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To my Friends, Fans and Fellow “nuts,” old and new – THANK YOU for sharing the musical journey of 2023 with me.  Whether we met at a show, out and about or online, each and every one of you have been a valued part of the Blessing.

My year started out with the incredible opportunity of playing the NAMM show in L.A. and then paying tribute to Judy “Blue Eyes” Collins at the She Rocks Awards, where I sang “When I was a Girl in Colorado” and “Send in the Clowns” in front of the Goddess herself.
Here’s a little snippet of that: Video of Judy Collins Tribute

While you’re on my YouTube page, please subscribe (new video releasing in January!) and check out the videos for “Call Us What We Are” (NSFW – spicy language) and “House without Windows.”  All of the aforementioned videos could not be more different from each other.

Variety has been the theme this year! My album, Messy, which released in July, is a genre defying exploration of chaos, creativity, and ultimately, clarity.    What’s clear is that I don’t belong in a box.  And I don’t fit a mold.  Critics seemed to appreciate the abandon:

“a stunning demonstration of her exceptional songwriting and soulful, uninhibited vocals.” – PlasticMag.co.uk

“Alexander establishes herself not just as a premier songwriter but as one of today’s most dazzling and daring vocalists. She strips her instrument to its essence, both musically and emotionally.” – EDMREKORDS medium.com

“a captivating blend of introspection and musical ingenuity” – EARMILK.com

“Messy is a triumphant celebration of authenticity and a musical energy that leaves a lasting imprint on the heart and mind.”

-MusicTaste.uk

With its mix of introspection and playful wordplay, “Messy” is a must-listen for those seeking an album that combines depth and catchiness in equal measure. – TheMusicalRoad.net.

If you haven’t heard it yet, Messy can be streamed on Apple Music and Spotify, and is available as a CD HERE.

I had a great summer tour with Rusty Anderson (Paul McCartney’s guitar player) on the West Coast and then met The Bacon Brothers on the East Coast in the Fall for some wonderful shows.  The house concerts in between the theaters and clubs were some of my favorites – getting up close and personal, sharing stories and meals, hikes, museums, farms, vineyards- it’s all part of the adventure that I love.

Back on the home front, here in Big Sur, I’ve been doing a lot of soul searching.  Family will always come first for me – my teenage daughters are growing up so fast!  I’m so lucky that I get to be their mom, and thank G-d every day that I have a great partner in raising them (who also happens to play drums). As I type this, we are in the midst of our first storm of the season.  The power is flickering and I have the candles ready.  In the dark and quiet is where my creative spirit rests and regenerates.

I’ve chosen to also go “dark” on social media for a few weeks.  We could all use that break, right? Sometimes I scroll through my pages and think of a line I wrote for my very first CD:  I’m “sick of myself.”   Truth: I don’t strive to be a social media influencer. I don’t want to take selfies. I want to create music that makes you feel something.  I create content and show up on stage to CONNECT.  I don’t need to be internet famous and I don’t measure success by “likes” and “follows.”  If my song becomes YOUR song, then I am successful.  It also feels ridiculous to promote music considering current events.  There is so much pain and anger in the world.  We’re all processing the news in our own way.  For me, as an empath, I get absolutely overwhelmed and need to take a step back.  When I reappear on stage, I pray that music will heal both me and you.

Now looking ahead:  In January, I’m back out on the road with The Bacon Bothers in Texas.  (Click the link for ticket info.)  They always bring joy and laughter, and I’m looking forward to reconnecting.  I’m also thrilled to announce that my voice appears on two songs (We Belong and San Juaquin) on their upcoming record, Ballad of the Brothers, which releases in April 2024.  It’s such an honor to be able to sing with my favorite musical brothers, Michael and Kevin.

THANK YOU for stopping by my website to check in. I truly appreciate the support.  Hope to sing for you in person soon! From the bottom of my heart, I wish you and yours a Happy New Year.

Love,
Cindy (aka P-nut)

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NEW RECORD

Yes, I make a big mess and make art out of it.  And I can finally share that with you!  MESSY came out July 21st and people have some nice things to say about it!  You can listen HERE and purchase the CD and limited edition merch HERE.

“Alexander’s ten-song book “Messy” is one of her more edgy, yet it’s artfully sequenced with a variety of styles that shows off her gorgeous vocal abilities. The songs reflect many sides of her personality, from cheeky observer to deeply introspective philosopher. And the song forms and production artistry elevate the music to a very high level.”
– Beth Peerless, Monterey Herald.

“If something is different about Cindy Alexander, it’s not the power of her lyrics. The singer-songwriter, who has held on to the edgy credibility of an emerging artist through 10 previous albums, has crafted something anthemic, infused with pop yet true to herself.
The sound may represent a departure, but Alexander’s lyrics remain defiant, honest, bitter and sweet, with jabs of humor that compel listeners to hone in on her words and know the something that is presented.”
-Dave Faries, Monterey Weekly

My new hometown is embracing the record, and our local radio station KSQD is spinning multiple tracks, including “Messy,” “Candlelight” and “House without Windows.”
I LOVED making this record for you, and can’t wait to hear what songs resonate with YOU, personally.  Please send me an email!

GRATITUDE

Hotel Cafe – CD Release Show 7/22/23, Photo by Dakota Whiting

I’ve been so busy parenting, touring and trying to keep up on my social media that I was way over-due for checking in here on my own website!  I have said to myself many times over the summer that it would be so much easier JUST to sing and write songs.  But, this is the life of an indie artist:  we have to run a business, dot the i’s and cross the t’s, make travel reservations, find the lost guitar pics, and do all of the things that are NOT creative so that we can BE creative.  All this keeps me grounded, humble and overwhelmed.  I am truly grateful to the team at KZZ Music and Blue Elan Records, my manager Dave and the outside consultants who keep nudging me back on track when I venture off the path.  I am so blessed to be able to make music.  This week I am 10 YEARS cancer free!

ON TOUR

I’m adding new tour dates often, so make sure to follow me on Bands in Town or Songkick (or check in here) for the latest tour schedule.  I’m excited to announce that I’ll be back with my dear friends, The Bacon Brothers for dates in Texas, PA, and VA in the Fall, with my own headlining dates sprinkled in between.  I continue to book house concerts across the US, so reach out if you’re interested!
Thank you for stopping by.
Love,
Cindy

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Singing Footloose with the Bacon Brothers. L to R, Kevin Bacon, Paul Guzzone and Me

Footloose!  My cheeks got sore from smiling. It’s truly a joyful time whenever I get to hang with my favorite touring buddies and PLAY. That word perfectly describes my job. I got to try my new tunes out in front of sold out crowds in San Diego, Houston and Lubbock. I was a little nervous about playing a rather raucous and sassy song, but it went over better than expected. It was the stuff that dreams are made of – to hear an entire audience singing along with me to a song that they were hearing for the very first time. Photo credit: Nicole Kallis Stark. Belly Up Tavern, San Diego 8/22

Left to Right: Michael Bacon, Jesse DeCarlo, Teresa Kahl (the Bacon Bros. awesome tour manager), Paul Guzzone, me, Kevin Bacon, Frank Vilardi, Tim Quick.

Here’s a shot taken backstage at the Cactus Theater in Lubbock, TX 9/22. Fun fact: look at the wall behind us. There were signs everywhere that said “Don’t write on the walls!” This was the first time in over 2.5 years that I was so present in the moment that I forgot all about the pandemic. It felt amazing to be back on the road.

Here’s a pic of me and Jesse on stage. This photo was taken by Terry Gabis, the Bacon Brothers’ fabulous sound engineer. The crew is just as fun as the band, which makes for a really great experience.


New album out 2023!

About 6 months ago, I let you know that I was recording an EP. Scratch that. After we finished the first five songs, I got an email from Executive Producer, Kirk Pasich, that said: “This is too good. Want to record 5 more?” So we did! I had the challenge of writing 5 more songs that would enhance and fit in with the eclectic mix of the first set, and I’m really proud of the material we ended up choosing and how Paul Bushnell, Zack Darling and the band brought everything to life. Here’s a FUN behind the scenes video (featuring Paul, Zack and Bernie Barlow) ~ Click below. And know that there’s a LOT more of that on Patreon.

BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEO


UPCOMING LIVE STREAM

OH, if I didn’t get to see you in person on tour, we have options! I’m doing an all request live stream (FREE/ Donations graciously accepted) on Sunday, October 30th. You can register here and then leave a request in the chat field on CrowdCast: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/an-all-request-live

My amazeballs band for Don & Joelle’s house concert at Studio 519! L to R: Bernie Barlow, Derek Frank, Me, Don Adkins, Joelle Petit Atkins, Steve Fekete and Christopher Allis

After last weekend’s Private House Concert in Redondo Beach, I’m now done with live shows until next year. My focus will be on finalizing the mixes, creating the album artwork, putting together a promotion team, and brainstorming a marketing plan with my team at KZZ Music. That may be a new name to you – it’s a Spinoff from Blue Élan Records, headed by Kirk Pasich with creative assistance by Zackary Darling and Zachary Ross (the Z’s). I confidently say that KZZ and I will be delivering to you my best work to date. I want to make sure that we put as much love into the roll out as we did in making the record.

Hope to connect with you soon ~ I’m starting to plan my tour for 2023 so please reach out if you have ideas for venues or would like to host a house concert! Thank you, as always, for being a part of my musical journey.

XO
Cindy aka pnut