Cindy Alexander is a singer-songwriter based in Sherman Oaks CA, who is the winner of the Los Angeles Music Award for Best Songwriter. Compared to Sarah McLachlan, Alanis and Sheryl Crow, Cindy has developed her own sultry style. Her organic pop sounds have great cross-over appeal.
Starting at the age of 6 Cindy took up piano lessons and was encouraged to sing by her grandmother who was a music teacher. After tasting success in various plays and musicals Cindy has returned to her true love, music. Says Cindy, "I found it so much more satisfying to write and perform my own material, and be myself." 1999 saw Alexander release her debut CD See Red which she describes as, "A collection of demos that I wrote over a three year period. It is a very personal record. Each song is like a Polaroid of a particular point in my life." One song that shines on the “Carnival Junkie” album (fall 2000) is “Heaven Knows.” Cindy croons these beautiful lyrics of love with a touch of sadness. Singing backup on this track is Kevin Montgomery, who you will get to know shortly as he will be an upcoming feature artist here at Dmusic. In addition to singing backup Kevin also produced "Heaven Knows" and "Carnival Junkie." Cindy’s sensitive writing style will appeal to everyone. I’ll bet that in each song you can find something that you can relate to on some level. Another stunning track off the Carnival Junkie CD is “Prophet.” In this stripped down sonnet you get just Cindy and her piano. This intimate setting makes you feel like you are privileged to feel her most private emotions. You get a sense of her vulnerability through her expressive voice. “Joei” is a great example of Alexander’s whimsical writing style. About this track Cindy says, “It's a true story, except for the ending. I only had her die for the sake of drama. FAQ: What is a "Second Hand Girlfriend" Answer: Well kids, it's a girl who sleeps with her boyfriend's best friend.”
Backing Cindy are talented fellow band members Fren Asken (Vocals, Keyboard, Guitar), Harvey Lane (Bass, Back Up Vocals), Bart Ryan (Acoustic-Slide Guitar, Back Up Vocals), Christopher Allis (Drums), Tina Trevino (Back Up Vocals, Percussion). Cindy has also opened for national acts as Tara MacLean, Vonda Shepard, Harry Dean Stanton, Michael McDermott and has joined the Bacon Brothers (Kevin & Michael) for their “Getting There” tour in 2000. “See Red” was also nominated for the 1999 Indie Pop Album of the Year (L.A. Music Awards).
Willow’s Picks: Heaven Knows, Joei, Time Falling Down .
