Classic Ain't Old
Billy Alexander cracks the code with Rock and Roll Diary
As our favorite Rock and Roll Ambassador, bass player Jimmy Ashhurst, said in the very first episode, “How do you market classic rock when it’s not yet classic?”
Billy Alexander, the multi-talented guitarist and a cornerstone of the prog-rock outfit YYNOT, has done time as a sideman to John Waite and Anna Nalick, has produced, written, and recorded numerous artists, and with his nine-song debut solo album, Rock & Roll Diary, steps into the spotlight.
With YYNOT, Alexander channels the intricate virtuosity reminiscent of Rush, fusing technical prowess with emotive depth. Their compositions are a meticulous blend of nostalgia and innovation, where Alexander's guitar work shines as a beacon of precision and passion.
With Rock & Roll Diary, Alexander embraces a classic, yet still eclectic palette. The record exhibits a classic versatility with each track a testament to his musical dexterity. “When it came time to start putting the songs together in the studio, I felt even more liberated to just make a record in the spirit of the ones that lit my fire as a young teen and helped shape me as a guitarist, songwriter, and musician.”
In the days of yore, guitar Gods ruled the day, and Alexander captures that vibe perfectly, without losing any originality or sense of modernity.
Accordingly, Billy’s guitar solos aren't just displays of skill but narratives in themselves.
Billy stopped by Thunderlove Studio recently to chat about Rock & Roll Diary, and his career as a whole. It was one of the more clear-headed, and fun, conversations I’ve had. We talked about inspirations, the creative process, production perspective, and the lost art of de-seeding your weed using a bi-fold album (I bet there is still some weed in my copy of The Eagles The Long Run).
In essence, Billy Alexander's work is a masterclass in balancing complexity with accessibility. While we may not have answered the question of how to market classic rock that is not yet classic, it’s nice to know there are still acolytes out there writing the tunes and stomping the stages.