My dear brothers, sisters, friends, and loved ones,
I hope you’re all doing well, that you’re slowly getting into the estival motion. As you may know, I’m currently in Tangier, and the city is in a dazzling bloom of bright colors, all sorts of dreamy perfumes and benevolent winds floating from the sea and the desert, where we stand in a very unique vibrating enclave. I’m rediscovering the city’s generous blessings, its rich humanity, after what felt like a pale succession of previous trips reflecting the emotional sadness of my health condition, both physical and psychological. It’s good. No, I should say it’s fabulous. It’s extraordinary to have a little breather from the usual pain I have to endure every day. I rarely go into the specifics, as I know how everyone has to deal with their own measure of pain: illness, grief, hopelessness, even. I never want to add another layer of concern with my situation. I’ve chosen life, no matter how difficult it might be. So, let’s just say that I’m deeply grateful for the recent good news I received and to have less of the daily distress I’ve been getting used to.
Therefore, for the second edition of Q&A Thursday, I will address my health condition, my conception of what a band is, and what I’m planning to do in Tangier. The liberating aspect of having my own community on Substack — even if, like most of you, I’m familiarizing myself with the platform — is the fact that I can share what’s on my heart exactly as I live it, without a filter, without any of the “branding” image the world is now confronted with. There’s no right, no wrong, only honesty, which allows me to evolve organically, to enfranchise myself a little more with each publication, to experiment with what freedom feels like beyond my illusions and personal denials. My community “A View From Within” is the intimate, direct channel I’ve been longing to have with you for a very long time. It’s a wide-open window to my inner world, a welcoming invitation to visit or stay or whatever there is in between. It’s about you, me, us, in an evolving stream of communal exploration and self-discovery.
Here are the questions for this second edition:
1. My Health
From Brian, Daly, and so many others as well
“First, I want to thank you Alex for your sincerity, I can feel your openness. My question is about your health. You have strong will, you are positive, how are you, for real? I’m concerned for you…”
Starting at 02:31
2. The Band Members
Many people asked me if I was “ok” following my latest publication, wondering what’s going on with the state of my band, of our relationships, and what it meant for my future creative projects…
I felt a whole lot of kindness and benevolence in everyone’s questions and comments… You all have incredibly beautiful hearts.
Starting at 16:57
3. Tangier
Andrew: Should we book a flight to come see you play there?
Max: Any chance we might get glimpses of the live performance in the city from time to time? :)
Starting at 38:28
I do hope this second Q&A offered you some significant insights on your inquiries, concerns, or perceptions. It’s “us”, so don’t hesitate to send me whatever questions you might have: about music, lyrics, books, studio, concerts, or whatever personal element you have on your heart. It means a whole lot to me, always. So keep on assisting me in improving the community. It’s our “home” to define.
Funny enough, considering that I’m clearly not a tech type of person, I only recently acquired a phone (which I rarely use for other purposes but for counting my daily steps!), I now have a whole lot of gear to deal with: a laptop, a gimbal, wireless audio kit and lavalier, a tripod, ND filters, fill lights, and other “things” that are pretty much all in their boxes still…! I told you, the community is as much a work in progress as is my journey! Ain’t that amazing and… interesting?!
Life creates life,
Your brother and friend,
Alex
PS: The next publications should be about art, music, and discoveries. About NOW.
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