Music, Food, and Drink: Huntsville’s Restaurant Week, A Feast for the Senses

August 10, 2021 by Grace Treutel

Culture, Festivals, Food, Huntsville, Live Music, Musicians

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This Friday, August 13^th, kicks of Huntsville Restaurant Week, a “10-day celebration of [Huntsville’s] diverse local cuisine.” The North Alabama food festival features over 70 participating restaurants, all of which have crafted local specials for visitors and locals to enjoy during the extended week, and many of which feature our very favorite thing: live local music.

HuntsvilleMusic.com sat down with Pam Williams from the Convention & Visitor’s Bureau to find out what to expect during this year’s revelry, as well as Stephen Ryberg, General Manager of Rhythm on Monroe, to talk about live music and all the delicious dishes and drinks he’s rolling out for Restaurant Week.

“Everyone should be able to find something that they really can enjoy,” promises Pam of the food, drinks, and music happening during Huntsville Restaurant Week. And we know it’s true – we dug into Rhythm on Monroe’s snapper, tomato pie, and Strawberry Frosé, just to name a few, all while being serenaded on the rooftop bar by Rhythm’s featured artist for the night, Sara Johnson.

Check it all out above in our latest HuntsvilleMusic.com video feature.

For more details and a complete list of participating restaurants, visit Huntsville.org/restaurantweek. To follow the goings-on of Restaurant Week and share your own decadent dining, check out and tag @visithuntsvilleal on Instagram and make sure to tag your photos #dinehsv! Happy eating, Huntsville!

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.

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Alex Hendrix On Her New Single, Blame It On Mercury

August 3, 2021 by Grace Treutel

Artists, Huntsville, Musicians, News

alabama, alex hendrix, huntsville, huntsville al, huntsville al live music, huntsville alabama, huntsville culture, huntsville live music, huntsville music, live music huntsville alabama, local band, singer songwriter

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.

huntsvillemusic.com/

Music: Alive and Kicking in Huntsville, Alabama

July 27, 2021 by Matt Guenther

Huntsville, Musicians

huntsville al live music, huntsville live music, huntsville music, live music huntsville al, live music huntsville alabama, local

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/

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.

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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/

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.

info@alexhendrix.co