I'd rather Not Talk About It has been streaming for a few weeks now. I wanted to share a few interesting tidbits about my process and inspiration while writing this song. If you haven't heard it yet you can listen on my website or add it to a playlist on your favourite streaming service. 

My lyric writing process is not very linear. I will often jot down ideas as I go about my day and piece them together when I've got a new piece of music. This song was originally written in the summer of 2019 when I was spending a lot of evenings exploring Calgary and meeting new people. I cam across a particular phrase that stuck out to me and anchors this song. "Some nights we push too far. . . rubbing bar stamps off our arms". I used this line as a jumping off point to tell a story that explores the explosive nature of attraction (especially at the outset of a relationship), and how this intense emotion interplays with obsession. 

My working title for the song was "Make You Mine". I decided to go with the tongue-in-cheek "I'd Rather Not Talk About It". I like the mystery and intrigue in this title. It has been funny trying to talk to people about the new song. They are very confused when I say "I'd rather not talk about it", and often take that to mean I want to change the conversation.

My earliest demo of the song was slower, with an entirely finger-picked guitar line. We went in a different direction on the final production, but there was a broodiness to the original demos that I liked. Ultimately I think the intensity of the recorded version suits the song, but I will get an acoustic version posted soon so you can get a feel for those original thoughts. 

Thanks for listening and let me know your thoughts in the comments!

I started my first band in the 7th grade and our first practice was ridiculous. We didn't own any instruments . . . 🤷‍♂️  We were 3 awkward preteens sitting in a living room, dreaming about making music. Looking back on it now first steps are first steps and I'm glad I showed up.   

I've found it challenging to stay creative 14 months into the pandemic. I was busy with the album as the pandemic struck. I remember being optimistic at that time. My understanding was we'd be down and out for a few short weeks, kick COVID to the curb and be back playing shows. Lololololololo. . . 

I spent the first few months of lockdown making hokey lyric videos for my tunes. It was fun and kept me occupied. I recommend checking out the video for Nothing Less. As the summer stretched on and COVID remained, it became increasingly difficult to stay motivated. I've felt a few creative surges here and there, but nothing sustained. 

Things are looking up though. Got my first vaccine and it sounds like we are getting ready to ramp things up in the live music sector! Time to get back with it. See you on the stage!

According to Wikipedia "Liner notes were an occasion for thoughtful signed essays on the artist by another party, often a sympathetic music journalist". I can't promise that I'll take on a second personality, deliver thoughtful essays, or try my hand at music journalism, but I will endeavour to "pull back the curtain" to provide my views on artistry and creativity. 

My name is Rocket Alexander. I am a musician/doodler/sci-fi enthusiast and all around creative person. I've spent the better part of 32 years writing songs, playing gigs, and day dreaming about my next creative project. I'm not purporting to be any kind of authority on music making, artwork, or creative living. I am just a lonely artists trying to navigate the COVID pandemic with the hopes of finding a community of creative loving people.  

My absolute favourite part of being a musician has been live performance. Give me a dimly lit stage in a grimy basement bar and I'm one happy astronaut. It's been almost a year since live music had to take an abrupt and indefinite hiatus. The adjustment has been difficult, and left me feeling disconnected from my creative comrades.   

In an attempt to re-establish myself as a creator I'm offering the community my own insight into living a creative life. Let's have a conversation about creativity and community! I want to share my experiences, swap stories, and get back in the scene. Silent no more.

I really do like drawing things. Here is a quick self-portrait: