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This last year made me re-think, re-evaluate, and take a hard look at my personal and creative journey and where I want to go next.  We’ll get to that, but first, a recap!

Winter 2024

Winter was colored by music with my favorite brothers – The Bacon Brothers, and CoVid as a parting gift from Texas.  We had a super fun (but super COLD) run to sold out crowds in the Lone Star state.  One show was OUTDOORS in Cedar Park at the Haute Spot in 20 something degree weather.  I looked like I was dressed for the ski slopes, but when you’re performing in freezing weather, what are ya gonna do?  (Pic by me by @dfdonahue).

I do love performing in Texas. No matter the weather, their warm hearts show up and Texans know how to support musicians.  I broke my all time merch sales record! Here’s a pic of me and Jesse DeCarlo by Bacon Bros. historian and long time friend of ours, Vanessa Sundra:

 

When I got back to Big Sur, life was all about getting over the coughing fits and hunkering down for a a week long power outage in Big Sur.  The storms are awe inspiring – I actually enjoy them.  I took time to make soup, read books and decompress.  I also discovered the ease of writing music on guitar in open tuning. 

Springtime

Flowers were blooming, allergies were raging, I did a packed outdoor show at Carmel’s Sunset Center and released the Life #9 lyric video. If you didn’t get a chance to see it, click HERE.

AND, I celebrated the release of Ballad of the Brothers, the latest from Kevin and Michael.  I am forever grateful that they included me on this record – I sing backing vocals on both “Dreams of the San Joaquin” and “We Belong,” with featured step out lines so you’ll know it’s me 😉 . Please check it out: We Belong,  Dreams of the San Joaquin

Summer

Summertime was a whirlwind.  My family went on our first vacation in many, many years to England and Spain.  We were fortunate enough to stay with friends and let the locals lead our exploration of the beautiful sights, sounds and tastes across the pond.  Aaaand, we came back with CoVid.  I’m starting to think airports are my enemy.   I kicked it fast this time and was able to meet up with the Bacon Bros. again on the East Coast to close out the season with a smile.  We performed “San Joaquin” as an encore and I jumped on Fitzy’s keyboard.  See if you can spot tiny me in the pic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I also did a house concert tour, some charity and local events with the amazing Steve Fekete (on loan from the band America).   We are working together this year on a new project…TBA!  Here’s a pic of us at Studio 519, after a house concert for my dear friends and fellow Nuts, Don and Joelle Adkins.

Fall and Winter

Towards the end of the year, my focus was on my family and home. Teenagers…a LOT of work, a lot of drama, a lot of driving, and a lot of LOVE. I stayed off social media and out in nature as much as possible. I didn’t go into my career wanting to be an “influencer,” and that is precisely what labels and managers have steered artists to do in the ever evolving digital age.  It’s understandable, but just not where I’m at these days.  As sassy and off the cuff as I was early in my career (known for TMI), now that I am a parent, I am much more aware of the impact of each post and persona.  Maturity makes me more conscious of time and its value.  I don’t want to spend the hours making social media content.  I’d rather put my creative energy into my children and my relationships. And yes, my songs. Don’t worry – I’ll never give up music.  It’s as important as oxygen to me.  So is staying connected to you!  But I have other aspects of life that need a prominent seat at the table.  I guess I will make “Content” because I WANT to, not because I HAVE to – and I want it to always be authentic (an overused and exploited word, but appropriate in this situation).

What’s Ahead?

Although I am not on social media as often as I used to be, I DO post regularly on Patreon. If you want the nitty gritty of the “Process” of writing, performing, and behind the scenes, as well as zoom hangouts and serenades, this is where it’s at:  The Pnut Gallery on Patreon.   I try to stop by Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (my handle on the last two is @mylifenumber9) at least a couple times a month.  When touring starts back up in April, I’ll post more regularly.

Next show is Local:  Sunday, January 26th in Carmel by the Sea to benefit both the Breast Cancer Assistance Group of Monterey and the Caring Circle at CBI. Info: Songs of Hope Harmony & Healing.

I want to do more “Play it Forward” shows this year – using my gifts to give back to charities that are truly making this world a better place.  If you’d like to host a Play it Forward show, I’ll be doing house concerts Spring/Summer 2025 and would love to do one to benefit YOUR favorite cause.  It’s easier than you think.  Email me! cindy@cindyalexander.com.

Yes, a new record is in the works but here’s the question:  Who Am I Today?  I’m still trying to figure it out.  What about you?  Stay in touch!  Thanks for stopping by ~

Love,

Cindy

 

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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