Alain de Courtenay writes songs rooted in sparse, unaffected, yet altogether powerful poetry. A 24 year-old Chicago native, Alain has exhausted nearly a decade developing this rare and distinctive writing style, consistently producing music that moves, evokes, and inspires. In 2005, Alain joined classically accomplished violinist, TJ Callanta, to help advance his work. Together, they have since cultivated a repertoire of poignant musical compositions that serve to deepen and enhance each song’s lyrical and emotional essences. TJ’s fluid, atmospheric playing provides both stark and delicate contrasts to Alain’s soulful vocals, while Alain’s contemplative writing further imbues life into TJ’s complementary melodies. One must be careful, then, when attempting to pigeonhole Alain’s music into a particular genre; despite the songs’ widespread melodic accessibility, there exist subtle and raw complexities throughout that transcend, and, at the same time, undermine traditional modes of musical thought.
Over the past 3 years, Alain and TJ have performed at many of Chicago’s reputable music venues including The Abbey Pub, Wise Fools Pub, Uncommon Ground, The Double Door, Subterranean, Silvie’s Lounge, Navy Pier, and The Elbo Room. They have also been fortunate enough to share the bill with well-established musicians such as Switchback, Katie Todd, and Stephanie Dosen. Most recently, Alain and TJ were asked to open for Indie music sensations DeVotchKa on their Midwest tour, where performances were held at The Vogue in Indianapolis, First Avenue in Minneapolis, and the legendary Vic Theatre back home in Chicago. Other notable venues Alain and TJ have played at include The Whisky A-Go-Go, Hotel Cafe, Aura Nightclub and The Mint in Los Angeles, DePaul University, Indiana University, and Valparaiso University.
Currently, Alain and TJ are promoting their debut album, "The Pregnant Letter", now available for download on (Australia/New Zealand, Canada, U.K./European Union, and Japan), as well as Napster, GroupieTunes, Amazon mp3, Lala, and Shockhound.
For those of you who would prefer an actual copy of the album/artwork, click here:
Also, visit them at: www.youtube.com/anaker00, www.ourstage.com/fanclub/alaindecourtenay
Hey Alain, Im loving Lesser Man. I had ben waiting on it. Loved the Utube also. Never stop writing music for the pure joy of music. Your an inspiration to all of us that hope to make an impact like you have upon us. These songs have gotten me through bad, good, and worse & have even sparked my own musical creations. If you get a chance check out the new tunes, I've ben working on some new stuff and moving in a new direction.
As always much respect Alain. Keep it up. We'll be listening as long as you do.
hi, i really really like you music all of it, hope someday you come to philippines coz i know they gonna like your music take care and more power to the both of you guyz .....GOD BLESS......
your music is so emotional for me, i love it. all of it. especially "Be". could you please get "The Lesser Man" on Myspace? i am so incredibly in love with that song. :)
PORTLAND + B.Wise + You = rockin good time! Come visit, play a concert here....I'm headin back to chicago in a few months and don't have much more time out west....we should really meet up:) I hope all is well and I'd love to hear how your gigs are goin. Peace
I am sooo excited for our spring break, there's so much to look forward to! And Ollie turns 3 in six and a half hours :o) <3 My family. And I love YOU.
your music is awesome!! Definate new favorite... I listen to ya all the time... Jogging, winding down for bed, just when im chillin... Great tunes.. Period.
Ofcourse! i know ill love the music, i already have some of the songs on my playlist online =D I sent my boyfriend some videos of you singing and he LOVES your stuff. hes bummed that he cant come with me on the 3rd. he has class till 9:45.
Happy Valentines Day sweetheart pie <3 Thank you for all the wonderful gifts and beautiful surprises. You are the best, most romantic, loving, and amazing boyfriend I could ask for. Thank you times a million! I love you the mosterest xoxo
