Review: alexdrake. Featuring AJ Perdomo "Peace of Mind"
When it comes to Los Angeles solo artist alexdrake., emo, pop, and various other influences run deep within his musical roots. Originally from New Jersey, Drake had exposure to bands such as Senses Fail, My Chemical Romance, and Thursday that prompted the artist to want a career in the music industry. Outside such gravid acts that inspired him, music was very much apart of his family's circle. Being exposed to other distinct sounds allowed Drake to look at all different types of music and pursue it in different avenues.
"With my mother having a big folk, rock, and new wave taste and my father's love of big disco and R&B, it allowed me and my brothers to grow up being surrounded by some of the best musical influences possible. We each played instruments throughout our lives. Two out of the three of us actually went on to become professional competitive dancers with our rhythmic capabilities."
alexdrake Photo Credit: Gaston McGary
When it came time for Drake to embark on his music ventures, Drake started a band with his best friends in high school. Touring all over the East coast and expanding their presence with Warped Tour appearances, the emo/alternative band would garner some attention from various record labels before the band disbanded for college. Putting his music endeavors on hold, Drake would set his sights on other jobs within the music industry.
"I decided to manage local bands and interned at music companies to get more exposure."
Five years later, the Indie/Alternative/Emo artist has returned to the scene with his latest sophmore single "Peace of Mind."
"Through networking and making friends in all different areas of the music industry, I have been blessed to come across some of the most creative individuals who have supported and contributed to my project. "
Featuring AJ Perdomo of The Dangerous Summer, "Peace of Mind" is a beautifully crafted atmospheric and melodic experience that infectiously captures band sounds from the mid-2000s while bringing it to life with today's modern rock soundscape. With bright guitar strings that harken back to the sun-kissed summer days previously left behind and kinetic percussive elements within the pocket of each guitar riff, this allows the vocals and intuitive guitar moments to shine through.
Behind such instrumental prowess within "Peace of Mind," there is a deeper meaning behind the artist's latest single. alexdrake. had this to say about the track.
"This song embarks on the turmoil we deal with everyday and everyday occurrences. Dealing with your boss, dealing with current societal stressors, dealing with any kind of aversion to what you love and what you want to do. But you still have the "Peace of Mind" to do you and follow your dreams, passions, and internal monologue regardless of what is being spewed at you.”
“There is some political background within this as well.” says Drake. “Meaning the hardships and terrible things that are happening today are absolute atrocities to humanism. At the end of the day, we as individuals need to be able to combat these things while still loving ourselves and self-persevering when and wherever we can."
You can listen to "Peace of Mind" down below!