Art Alexakis, the charismatic frontman of the multi-platinum rock band Everclear, is premiering his new single “The Hot Water Test” via Billboard. Listen here: https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/8529830/everclear-art-alexakis-multiple-sclerosis-diagnosis-debut-solo-single-hot-water-test. Titled after the hot bath tests used to diagnose multiple sclerosis in the early 20th century, the personal single recounts the day Alexakis was diagnosed with the disease. “Doctors would diagnose MS by putting their patients into super-hot water and wait for them to start showing symptoms,” he elaborates. “It was pretty barbaric and miserable, and just one example of the the kind of experiences that people with MS, autoimmune diseases, cancer, or for that matter any debilitating disease, have to deal with all the time.”
“The Hot Water Test” is drawn from Alexakis’ debut solo album, Sun Songs, due out October 11th via The End Records/BMG. The long-awaited solo record marks a new chapter in the legendary frontman’s career, as he explores sounds, styles and lyrical subjects outside the normal realm of Everclear. In support, Alexakis will embark on a solo tour, including select US, UK and Ireland dates, next month. See below for a full list of dates. For more information, please visit: http://everclearmusic.com.
While Art Alexakis has always been the driving force behind Everclear, his solo work finally offers him an opportunity to create music solely on his own, without any preconceived notion or collaborative influence as to what it should sound like. On his debut solo album Sun Songs, Alexakis shares, “For the most part, it’s an acoustic singer-songwriter type of album. It’s not about making another Everclear record; it’s about doing something that’s just me.”
Creating outside of the Everclear realm has given Alexakis the chance to explore styles and sounds that don’t necessarily work for his band. His solo work will push the boundaries of what to expect from an Art Alexakis composition, as he cites everything from classic country to hip hop, to the great acoustic singer-songwriters of the 1970’s as major influences for this record. “I’m pushing my ability and pushing the envelope, and having fun at the same time,” Alexakis continues. “I’ve always wanted to do something like this.”
The long-awaited solo record ultimately comes at a time of transition in Alexakis’ life. After announcing his Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis earlier this year, the formidable songwriter is in the most honest and vulnerable place he has ever been.
“The Hot Water Test”, the lead single from Sun Songs, will be available digitally tomorrow, September 13th. Sun Songs will be available digitally and in CD and vinyl formats on Friday, October 11th.
Sun Songs
1. Sunshine Love Song
2. California Blood
3. A House With A Pool
4. Orange
5. The Hot Water Test
6. Arizona Star
7. Look At Us Now
8. White People Scare Me
9. Sing Away
10. Line In The Sand
11. A Seat At The Table
Art Alexakis Solo Tour:
8th Oct – Evanston, IL – Space
9th Oct – Pittsburgh, PA – Hard Rock Cafe
10th Oct – Boston, MA – City Winery
14th Oct – Manchester, UK – Night & Day Café
15th Oct – Norwich, UK – Epic Studios
16th Oct – London, UK – O2 Academy Islington
18th Oct – Glasgow, UK – Broadcast
19th Oct – Birmingham, UK – Actress & Bishop
20th Oct – Dublin, IE – The Sound House
*November and December dates TBA*
