Alexander Ruwe

Description

I am a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, band leader & children's book author, based out of St Louis, MO.

Work Sample

The piece shared above is a live, backyard performance of a political piece entitled "Small Talking Americans." I wrote this 3min piece back in 2019, as election season was bringing out the ugliest within us.

This second piece is a lullaby I wrote for my three nieces ~5 years ago. It features harmony vocals from Joanna Serenko, and was produced by Gary Gordon of The Gordons. That lullaby has since been turned into a singalong, children's book, with Spanish illustrator, Patricia Carcelén. I released the book in November of 2021, and have since sold 500+ copies. Learn more -- or purchase a copy 🙂 -- at: www.GoodNightLittleDarlings.com

This final sample is another live, backyard recording of a swing country piece entitled "The Sinner Wears the Crown." This track is currently being produced by Gary Gordon, as we finalize my first solo record. A ton of legends in the industry -- Noah Gordon, Robert Bowlin, Bruce Brown, Steve Hinson… -- have been kind enough to share their talents on the record, and I am excited to release the record in the back half of this year.

I hope those samples -- the two pieces from the forthcoming record, as well as the children's lullaby -- are good representations of my work, although I think those around me would say I have grown a lot -- both in writing and in playing -- over these last two years. The pandemic was tough, but I had a lot of time at home in my studio with my instruments, and I put that time to good use. Would love to share a couple studio recordings from the forthcoming record, if any of you were interested in hearing them -- just ask!

History

About 80% of my work comes through entertaining in a variety of settings — backyard parties, local bars, nightclubs, weddings, corporate functions, holiday parties, and the list goes on. That music might be performed solo acoustic, solo piano, as an acoustic duo, a small ensemble, with our event band “The Red Jackets” (www.RedJacketsBand.com) or as a DJ. That work has taken me to 17 states, and 3 countries.

The other 20% of my work comes from writing and publishing my own compositions. This last year, I was hired by the Barbershop Harmony Society to compose music for high school choirs — which was a big challenge, but super rewarding. I am thrilled to announce I was invited back for this year, and have a brand new series of compositions underway for the Anna Coyotes. I also released a singalong children’s book called “Good Night, Little Darlings.” You can learn about the book, or (better!) purchase a copy today at: www.GoodNightLittleDarlings.com

I am also in the midst of recording my first solo record with producer, Gary Gordon. We’re not finished with it just yet, but we’re currently classifying it as “alternative country.” It’s a bit singer/songwriter, a bit folk and a little bit rootsy. Some All-stars in the industry have been kind enough to share their talents on the record, and I am proud of the music we have made together to date.

Artistic Vision

It's under construction right now. haha Up to this point, I have been forced to chase down every opportunity I could in order to bring a check home and provide for my family.

As I have improved at my crafts and established myself, I have been able to earn more for larger events, and therefore, don't have to play 7 days a week, and twice on Saturdays and Sundays.

Collaborating with Gary Gordon has only further immersed me in the Americana space, and I aim to continue my study and development in that space with this record and beyond.