Megatrax Blog

In this episode of “Five Questions With…” we talk with Marquee Music artist Alder about his background as a musician, the work he’s done for Megatrax, and what he’s working on next.

Megatrax: Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you got into music?

Alder: I started taking piano lessons around 2nd grade and loved it.  My family moved after about a year into it and I couldn’t find a new teacher that I liked as much so I stopped taking lessons, but continued to sit down every once-in-a-while and plunk away.  Around the 5th grade I picked up saxophone and then when I was around 13 I found a dusty guitar in the basement that my mother had bought for my father back when they were in high school, and I decided to learn how to play it.

After quickly going through a beginner guitar book, I had some help from an uncle who plays guitar and I eventually started taking lessons. In high school I played in several bands and made two records.  I also co-wrote several songs with my songwriting mentor Paul Tate, two of which ended up being recorded by Atlanta-based a capella group Vocal Tonic.

My mom always liked to joke with friends and family about how “at least he can’t major in guitar” in college. Little did she know about Berklee College of Music. At Berklee I studied Music Production & Engineering, graduated Magna cum Laude.  I also received the Creativity Scholar award for outstanding achievement.  Being at Berklee was so humbling and exciting for me as a young musician.  Being constantly surrounded by incredibly talented people who were just as passionate about music as I was made me keep pushing forward and work even harder.

While at Berklee, the studio became my focus.  Something about capturing a musical moment in time was very exciting. I realized that I had a gift and love for helping other people get their music to a place that they could be proud of.  I found what I believe to be my true calling.  After Berklee I moved to Los Angeles to work at the world famous Record Plant studio in Hollywood. During my time at the Record Plant I came up with one of my personas, Alder.  Now the name of my ever-growing solo project, Alder is where I can do whatever I want to do and say whatever I want to say. I’ve made several records as Alder, a record with my rock band Ocelot Robot and an EP for a new dance collaboration project called You I Need with my college classmate Steven Shewbrooks. I’ve also had the pleasure of producing a bunch of records for many artists including: Lucas Carpenter, Colin Green, Amy LaCour, Freddy & Francine and I Am The Victory.

MX: If you had to describe your sound how would you?

A: Ever-changing.  The general theme for most Alder tunes is a sense of peace but I’ve stopped trying to restrict myself to a specific style/feel and it’s been incredibly liberating. I used to have all these notions of rules and guidelines for what my music should sound like.  It helps that I have three different bands with three very different styles.  Having all three has widened my horizons for each of them individually as well.  If I start writing and it’s turning out to be a heavier rock tune, I’ll pitch it to Ocelot Robot.  If it turns out to be super pop I’ll pitch it to You I Need.  Anything else gets assumed under the Alder umbrella.

As Alder I write from the heart. I’d imagine that if I wasn’t able to write music, I’d have some serious therapy bills to pay.  Many Alder songs are written more for me than for anyone else.  It is very cathartic.

MX: Tell us about your work for Megatrax.

A: I first teamed up with Megatrax when they asked me to write a song I called “Always” that ended up on their compilation MQ002 – Rock Vox.  I love writing custom songs for people and I got to work at a fun studio with some great musicians. It’s easy to work with a company when they’re excited to work with you and I believe that’s one of the strong points of Megatrax. I believe in their business model, and with every person I’ve dealt with there I found that they really understood me and what I’m trying to do.
MX: If you tuned into one show or film or commercial and heard your song, what would be one or some ideal settings?

A: There’s something truly magical when you get to see your music and voice attached to a great visual.  I’ve been lucky enough to have a few of my songs put to picture for several films. From somber, scene-setting underscore to source music for car rides to love scenes to party scenes you’d find something in my catalog that works.  Much like writing “Always” for Megatrax, I’ve been asked by directors to write songs to fit their needs and often to fit a script before they know exactly what their needs are.

MX: What’s next for you?

A: I’m currently finishing up a new full length Alder album I’m really excited about.  I frequently play a lot of the instruments for my projects, but for the first time ever I’m playing everything.

With my rock band Ocelot Robot, we’ve now released 2 music videos to go along with our debut album and we’re planning on releasing more this year.  I’m continuing to write and record with them and we’re hoping to hit the road soon for another tour.

I’m also a novelist and have plans to complete my sophomore book this year. The first one called How to Disappear Completely is available as a free download online.