Senior journalist Anabel DFlux had the delightful opportunity to chat with musician Alexander G, recently notable for his work with Gemini Syndrome. The two covered a range of topics, primarily circling around the man’s extensive music career and ideology on the industry.
What do you feel was the most important lesson you’ve learned throughout your music career?
The most important lesson I’ve learned in this business is to be humble… Don’t be an arrogant jackass because you will lose many friends and many opportunities; I have seen too many people with some outrageous egos that have ruined themselves.
What is your favorite music memory?
There are two that I will always hold close. One was recording a tribute to Ronnie James Dio, with former Dio guitarist, Tracy G (93-99) and the other, I was asked to be a part of Gemini Syndrome’s music video for “Anonymous” off their latest album Memento Mori. I had gotten a phone call from Aaron (Nordstrom, lead vocalist) one day ,and he had asked me if I would like to be a part of the video.
I immediately said yes to the project, being able to work with him, amongst the rest of the band and Brian Cox from Flarelight films, the director and a total badass when it comes to his craft. It had been done in a 360-degree format, something that I had never really seen done before, but the way Cox did this video, it was pure genius. All I can say is this, if the opportunity arose to work with him again, I would be all over it.
How did you get involved in both the tribute and Gemini Syndrome?
Well, the tribute for Dio was a little interesting actually. I was in Tracy’s home studio to rework another track I had been working on actually, and at the end of that session, Tracy turned to me and mentioned doing a tribute to Ronnie. I jumped at it, I was like… sure! So we ended up doing our own little version of the original demo of “This Is Your Life,” which did get some attention and still does to this very day.
The whole Gemini Syndrome thing which was pretty cool to have been able to do. I had been sitting at home one afternoon prepping for some other musical commitments, and Aaron had called me. He mentioned the video, directed by Brian Cox, which was going to be done for “Anonymous,” from the new album Memento Mori. He asked me if I would like to be a part of it and work with him; I without hesitation told him it would be great to do the video.
What type of music projects have you been involved in over the years?
I’ve done some country stuff (which was a nightmare, that I’ll never do again). I appeared as a special guest live instrumentalist on an established hip hop artist, did some charity performances for Autism Speaks from 2012-2015, but I discovered some shady things that were taking place. Due to becoming a victim of what was going on I ended up pulling out of it and releasing a public statement with another noted musician.
Most of the projects that I do now are metal, heavy metal, etc., but I am currently working on some real melodic instrumentals which I am hoping to release by the end of the summer.
Do you have anything you’d like your fans to know before the new music releases?
Just be ready for these new tunes, also stick to your guns and follow your passions, whatever they may be in your life. Don’t let anyone dictate to you what you are going to do when it comes to them. And be sure also to follow me on social media for all the shenanigans. Follow me on twitter: @alexander_gbass, instagram: @officialgbassmusic and of course FB: www.facebook.com/officialgbassmusic
What made you gravitate towards metal as a genre?
The real raw sound and tones, heavy guitars, heavy bass, chest thumping, drums.. it’s an awesome and healthy release.
How do you define the term “success”?
When you have truly mastered your instrument and have fully learned how to play from the heart. Success is NOT measured by fancy car or a big house. To me, that stuff just doesn’t matter much personally.
Is your family musical? How did you find a passion for music?
Actually, I am the only musician in my family. How I found the passion for music was from a backyard band I had seen quite a few years ago. I remember pestering my mom for a bass. Well… Christmas of that year I got one, and it’s been a wild road since then.
How did your family respond to your musical passions?
Actually, there really wasn’t a lot of support to be honest; a lot of negative feedback started to come towards me when I started gaining serious endorsements, radio interviews, and playing bigger shows, doing bigger projects, etc… But I turned all that garbage around, and it just made me want to do the music thing that much more aggressively.
Has your family responded better now that you’ve found success in your passions?
There has been little change, but the one who has shown the most and has really stood by me during my musical journey would indeed be my father.
I hear you have several wonderful endorsements! Who are you currently endorsed by?
My current premier endorsers are STRICTLY 7 USA GUITARS/BASSES, EMG PICKUPS, S.I.T. STRINGS, MORLEY PEDALS, INTUNE GUITAR PICKS, KAHLER USA BRIDGES, BTPA CUSTOM CABLES, MXR PEDALS.
Do you have a favorite bass?
That’s a tough question, actually. I have many different basses, and they all play remarkably well. If I had to really narrow that down, there are two that I am using quite frequently: my ESP vintage-214, the “Sabbath” bass and the ESP J 204, “Blondie.” Both of these instruments are no longer made. But those instruments will be retired from my main instruments.
Are you having a custom bass made?!
Well that’s classified haha, well… I suppose I can give a few details on it. It’s been in the works for about 4-5 years. My boy Jim from Strictly 7 USA has been wanting me to get on the artist roster for quite some time. This past year at NAMM 2017, we decided to move forward and do a seriously kick-ass build. There will be a Kahler fixed bridge, powered by Signature Beezer Butler EMG precision/jazz pickups and ran up with S.I.T. Strings.
Do you have a specific album that really inspired you?
Gemini Syndrome – Lux and Momento Mori, Pink Floyd – The Wall, AC/DC – Back in Black, and God Forbid – Constitution of Treason.
Why are those albums the ones that have inspired you?
The Gemini albums really had a very strong emotional impact on me to the point where I was in tears. I had been going through a very dark time in my life, to the point I really didn’t want to live anymore, but the band’s music allowed me to look back at my life and realize how messed up things were and try to break through the strongholds of depression. The song “Resurrection” from Lux is a good example of strength for me.
Then when Memento Mori came out, aside from being a part of “Anonymous,” there were a couple songs that broke me completely. The song “Remember We Die” I can recall some valiant attempts to watch the video to that one; I just couldn’t get through it without crying. The other song that hit quote hard was “Say Goodnight.” I remember talking to Aaron after a show one night in Los Angeles on a recent tour. I just broke into tears and thanked him for saving my life quite literally with this new music.
As for the remainder of the albums, Back in Black was the first AC/DC album I ever heard. With that album I learned how to play in the box but still crank out a driving bass line as simplistically as possible. Pink Floyd was and is a dominating influence for the melodic stuff I have done, also a little influence for using effects on my bass.
The Constitution of Treason album was actually the first God Forbid album I have ever heard after hearing “To the Fallen Hero,” which is a personal favorite song from it. The entire album is amazing, but the inspiration and influence came from the drummer, Corey Pierce, and the bassist John (Beeker) Outcalt. These boys allowed me to grow in skill to play at more aggressive time signatures, but the only thing is that shortly after the final album, Equilibrium came out, the band had parted ways. This was a band that broke a lot of barriers in metal; I wish they were still together, but they are still in rotation on the old iPod though.
Before the interview concluded, Alexander G wanted to say a special thanks to several important people in his life.
A very special thanks goes to the crew of people that I have the honor to work with and come to know personally: first and foremost, I have to thank Jim from Strictly 7 Guitars USA, immediately followed by my boy Hoogie from S.I.T Strings/WB Gear, Scott and Tommy from EMG Pickups, Bill from Morley Pedals, Brad from BTPA Cables, Bert from Intune Guitar Picks, and Darryl Anders from MXR Bass Innovations. If it wasn’t for any of these individuals, I wouldn’t be able to shape my tone to what it has become over the years. I look forward to working with you all further as I continue with my musical journey.”
View Gemini Syndrome’s video for Anonymous below:
