SwanoDown SitDown w/ Tanner Alexander

Written by Imani Wj Wright 

When I first listened to Tanner Alexander, the first thing that stood out to me was this guy’s sheer vocal presence. I'm not referring to pitch, or technique, or timbre. I'm talking about this guy’s obvious passion and tone. It feels like his voice was made to evoke emotion and raw feeling. 

On Tanner's release, Dead Wrong, the aforementioned statement is made obvious. He seamlessly floats over a consistent melody and full-sounding percussion. There's an emo-esque soundscape that Tanner exudes here. The vocals feel a bit breathy and labored at times, but this all done with artistic intent to curate the heartfelt messages throughout. 

Tanner told SwanoDown: 

"Initially my main focus was to make something that was melodically pleasing. After that, comes the lyrics. Growing up in an environment surrounded by drugs and alcohol messed me up for a while. You start to normalize that type of stuff. When I surrounded myself with people on the opposite spectrum I realized how detrimental my lifestyle was and how I was using drugs to nullify all the trauma I experienced growing up."

Being that this piece is so personal, the composition can feel like Tanner's personal journal, almost as if the song and his audience are his therapy session. And in ways, it might be. Tanner doesn't seem to hold much back from us. "Taking these drugs so I forget how to feel." He sang. 

 Tanner firmly asserted: 

"My prime focus when creating music has always been to connect to others. I don’t ever go into the writing process thinking about me me me. I have to communicate my trauma, pain, happiness etc. in a way that is universal and cohesive. I know what it feels like to be an outcast. I know what it feels like to be unwanted. I make music to make friends. To connect to people. To finally have something to hold me down. To be apart of something bigger than myself. To find comfortability in being uncomfortable. Without it I feel so lost. If anyone is able to connect to my shit I’ve done my job."

Tanner's artistic approach is admirable and selfless. We look forward to seeing his progression. 

Take a listen: 

https://soundcloud.com/valleyblood/blame-it-on-me?ref=clipboard