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Alex G

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Alex G
Alex G performing at SXSW in Austin, Texas, 2015
Alex G performing at SXSW in Austin, Texas, 2015
Background information
Birth nameAlexander Giannascoli
Also known as(Sandy) Alex G (from 2017–2020)
Born (1993-02-03) February 3, 1993 (age 31)
Havertown, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Musician
  • singer-songwriter
  • record producer
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
  • drums
  • keyboards
  • bass
DiscographyAlex G discography
Years active2009–present
Labels
Formerly ofThe Skin Cells
Websitesandyalexg.com

Alexander Giannascoli, better known by his stage names Alex G or, formerly, (Sandy)[1], is an American musician, producer, and singer-songwriter born on February 3, 1993. He is known for his distinctive style, which blends elements of indie rock, lo-fi, and experimental music. Giannascoli started his career with DIY self-releases on Bandcamp, where he quickly gained a dedicated following. His early work includes several albums and EPs that he recorded and produced himself, showcasing his talent for home recording and songwriting.

In 2014, Alex G released his label debut, "DSU," on Orchid Tapes. The album received critical acclaim from various publications, marking a significant step in his career. Critics praised his lo-fi aesthetic and unique approach to songwriting, which drew comparisons to artists like Elliott Smith and Built to Spill. "DSU" helped him build a larger audience and garnered attention from independent music fans.

Following the success of "DSU," Alex G signed with Lucky Number, a UK-based record label that reissued his earlier releases, "Rules" and "Trick" (both from 2012). These reissues further solidified his reputation as a talented and prolific artist in the indie music scene.

In 2015, Giannascoli signed with Domino Recording Company, a prominent indie label, and released his sixth studio album, "Beach Music." The album continued to build on his previous success, featuring a more polished sound while retaining his distinctive lo-fi charm. "Beach Music" received positive reviews and expanded his audience further.

Two years later, in 2017, Alex G released "Rocket," an album that showcased his growth as a musician and songwriter. "Rocket" received widespread acclaim and recognition, with critics highlighting its eclectic mix of genres and inventive production. The album's success cemented Alex G's status as a leading figure in the indie music world.

In 2019, Giannascoli released his eighth studio album, "House of Sugar." The album was noted for its introspective lyrics and intricate arrangements, earning him further critical acclaim. "House of Sugar" demonstrated his continued evolution as an artist, blending elements of folk, rock, and electronic music.

In 2022, Alex G ventured into the world of film soundtracks, composing the music for the film "We're All Going to the World's Fair." This project allowed him to explore new sonic landscapes and further showcased his versatility as a musician. Later that year, he released his ninth studio album, "God Save the Animals," which continued to receive positive reviews from both fans and critics.

In early 2024, Giannascoli signed with RCA[2], one of the major American record labels, signaling a new chapter in his career. That same year, he composed and published his second film soundtrack for "I Saw the TV Glow." This move to a major label and his continued work in film soundtracks reflect his growing influence and ambition in the music industry.

Early life and career

Giannascoli was born in 1993 in Havertown, Pennsylvania.[3] His father's family originates from Abruzzo in central or Southern Italy.[4] At age 11, he learned how to play the guitar that his brother gave him and began recording music.[5][6] While attending Haverford High School, Giannascoli made two albums that he shared with friends.[7] He experimented with different musical styles while making collaborative music, which included his brother, singer/songwriter producer David Allen Scoli, and himself called The Scoli Xtreme, the "goth techno" he made with his sister in their band MOTHER, as well as the projects involving his high school band The Skin Cells, described as "pop rock that accidentally ended up being punk".[5] The Skin Cells band was home to some unreleased music from Alex (such as "Tie me down", "Nintendo 64", and more). In 2011, Giannascoli enrolled at Temple University, where he studied English in hopes of becoming a teacher, but eventually dropped out to pursue a musical career.[3][7]

After self-releasing various albums, EPs, and singles on Bandcamp from 2010 to 2012, Giannascoli's popularity spread through word of mouth, blogs, and reverence by other musicians.[8] The Fader called Giannascoli "the internet's secret best songwriter."[5] This led to Orchid Tapes signing Giannascoli to its roster, as well as the release of his label debut DSU (2014),[5] which garnered acclaim from music critics.[9] Following the release of the album, Giannascoli went on tour throughout North America and Europe.[7] In November, DSU was released by Lucky Number in Europe on all formats with two new bonus tracks. The label later also reissued his two preceding releases, 2012's Rules and Trick.[10]

In 2014, Giannascoli signed with Domino Recording Company and released his debut with the label Beach Music on October 9.[11] The following year, Giannascoli worked with Frank Ocean on his albums Endless and Blonde, providing guitars and arrangements for several songs.[12]

On March 2, 2017, Giannascoli announced that his second album with Domino, titled Rocket, would be released on May 19 and shared the first two singles, "Bobby" and "Witch".[13][14] On April 4, Giannascoli announced the change of his stage name from Alex G to (Sandy) Alex G, with no further explanation, and shared another single from the album, "Proud".[15][16] The music publication Spin attributed the name change to a legal conflict with singer and YouTuber Alex Blue, who was operating at the time under the trademarked name "Alex G".[17] On choosing the name 'Sandy', Giannascoli said it "was the first thing [he] put on Bandcamp" and that he had "just used that 'Sandy' as a sort of [social media] tag" since then.[17] On May 4, he released two more singles, "Brick" and "Sportstar", before the release of the album. Rocket received acclaim from music critics and appeared on multiple publications' year-end lists of the best albums of 2017.[18]

Giannascoli's eighth studio album, House of Sugar, was released on September 13, 2019. The album received positive reviews and placed 17th on Pitchfork's year-end best albums list.[19] In June 2020, he dropped "(Sandy)" from his stage name, returning to going by Alex G.[20]

Giannascoli scored the film We're All Going to the World's Fair, released on April 8, 2022.[21] Giannascoli also scored Jane Schoenbrun's next film I Saw the TV Glow, which is being released by A24 in 2024.

Giannascoli's ninth studio album, God Save the Animals was released on September 23, 2022.[22]

In January 2024, Giannascoli announced his signing with RCA Records and an upcoming tour supporting the band Foo Fighters.[23]

Musical style

Giannascoli's music is often characterized as indie rock with a lo-fi aesthetic due to him recording all of his music by himself in his home. He is frequently compared to singer-songwriter Elliott Smith, who is an influence of his. Other comparisons include Built to Spill and The Martinis.[5] The Philadelphia Inquirer praised him as "a particularly gifted melody writer" whose "fuzzy, sometimes distorted songs, which hark back to slightly askew 1990s bands such as Pavement, can't hide his skill as a pop craftsman and a constructor of elliptical narratives that call for repeated listening."[7] He stated that his creative process consists of him usually working alone in his room with his guitar and adding other instruments later. When asked about working in a professional recording studio, he replied "I feel like I'm eventually going to have to do that, but I just don't want to. Because I don't know how to work all that stuff, and I don't want anyone else to have control. I just want to follow my own ideas, and I'm uncomfortable doing it any other way."[7] Despite being formerly hesitant to record his music in professional studios, Giannascoli's God Save the Animals was studio-recorded with help from Jacob Portrait during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Discography

Main article: Alex G discography

Studio albums

Soundtrack albums

References

  1. ^ Langford, Jackson (June 17, 2020). "(Sandy) Alex G has dropped the '(Sandy)' from his name". NME. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
  2. ^ Minsker, Evan (January 19, 2024). "Alex G Signs to RCA, Announces Summer Tour Dates". Pitchfork. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
  3. ^ a b "(Sandy) Alex G | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved October 13, 2018.
  4. ^ "Intervista a (Sandy) Alex G: "Il mio processo creativo è far girare i dadi, fino quando ti dici: oh eccolo!"". Rumore. September 14, 2019. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
  5. ^ a b c d e McDermott, Patrick (May 1, 2014). "Who is Alex G? Meet the Internet's Secret Best Songwriter". The Fader. Retrieved October 13, 2018.
  6. ^ "Where Is My Mind?: Alex G". The Deli Magazine. Retrieved October 13, 2018.
  7. ^ a b c d e DeLuca, Dan (December 7, 2014). "Alex G: One-man band a Philly indie success". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Archived from the original on July 21, 2015. Retrieved October 13, 2018.
  8. ^ Feinberg, Hannah (April 8, 2014). "On Our Radar: Emerging Philly Musician Alex G." Philadelphia. Retrieved October 13, 2018.
  9. ^ "Alex G is sharing his hidden talents". Crack Magazine. Retrieved October 13, 2018.
  10. ^ "Alex G – Trick / Rules". luckynumbermusic.com. January 27, 2015. Retrieved October 13, 2018.
  11. ^ Spanos, Brittany (August 13, 2015). "Prolific Indie Singer Alex G Announces New Album, 'Beach Music'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 13, 2018.
  12. ^ Strauss, Matthew (October 13, 2016). "Alex G Opens Up About Working With Frank Ocean". Pitchfork. Retrieved October 13, 2018.
  13. ^ Dandridge-lemco, Ben (March 2, 2017). "Listen To Two New Songs From Alex G's Upcoming Rocket Album". The Fader. Retrieved October 13, 2018.
  14. ^ Rettig, James (March 2, 2017). "Alex G – "Bobby" & "Witch"". Stereogum. Retrieved October 13, 2018.
  15. ^ Dandridge-lemco, Ben (April 4, 2017). "Alex G Announces Name Change To (Sandy) Alex G, Shares New Single "Proud"". The Fader. Retrieved October 13, 2018.
  16. ^ Michelle, Kim (April 4, 2017). "Alex G Changes Name to (Sandy) Alex G". Pitchfork. Retrieved October 13, 2018.
  17. ^ a b Arcand, Rob (May 19, 2017). "(Sandy) Alex G Is Indie Rock's Humble Star: "I'm Just Trying to Make Songs That Sound Good"". Spin. Retrieved February 5, 2021.
  18. ^ Richards, Will (May 4, 2017). "(Sandy) Alex G Shares Two New Tracks And Announces Uk Tour". DIY. Retrieved October 13, 2018.
  19. ^ "The 50 Best Albums of 2019". Pitchfork. CN Entertainment. December 10, 2019. Retrieved February 5, 2021.
  20. ^ DeVille, Chris (June 16, 2020). "Alex G Officially Drops The (Sandy)". Stereogum. Retrieved June 17, 2020.
  21. ^ Torres, Eric (April 19, 2022). "We're All Going to the World's Fair (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)". Pitchfork. CN Entertainment. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
  22. ^ Bloom, Madison (June 21, 2022). "Alex G Announces New Album, Shares Video for New Song". Pitchfork. Retrieved July 21, 2022.
  23. ^ Rigotti, Alex (January 20, 2024). "Alex G announces record deal with RCA and 2024 tour". NME. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
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