Posted in: Rock by Lauren Razavi on August 17, 2009 | 9 Comments
Music Journalist Lauren Razavi introduces London-based indie and anti-folk artist Alex Sheppard.
Alex Sheppard is a 21-year-old indie and anti-folk musician based in London. She writes all her own songs and has been gigging in Norwich and London since age 15. Originally from Norwich, Alex has played all the major venues in East Anglia, including Norwich Arts Centre and the UEA LCR, and has gained a loyal fan following and a strong reputation nationwide. She is known for her eccentric, individual and undeniably clever songwriting and performance style.
Since making it to the finals of the Eastern Daily Press ‘Next Big Thing Competition’ in 2006, Alex’s musical career has gone from strength to strength. She performed at Latitude Festival last year, has been featured in NME magazine and has played support slots for the chaotic indie rock band Dirty Pretty Things.
Since relocating to London two years ago, Alex has been featured on BBC Radio countless times, including on shows by Huw Stevens, Zane Lowe and Tom Robinson, and was recently Steve Lamacq’s unsigned act of the week. She was also a finalist in the Takamine/Ovation singer songwriter showcase and sometimes hangs out with Carl Barat (of Dirty Pretty Things and The Libertines fame), who has called her music “amazing”.
A spokesperson from Jigsaw House, the Norwich-based music company that handles Alex’s PR and bookings, has commented on her unique musical style:
“Alex has a special brand of appeal for music fans. If you’re a fan of quirky singer-songwriter beauties like Regina Spektor, you may well like Alex. Equally, if you’re more of a Libertines fan, there’s something frenzied in Alex’s music that could definitely appeal to you. Artists like Frank Turner have already begun bridging that gap between genres – in his case punk and folk – and Alex’s style is very much like that.”
Alex’s latest release, an EP titled ‘The Magician’s Assistant’ is available exclusively from her MySpace page. Previously, she has released two EPs – ‘The Little Red Riding Hood EP’ and ‘The Blonde EP’ – as well as a full-length album entitled ‘Fairy Lights And Lairy Nights’, which features her best-known song, ‘Run’.
Jess Shanahan August 17th, 2009 at 11:48 am
I’ve heard this artist. She is truly amazing, certainly worth a listen!
clavier August 17th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
She has a cute voice, with a cleverly friendly adult appeal. Her style can, indeed, bridge generations. Thank you for introducing her.
marieanne delaney September 15th, 2009 at 9:42 am
Just heard ‘He’s an ungodly boy’ what a treat! This girls a hidden gem. Very precious. Can’t wait to hear more!!
simone22 September 15th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
Wow..Ive just discovered this artist an she really is a breath of fresh air..really loving the track ‘feels real at the time’…if you dont know get to know
Jackson Conroy September 17th, 2009 at 7:21 am
Only recently discovered her, but how I’ve been missing out! Run, and Feels Real At The Time are absolutely beautiful, gonna be one to look out for in the coming year, can’t wait to hear more!
tomjoy September 20th, 2009 at 5:02 am
She has an amazing voice, her songs put a big fat smile on my face
. I’m hope to see her next time she comes back to Norwich.
lexipsp September 21st, 2009 at 3:55 pm
After hearing “Run” for the first time I completely fell in love with Alex’s music and can’t get enough of it!
shotgunshell September 22nd, 2009 at 8:59 am
I love this girl’s voice!
Her style is so unique, and her songs have a habit of getting stuck in my head for hours after I hear them!
xharassnatox October 7th, 2009 at 5:38 am
After the first listen you\\\’ve gotta love her eye opening vocal delivery. Great stuff.