On the Record with Abraham Alexander

Every once in a while, we like to shake things up by turning our office into a cozy concert hall for our MAX "On the Record" sessions. Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting Abraham Alexander, a musician and songwriter with Greek roots and a Texan flair. Guided by the always-engaging Rachel Robillard from our Artist Relations team, the interview took us on a journey through Abraham’s life, musical inspirations, his recent partnership with Motel 6, and the exciting news about his upcoming tour with Gary Clark Jr.

Abraham was a truly humble and charming guest...and he hits you with these deep statements that make you ponder life and existence (those alone will need a separate post to unpack 😅). It's definitely worth watching the full session (see below), but if you're short on time, keep reading for the highlights.

Inspiration Comes Full Circle 

"I feel as an artist, our highest degree of fulfillment is to inspire someone else."

Abraham Alexander’s musical journey is a prime example of how inspiration can shape our lives in unexpected ways. Growing up in Texas, he was captivated by Gary Clark Jr.’s YouTube videos, which is what sparked his passion to pick up and play the guitar. Fast forward to today, and Abraham is not only touring with Gary but also collaborating with him on the track "Stay."

It's a full-circle moment that underscores the impact our heroes can have on us—and the magic that happens when we get to collaborate with those who’ve influenced our paths. For Abraham, each city on the tour holds a special significance, but playing in Texas, where his musical journey began, is particularly meaningful.

Rituals Before the Road

"The songs that I wrote in my bedroom are no longer mine. They're now ours and they mean something completely different to someone else than it did for me."

Getting ready for a tour isn’t just about packing gear. For Abraham, it’s a mix of mental and physical routines that keep him balanced...everything from enjoying the simple things from home—like binge-watching favorite movies and indulging in comfort foods—to getting in the right mindset, revisiting the meanings behind his songs, and preparing his intentions around connecting with his fans.

But sometimes preparation doesn't have to be so profound, like singing the ABCs and doing push-ups right before hitting the stage to get the blood flowing...😆

The Personal Journey of "Sea/Sons"

"We think that the seasons of our life are so important and we try to get rid of some...we think that the summer is better than the winter...but if it shines too bright the plant that we sowed gets withered and it dries...each season is so important for our growth."

Abraham’s debut album, "Sea/Sons," is a deeply personal project that reflects his life and growth. The album cover, featuring a painting of Abraham and his brothers in the ocean of the coast of Greece, beautifully encapsulates themes of family, resilience, and different phases of life. This visual element adds an extra layer of meaning to the music, making the album a holistic representation of his journey.

The title "Sea/Sons," emphasizes the importance of embracing every phase of life, recognizing both the highs and lows as essential parts of our journey. Abraham shared how each season of his life has been instrumental in shaping who he is today. From the carefree days of his childhood in Greece to the challenges he faced after moving to the United States, every experience has contributed to his growth as an artist and as a person.

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Change

"Change is necessary for growth...If you think that what you hold dear is leaving your hand, that's a good sign, because you can't receive with a closed fist, you have to receive with an open one."

Abraham’s path to music was shaped by an ACL injury that ended his soccer dreams. This significant setback pushed him toward music, showing how challenges can lead to unexpected opportunities. His transition from soccer to music is a powerful example of how embracing change can open new doors and lead to personal growth. He spoke about the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive people who believe in one’s dreams.

I love what Abraham said about dreams: "The second person that believes in a dream is more important than the dreamer." He was talking about his manager, Amy Miller, who believed in Abraham so profoundly that she quite her job in radio to help him pursue and realize his dream. It's all a testament to the power of embracing change and finding strength in the support of those who believe in us.

New Music and Future Dreams

"I’m writing new songs...which have been so fire...and I'm excited to share more tours, and more collaborations."

As Abraham looks to the future, he’s focused on creating new music and exploring new collaborations—his dream collabs include artists like Taylor Swift, Jon Batiste, John Mayer, John Legend, Hozier, to name a few. Given his beautiful talent, brilliant songwriting, and propensity for realizing his dreams, I think it's like we'll see some of those collabs! 😍 More than anything, Abraham is committed to staying true to his personal and artistic journey, continually evolving and pushing his creative boundaries. His dedication to growth and innovation promises exciting things for his fans and the music world at large.