Hello Alex , it’s always a pleasure to host you on our pages. You’ve been at NAMM 2016, What type of experience was it? Was it the first time you attend at NAMM Show as an artist?
It was an honor to be there, invited by Allied Artists, and as a featured artist for Bootlegger Guitar, pedals and amps. Althought it was my first time to attend NAMM, people welcomed me with open arms. They were happy to see me and acted like I’d been there many times.
You were there for Bootlegger Guitar. How was this partnership born? From the photos you posted on Facebook, many people have appreciated the instruments you represent, right?
Like many things in my life it was a surprise. My manager had me attend an event in Hermosa Beach and Bootlegger had a booth there with their guitars. I saw the guitars and I liked the way they looked and i decided to play them to hear what the sound was. I realized they had captured the sound of the classic music that I play, Retro-Rock. From there our union began. We connected with the style of music that I love and the style of guitars and instruments they built. Yes I’m very happy that Chuck Wilson the owner of Bootlegger welcomed me. Since then they have endorsed me with their products and other companies
have asked me to represent them. I’m thankful but I also really represent the product that I like and I believe in. Thank you to the fans, the people who hit the like button on my facebook and retweeted my twitter comments. Music is about supporting an artist. It takes many people to turn this creative process into a business.
Why did you choose this brand and what are the features that you personally value the most?
I liked their instruments because they are bringing back a classic sound and they are design instruments that sound like the best instruments of classic rock’n’roll. They are also affordable, someone who doesn’t have the money to go buy a Gibson they can go buy a Bootlegger and it’s gonna sound the same. I fell in love with the Manhattan Violin Clear and the Rye Rocker Purple Silver Sparkle. A musician wants an amp that sounds great but it needs to be quick and fast. With the Bootlegger Blues 30 Combo Vintage Style amp you can just plug it in and sounds huge. That’s what I want, I want to plug my guitar in and play, I don’t wanna have to have a bunch of diles to controls. I just want to get up and play fuckin’ rock’n’roll.
How important for an artist is to participate at these events? I think it’s a way to meet new musicians and be heard at the same time… as well as stay up to date on all the news.
It’s a chance to meet other musicians, to see the best new equipment. Getting to meet people from all around the world showcasing their products is amazing. It was great playing with other musicians, and it’s also an opportunity for people to come out and just appreciate music and artists. I saw Graham Nash perform and play and I was knocked out by him. That what it’s about, is about recognizing how great music is and the people who design the instruments and the equipment that continue to make it better every year. Also I met a company called Wedgie Picks and they asked to sponsor me. I’m now representing Wedgie
Picks and I love the Nylon XT Pick, its grip is perfect. The pick holders for guitar and mic stand are a great design. I’ve also received a new endorsement from Switzerland called Lengardo Guitars. I’ve been attracted by the “Venezia Series”, semi-hollow body which has a blues sounds but fits very good with my Retro-Rock sound. An interesting thing is that each single-coil has two push-pull potenziometers, made for switch the tone quickly. I’m looking forward to trying their guitars when I come back to Europe in April and to promote them on my next tour.
You are a very sunny boy, always with a smile. When you embrace the guitar you can share with the music all your energy. I guess the NAMM visitors have also appreciated this disposition you have.
It’s so funny you say that because after the NAMM Show people started calling me the smiley rock guy. They say that because I’m happy when I’m playing my music. I’m living my dream. I’m a rocker, but I live a healthy life style. I like to eat good food, workout, and make people feel energized and positive when they listen to my music.
Have you met any of your colleague who maybe have not seen for a while, or did you hear any artists that you think is particularly interesting?
Yeah, It was great, I saw Chris Tristram from Jack Russel’s Great White, Joel Oekestra from Whitesnake. I attended Spector bass amp party with Rockers Against Bullying, which is an organization that i support.
The event was also attended by other Italian musicians, did you meet anyone?
Yes I have, they are always been very supportive of me.
After the NAMM you had a show at Paladino’s. How did it go? From the video you posted it seemed to me that, as usual, you involved the audience!
Paladino’s was great and it’s great to be supported by the Paladino’s club and by Jimmy D. They are one of the clubs in Los Angeles where all the best rock’n’roll bands came from. I had twice as many people as last time I played there coming to see my show. It was very powerful. The next band, called Stranglehold, tribute to Ted Nugent, invited me up on stage and we played. I connected with these musicians who I really felt good about playing with. They were really kind to me and understood that Rock’n’Roll it’s a state of being, it’s who you are.
After this Experience what are your plans for the future? What’s in store for Alex Cole this 2016?
I’m always busy. The day before the show at Paladino’s I played at the Indonesian Consulate. It was a honor to be invited and to be interviewed by two China televion stations. Check out the interview on my YouTube page or through my website. I have new shows coming up. I’ve just played at the Tin Roof in San Diego last night and it was a blast. March 26 in San Fernando. It’s a festival with other great bands where to suppor our military troops. I’ve been writing new music and I’m planning to get into the studio to record more songs. I’m also working on touring, working on a new video and it’s going to be amazing,
people is going to love it because it’s really me. I’m very busy because I want to get my music out to more people that want to hear it.
Well Alex, the interview is over, thank you for your availability! Is there anyhthing else you would like to say? See you soon!
So I want to thank you because you are a magazine who has always supported me. You’ve always recognized me as an artist and I thank you for being on my side all the time. My album “Bad Boy Rocker” is available on Amazon, purchase it and leave a review. Check out my website www.alexcole.rocks. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, retweeted my stuff, appearantly it’s really important for record companies.
