Album release just the beginning for local singer-songwriter

Paul Baker
Nov 1 · 2 min read

Packed house makes for a show to remember

Alex MacNeil outside the Stubborn Goat (Paul Baker)

Alex MacNeil will make the music he wants and doesn’t care whether it becomes a hit.

MacNeil is releasing his debut album “Super Turbo” with his project Alexander and the Great Ones, and chose The Stubborn Goat Gastropub in Halifax for his release show with Cory Isenor as opener.

The choice of venue was an easy one for MacNeil, who works for the Stubborn Goat as a bartender and has developed a good relationship with the management.

“I knew this was going to be a particularly special show for me. The Stubborn Goat and Legendary Hospitality have been really supportive of my music since I started working here, so it was an obvious choice,” says MacNeil.

While the group may be called Alexander and the Great Ones, MacNeil describes himself as a solo musician who plays with a backing band and he often has varying membership on stage with him.

The release show was special enough to reunite the personnel from the recording sessions for “Super Turbo.”

The band featured Casey Thompson on bass and Brendan Melchin on drums, along with Natasha Walsh and Leah Kays providing backing vocals.

Among the songs MacNeil and his band played was his lead single “2 yung 2 be in ❤”, which he recently filmed and released a music video for.

“I don’t try to write in any particular style at all. I just try to absorb whatever is tickling my ears. That’s how “2 yung 2 be in ❤” came about,” says MacNeil.

Opening act Corey Isenor (Paul Baker)

MacNeil plays frequently around the Maritimes and is an in-demand performer. One attendee heard about the show on social media and came with the intention of booking him in the near future.

“I work in the music business and I’m putting on a show at Gus’ Pub in November with Alex on the bill. I came to scope him out,” says Matt Shaw.

Always working on his craft, MacNeil is already looking ahead towards his next release.

“I already have most of another record written. I’ll find the funding to do it myself, tour it and bring it to the people. Record it and then move onto the next project,” says MacNeil.

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