Indie rock's favourite songwriter keeps it real on his major label debut
Contradictions? Alex G, full name Alex Giannascoli, has a bunch of them.
The Philadelphia musician-producer shuns social media, but The Fader once called him 'the internet's secret best songwriter' as he made his name online via word-of-mouth blogs and message boards, self-releasing albums and EPs on Bandcamp.
He's got a lot to say on record – he's only 32, and Headlights is his 10th album – but many interviewers have found that trying to get him to talk about himself or his music is like pulling teeth, and his stage presence was once described in a live review as 'almost shockingly dull', with that summation coming from a critic who declared Alex G was his favourite musician of the last decade.
Although he's often compared to '90s indie acts, including Elliott Smith, Built to Spill and Modest Mouse, he's possibly better known to general pop audiences for contributing to eight tracks on Halsey's The Great Impersonator and for writing and singing on Frank Ocean's Blonde and Endless, and also playing in his touring band.
Headlights marks a shift from indie label Domino to major label RCA, not that you'll notice a huge difference in Giannascoli's approach. June Guitar opens proceedings, not with any fanfare but with a feather-light touch, on a gauzy, meditative song that hugs a lane close to Tracy Chapman's Fast Car.
First single Afterlife wears its country-folk influences on its sleeve, from the sparkling mandolins and acoustic guitar to the video set at a square dance, as Giannascoli recounts a revelation of some sort, singing 'when the light came, big and bright, I began another life'.
A couple of tracks push the meter into the red – Louisiana offsets dreamy Auto-Tuned vocals with sledgehammer drums; Bounce Boy has octave-leaping bass, fuzzy synth and an electro-clap beat.
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Sydney Morning Herald
5 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Indie rock's favourite songwriter keeps it real on his major label debut
Alex G, Headlights Contradictions? Alex G, full name Alex Giannascoli, has a bunch of them. The Philadelphia musician-producer shuns social media, but The Fader once called him 'the internet's secret best songwriter' as he made his name online via word-of-mouth blogs and message boards, self-releasing albums and EPs on Bandcamp. He's got a lot to say on record – he's only 32, and Headlights is his 10th album – but many interviewers have found that trying to get him to talk about himself or his music is like pulling teeth, and his stage presence was once described in a live review as 'almost shockingly dull', with that summation coming from a critic who declared Alex G was his favourite musician of the last decade. Although he's often compared to '90s indie acts, including Elliott Smith, Built to Spill and Modest Mouse, he's possibly better known to general pop audiences for contributing to eight tracks on Halsey's The Great Impersonator and for writing and singing on Frank Ocean's Blonde and Endless, and also playing in his touring band. Headlights marks a shift from indie label Domino to major label RCA, not that you'll notice a huge difference in Giannascoli's approach. June Guitar opens proceedings, not with any fanfare but with a feather-light touch, on a gauzy, meditative song that hugs a lane close to Tracy Chapman's Fast Car. First single Afterlife wears its country-folk influences on its sleeve, from the sparkling mandolins and acoustic guitar to the video set at a square dance, as Giannascoli recounts a revelation of some sort, singing 'when the light came, big and bright, I began another life'. A couple of tracks push the meter into the red – Louisiana offsets dreamy Auto-Tuned vocals with sledgehammer drums; Bounce Boy has octave-leaping bass, fuzzy synth and an electro-clap beat.
The Age
5 days ago
- The Age
Indie rock's favourite songwriter keeps it real on his major label debut
Alex G, Headlights Contradictions? Alex G, full name Alex Giannascoli, has a bunch of them. The Philadelphia musician-producer shuns social media, but The Fader once called him 'the internet's secret best songwriter' as he made his name online via word-of-mouth blogs and message boards, self-releasing albums and EPs on Bandcamp. He's got a lot to say on record – he's only 32, and Headlights is his 10th album – but many interviewers have found that trying to get him to talk about himself or his music is like pulling teeth, and his stage presence was once described in a live review as 'almost shockingly dull', with that summation coming from a critic who declared Alex G was his favourite musician of the last decade. Although he's often compared to '90s indie acts, including Elliott Smith, Built to Spill and Modest Mouse, he's possibly better known to general pop audiences for contributing to eight tracks on Halsey's The Great Impersonator and for writing and singing on Frank Ocean's Blonde and Endless, and also playing in his touring band. Headlights marks a shift from indie label Domino to major label RCA, not that you'll notice a huge difference in Giannascoli's approach. June Guitar opens proceedings, not with any fanfare but with a feather-light touch, on a gauzy, meditative song that hugs a lane close to Tracy Chapman's Fast Car. First single Afterlife wears its country-folk influences on its sleeve, from the sparkling mandolins and acoustic guitar to the video set at a square dance, as Giannascoli recounts a revelation of some sort, singing 'when the light came, big and bright, I began another life'. A couple of tracks push the meter into the red – Louisiana offsets dreamy Auto-Tuned vocals with sledgehammer drums; Bounce Boy has octave-leaping bass, fuzzy synth and an electro-clap beat.
News.com.au
09-07-2025
- News.com.au
Ana de Armas offloads $5m+ pad as Tom Cruise romance heats up
Ana de Armas has offloaded her New York City apartment for $US3.5 million ($A5.3 million) after quitting the Big Apple to move to a $US7 million ($A10.6 million) 'off-grid' estate in Vermont. The 37-year-old actress managed to secure the full asking price for the picturesque pad, which is located in New York's trendy SoHo neighbourhood. According to Realtor, the 'Blonde' star purchased the unit back in 2021 for $US2.9 million ($A4.4 million). Not long after buying the abode, de Armas listed it for the first time, initially putting it on the market in August 2023 for $US4.3 million ($A6.5 million), before lowering that ask to $US3.99 million ($A6.07 million) in March of the following year. The home was temporarily removed from the market in June 2024, before returning in February with a new price —$US3.5 million ($A5.3 million) — for which the property has now sold, as first reported by Architectural Digest. De Armas' latest real estate sale comes just a few years after she made the decision to move out to Vermont in a bid to live a quieter life. Speaking with E! News last year, the 'Ballerina' star revealed that she wanted to escape 'the craziness of the world.' 'I feel like nowadays, we all want to go away from the craziness of the world,' she said at the time. 'We all want to have the chance to build your own safe space. I've made that decision myself.' While the ' No Time to Die ' actress has kept details about her Vermont dwelling closely guarded, she did share a few anecdotes about the home, describing it as a 'cocoon.' 'I found a home where I really feel off the grid,' she explained. 'I can collect myself and only bring there who I want to be with. I have my little cocoon there.' De Armas' off-grid getaway was purchased by the star for $US7.2 million ($A10.9 million) in November 2022, Page Six reports. The property boasts six bedrooms and eight bathrooms as well as stunning mountain views, a swimming pool, and access to plenty of walking trails. Records seen by Realtor indicate that the actress managed to snag a bit of a deal on the dwelling, which was originally listed for $US7.5 million ($A11.4 million). The description noted that the house was being offered fully furnished. Built in 2008, the luxury two-storey home offers multiple fireplaces; a modern kitchen with a dishwasher, double oven, and wine fridge; and a primary suite with a luxe bath, walk-in closet, and sauna. An Instagram post from the actress shows her enjoying the rustic splendour of her new home. She posted images of glorious trees with golden foliage, a fire pit, woodsy vistas, and even an adorable four-legged friend. The property could not be more different from de Armas' SoHo spread, which was officially sold on June 26 and offered just two bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. In its listing, the loft space was described as an 'extraordinary residence … where timeless architecture meets modern sophistication,' having been given a modern makeover by famed interior designer Nate Berkus. 'At the heart of the home, the chef's kitchen is a masterpiece of design,' the description added. 'Sleek white lacquer cabinetry with brass accents, honed marble countertops, and a striking green Moroccan tile backsplash create a striking visual contrast. 'State-of-the-art Wolf, Sub-Zero, and Bosch appliances ensure a seamless cooking experience, while a generous eat-in island flows into a custom leather banquette that elegantly wraps the corner, offering an inviting dining space for up to 10 guests. Thoughtfully placed steel-and-glass partitions provide definition while preserving the home's open, airy flow.' Meanwhile, the primary suite was hailed as a 'tranquil retreat' complete with a spa-inspired bathroom that featured a steam shower and a soaking tub. Though the dwelling was located in an apartment building in one of New York's busiest neighbourhoods. It is filled with natural light throughout the day, thanks to its soaring ceilings and enormous windows. Before snapping up the home, de Armas was understood to have been primarily based in Los Angeles. She resided in a Venice Beach dwelling for several years — before reportedly moving in with actor Ben Affleck, with whom she was in a relationship for about a year between 2020 and 2021. After they split, she relocated to New York, in an apparent bid to escape the endless paparazzi attention she and Affleck had been receiving in California. Despite her quiet relocation, De Armas has been at the centre of romance rumours involving actor Tom Cruise. The two were first spotted dining together in London in February, the New York Post reports. The pair have since made several joint appearances, including a walk in the park on her birthday and a discreet departure from David Beckham's party. Though neither party has confirmed the relationship, de Armas offered a hint of chemistry in a May 'Good Morning America' interview, saying the pair are 'working on a lot of' projects together and are having 'fun.' The rumoured pairing caught attention online when Tom Cruise's ex-wife, Katie Holmes, appeared to like an Instagram post about the developing relationship. Her subtle nod drew commentary from fans, with one Reddit user joking, 'Celebs, sometimes they're just like us, stalking and accidentally liking posts about their exes.' De Armas' high-profile dating history includes brief romances with Tinder executive Paul Boukadakis and Manuel Anido Cuesta, stepson of Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel.
