Alex Band
Alex Band |
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Alex Band (born Alexander Max Band, June 8, 1981, Los Angeles, California) is a solo musician best known for his work in his former band The Calling and their signature song 'Wherever You Will Go'. He currently resides with his wife, Jennifer Sky in Los Angeles.[1]
Early Life
Band was born into an entertainment family. His mother is Meda Band, and his father is Charles Band the famous horror movie director, and his grandfather is Albert Band another director. His family is of Italian origin and still returns to Italy to visit. They used to own a castle in Giove which is part of Umbria.[2]
Growing up Alex made small appearances in his father's films. He grew up near Camino Palmero street which would later inspire his first album of the same name. He began playing guitar and song writing at the age of 8.[3]
He soon formed his first band with a friend named Jethro called 'Maybe Solitude'. Several bands followed including one named 'Generation gap' that consisted of him, Aaron Kamin a musician he met when Kamin began dating his sister, and a few much older musicians. The band has a brief cameo in Coyote Ugly. At the age of 14 he had a kokopelli tattooed on his wrist. This would later become a symbol for The Calling.[4]
The Calling
At the age of 15 Alex signed with RCA Records with the band he had created with Kamin now named The Calling. At this time he dropped out of school though he later received a diploma through home schooling.[5]
The Calling released their first single "Wherever You Will Go" to much acclaim. The song soon reached #1 on the Billboard Hot AC charts for several weeks and peaked at #5 on the Hot 100 charts.[6] The band's first album 'Camino Palmero' soon followed peaking at #36 on the AC charts.
The band's next singles "Adrienne" and "Could It Be Any Harder" soon followed charting the AC top 40. However by 2004 the 2nd album named Two was released the record label failed to properly promote and the album and singles did not chart as expected. Despite this the first single 'Our Lives' was successful and was used for many promotional events including the Olympics.
Influences
Alex was influenced by Pearl Jam, Bon Jovi, Live, Train and Matchbox Twenty.
Solo Career
Band's solo career started long before the end of The Calling. He was chosen by Chad Kroeger to perform on the Carlos Santana single "Why Don't You & I" Originally, Kroeger wrote and sang on "Why Don't You & I" for Santana's Shaman. However, when Arista Records decided to release the song as a single in the summer of 2003, Kroeger's record label, Roadrunner, refused permission, citing concerns that Kroeger appearing on a "high-profile single" that could conflict with his own newly released comeback album.[7][8][9]Alex's version appears on Santana's special release album "Ceremonies" and his new release "Ultimate Santana".
In 2005 it was announced Band was signed as a solo artist with Ron Fair as part of Geffin Records. A new album had been recorded and is soon to be released in mid 2008.
Two short clips of 'Tonight' and 'Please' appear on his official myspace. Band's official site contains a demo version of 'Tonight'. Other clips have leaked on his official fan site as well.
Soundtracks
Band along with Aaron Kamin has written several songs for other artists and several solo songs that only appear on movie soundtracks. One of the first such tracks was the single 'For you' which appeared on the 'Daredevil' soundtrack. A cover of 'Keep your hands to yourself' was recorded for the movie Sweet Home Alabama.
He recorded a song 'Take Hold of me' for use in his wife's movie 'Fish without a bicycle' in which he has a small part.
In 2007 Band wrote and recorded a song entitled "It doesn't get better than this" for Bratz: The Movie soundtrack. Along with Mitch Allan he wrote the song "Coming Home" which is featured on the movie The Final Season. The song is available for purchase on ITunes.
Personal Life
Band married longtime girlfriend Jennifer Sky on July 25, 2004. The couple owns two cats, Six and Parige.
Band has worked with several charities as well. After a family illness Band became a huge supporter of organ donation working closely with Donate Life America. Annually he performs at 'Alex Band's Donate Life Rocks Concert' to raise money and awareness for the cause.
He has a sister, Taryn Band.
References
- ^ VH1.com : The Calling - Urge Music Downloads
- ^ Alex Max Band Info
- ^ Alex Max Band Info
- ^ Alex Max Band Info
- ^ Alex Max Band Info
- ^ All Music Guide Singles
- ^ "NICKELBACK's Record Company Explains CHAD KROEGER Ban On SANTANA Single" - July 2, 2003 @ RoadrunnerRecords.com
- ^ "Nickelback's Kroeger Not Allowed on Santana Single" @ foundrymusic.com
- ^ "Carlos Santana Says Label Politics Forced Chad Kroeger/Alex Band Change On New Single" @ Music. Yahoo!
External links
- Alex Band at IMDb
- Alex Band's Official Myspace
- Alex Band's Label - Geffen Records
- Alex Band's Official Youtube Channel