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10 Questions with ... Eric Alexandrakis
January 23, 2023
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Eric Alexandrakis is two-time Grammy® Nominated songwriter, and founder of Minoan Music. He will be honored again at the upcoming Grammy Awards in February for his tribute to Monkee Michael Nesmith's song, "Silver Moon" in the best Americana Performance category. Eric's music has been licensed in numerous commercials, TV, and film productions. He has collaborated with and created content for dozens of his musical and film heroes including John Malkovich, David Lynch, Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, Yoko Ono, Sean Lennon, Delores O'Riordan, Ric Okasek, OMD, and many more. He contributed to the film "Psychogenic Fugue," (a tribute to the characters of David Lynch) which was shortlisted at Cannes Lions in 2017. On the technology side, Eric participated in the development of the digital watermark with inventor Scott Moskowitz and is a music industry contributor to Recording Magazine.
1. Congratulations on your Grammy® nomination! What propelled you to record a Michael Nesmith tribute and why did you choose "Silver Moon"?
Thank you. I've been wanting to record this song for a while, but life just gets in the way as it does, and this really seemed like the only time to go for it.
2. Are you more of a fan of the Monkees or (the late) Michael Nesmith?
I'm a fan of both equally, but perhaps a little more of Nesmith because he wrote so much for the group.
3. Your career is very eclectic and seems to span over multiple mediums and genres. Do you have a favorite?
The visual stuff with John Malkovich and Sandro Miller are my favorites so far, as they are completely bonkers, and only insane people would do such things.
4. What would you consider your first "break" into the industry as a musician?
When John Taylor of Duran Duran took an interest in me, sold my music on his site, and he sent me the first cheque. I still have it, never cashed.
5. How did you connect with people like Duran Duran, David Lynch, John Malkovich, etc.?
With Duran Duran, I met John Taylor as he came into a hotel lobby in yellow socks and reading glasses, looking for an ironing board. It was during a tropical storm a few weeks after my first cancer treatments had ended, and it grew from there. With David, I had approached his foundation with a crazy idea to have John Malkovich play David's most famous characters in a short film, directed by Sandro Miller, which we made, and it shortlisted at Cannes. John Malkovich, I met through photographer/director Sandro Miller.
6. Who are your favorite bands/artists? Who would you consider the most influential on your career?
I love everything, but I also hate everything, and yet somehow… I manage not to argue with myself in public. The most influential... early New Wave, late 60s psychedelic pop, and film scores are really what I'm about. I also love people like Phil Collins and William Shatner, who do what they want, and do it well. I'd like to be them when I grow up.
7. What is the first thing you will you do if you win the Grammy®?
Buy a pet bunny and name him Daffy! I love bunnies.
8. Do you have any projects coming up that you would like to share with us?
I always have too many things going on at once, but some of it includes:
A World War II documentary, some unreleased collaborations with John Malkovich, Dolores O'Riordan of The Cranberries, members of The Cure, The Smiths, and Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, and like… 13 other things.
9. In college, you were involved with the development of the digital watermark?
Yes indeed. My department head in grad school Jim Progris, at the University of Miami School of Music, connected me with Scott Moskowitz, inventor of the digital watermark. Scott wanted to implement an experiment with his technology on one of our school record label releases, which I happened to be producing. Right away, Scott struck me as a visionary, and even though I didn't completely understand his technology at first, I thought we should try it out.
The protection technology has existed since 1995 and is now used by every company in the world that uses any form of digital exchange, from record labels to film studios, to banks, and even in our email communications. It now runs our daily lives.
10. What do you want to be known for?
Being a good father, someone who inspires others to try new things and take chances, and someone who knows how to curse in about 14 languages. It's kind of a hobby… the cursing bit that is.
Bonus Questions
Does your Greek background influence your music and art?
Always. It's hard to resist that awesomeness.
You have had your music licensed everywhere! Can you share some thoughts on this side of the biz and offer any tips for aspiring songwriters?
The biggest tip I have to songwriters is this: Figure it out!
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
Vinegar is like kryptonite to me.
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