, 2020 by Alex Hendrix

Artists, Musicians, News

alabama, artists, huntsville, huntsville artists, huntsville music, huntsville music live, huntsville musician, huntsville musicians, live huntsville music, local musicians

2020 has not been kind to musicians. We’ve seen months of gigless confusion, loss of income, and now uncertainty surrounding new live stream rules (thanks, Facebook). Growing concern over impending small venue closures is pairing well with our generalized anxiety disorders, but hey- at least we’re writing songs about all our feelings of dread! It seems like the entire music industry is collectively waiting for the next shoe to drop.

This, strangely enough, made it a perfect time for the new HuntsvilleMusic.com to appear. Being able to lay all the groundwork before the industry is fully reopened ensures that everything done on the new site is proactive instead of reactive. This leads to mindful moves instead of scrambling, and lets you know that everything being set in place is a conscious decision made to help Huntsville’s Music Scene.

I know what you’re thinking- sure, but how will HM help Huntsville’s music scene? Oh, let me count the ways.

Visibility

A city-wide music calendar has no downside. You’re a musician wanting to get your gigs out to a wider audience? This benefits you. You’re a music lover wanting to see when your favorites are out and about? This is for you. You’re a visitor to the city and have no idea what’s going on, but are able to Google the words ‘Huntsville’ and ‘music’ in conjunction? This will make all your dreams come true.

The new site design offers a sleek, visual calendar that is easy to navigate on desktop and phone, so you can make music-related plans on the go. Make sure your upcoming gigs are on our calendar.

Promotion

This site is run by social media and marketing professionals, so content strategy is kind of a big deal here. Artist Spotlights are already happening on Instagram, with blogs and videos to come. The great part about operating as a general community resource is that there’s no ulterior motive. There’s no pay-to-play tactic, there are no ticket sales, there’s nothing to gain other than a thriving music scene.

As a musician, I cannot stress enough the importance of features by official, branded sites and organizations. This gives credibility to you as an artist in a way that your own outlet can’t always do. It also continues to place your face in front of new listeners, who quickly turn into fans and friends. If you have an album release or big upcoming show that you’d like to submit for featured content consideration, email us!

Collaboration

John F. Kennedy once said, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” This is a quote I return to time and time again when thinking about Huntsville’s culture. We are at a true turning point, and that feels scary and exciting. But JFK was spot on when he said that whatever is good for one is good for all when it comes to drawing attention to our little scene.

Every time music lovers are directed to Huntsville, it’s a win. Becoming a force in the national music scene doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a thousand little steps that lead someone (accidentally, sometimes) to our door. HM will continue dropping those breadcrumbs.

More To Come

These are just some of the strategies HM has up its sleeves. You can expect more from us: more content, more promotion, more passion, more commitment. As we work toward our official launch, we will stay communicative and keep you informed on all the cool projects we’ll be rolling out.
Until then, make sure you’re getting free promotion by being listed on our Artist page and stay connected on Facebook and Instagram for upcoming artist spotlights!

Alex Hendrix

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

info@alexhendrix.co