Get used to the name Alex Gardner, 2010's brightest new talent. The 18-year-old Scot is the complete package: the pop-writing craft of George Michael the looks of a young Elvis and a soul-pop voice to die for, combine this with the power pop team of Xenomania and we have something utterly unique.
Alex Gardner grew up in Edinburgh, surrounded by music. Mum was a violinist with an orchestra, his older brother played in a heavy metal band. “I started having piano lessons when I was 5,” he says. “Though I quit when I was 6. I couldn’t stand someone telling me how to do it. If music sounds right, then it has to be right. It shouldn’t matter about the method.”
Having supported Paolo Nutini across Scotland, played on the same bill as Mika and Paloma Faith and performed dozens of his own shows, Gardner has cut his chops live. “Performing is such an essential part of what I do,” he enthuses. “I was always the guy at parties who’d get the guitar out.”
“Edinburgh is absolutely beautiful, but it can be a bit of a slow-paced city,” he says. “I wanted to see if there was a bit more excitement in London.” So Gardner struck out for the capital – which is where he met Brian Higgins, Xenomania’s director.
As luck would have it I happened to be in the right place when Alex & co rolled into Glasgow recently. I hadn't heard of Alex Gardner before and hadn't even planned on seeing a gig that night but man Im glad I did - what a great sound; wholesome, genuine, soulful and packed with emotion, quite a rare mix in these days of manufactured bands and re-constituted pop tripe. I am sure you'll go far. Looking forwards to the debut album!
watch my videos if u get a chance http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvrH7gm_VPI i done the make up and shot it but myspace wnt let me put any of my stuff on here because its gory ha cheer tell me what you think :) x <3
I'm not in the Uk so I won't get to see you in concert. I've been enjoying the music I downloaded from the net, though. You use your voice more like a musical instrument than a voice, there's something special about it. Looking forward to your debut album.
Hi Alex, great acoustic set on wednesday night up in Dundee.. Totally worth the trip from Newcastle.. You made my mothers night by chatting to us, so thanks for that mate.. All the best for the new album.. good luck and hopefuly see you on tour in the North East soon.
Looking forward to you joining us at the Little Noise Sessions!
*** Alex Gardner to appear at Mencap's acclaimed Little Noise Sessions;
playing an intimate, acoustic gig on Wednesday 18th November at the Union Chapel, along with Mika and The Kings Singers, Paloma Faith and Daisy Dares You.
All proceeds go to Mencap, working to support people with a learning disability, and their families and carers.
Hey Alex :) Went to see Paolo on Sunday at Newcastle and I have to admit you were better than Paolo! Deffinatly coming to see you if you ever come back! (please do) xxxxxxx
Hey Alex Amazing set at Dundee Caird hall on wednesday. I love your voice :) I see on myspace you're down as a solo artist, who was the band you were sining with on wednesday? :) I'm gonna try come to the drouthy gig your doing in Dundee! Catch you soon. Bonnie x
Hey, When are you going to upload full versions instead of samples of your songs and make them available to add to profiles? That way you can get more exposure :) Hope all is well! D
I was at The Script gig and I just wanted to let u know that I really enjoyed your set and I liked your music. Looking forward to u releasing some stuff
I just can't wait!
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