Alestar Digby to Have CD Release Party at the Roxy
Alestar Digby is set to release his self-titled 3rd album on November 16th, 2006, at the Roxy. His first L.A. album came together through hard work, dedication, and sacrifice as a solo artist. Having a natural environment is important for Alestar Digby, who creates an authentic stage presence sound with no studio tricks to capture the energy of the live sound.
Digby is no stranger to the Roxy, and also performs his classic-style rock at the Key Club, House of Blues, Troubadour, and The Gig. His performances and sense of fashion make him stand out as a lead vocalist and guitarist as he naturally connects with his audience.
Alestar Digby came from Austin, Texas, where he performed with Gentleman Jake and the Beat Elite. Digby is still performing with Austin Nicholsen (bass, backup vocals), who has been performing with Alestar Digby from day one. New drummer Greg Stevens, along with addition Dennis Phares on lead guitar, take the band to the next level. With influences that include The Beatles, The Doors, Led Zeppelin and The Who, Alestar Digby is dedicated to bringing back and giving rebirth to classic rock.
Growing up in New Jersey, Digby was a child prodigy on the piano before playing the drums while attending the Manhattan School of Music, where he studied classical composition while learning soul, blues and funk. This paved the way for Digby to become a solo artist trained in classic rock whose songwriting is inspired by people, relationships, and life experiences. Digby is naturally inspired to write the songs created in his head, and he’s a musician who inspires people while continuously striving to make things happen without gimmicks. His goal is to be a great artist while sharing his music with the world. Digby is already on the road achieving his goal and making audiences happy.
AAM conducted this interview with Digby after he was nominated for our 2006 Music Awards’ Best Male Vocalist – Rock/Melodic/Blues. It was a pleasure catching up with him. Go to Alestar Digby’s website, www.alestardigby.com, and MySpace page, www.myspace.com/alestardigby, for further information.
AAM: How is your third release different from your two previous 
albums?
Alestar Digby: This is my first album recorded in Los Angeles; my other two were recorded in Texas. I have always been the solo guitarist and played as a three-piece. On this CD, I’ve added a guitar player.
AAM: How does this self-titled release reflect upon your career as a solo artist?
AD: This album has taught me that persistence, patience, and having the ability to listen are the keys to being a mature artist and writer.
AAM: Do you find it difficult to be the sole writer of the music and lyrics?
AD: It is challenging and intimidating at times because everything you put out there is all from you. Sometimes it feels like being naked in front of a bunch of people.
AAM: What are some obstacles you face being a solo artist and band leader?
AD: The biggest obstacle is always making the right decisions for the band. Being a solo artist is hard because all of the responsibility rests on your shoulders. It’s a very fine line between being the hero and the villain.
AAM: What is your favorite thing about the new album?
AD: I love the way the guitars blend and complement each other and the vocals cut through the top.
AAM: What are your thoughts about Hollywood’s current pay-to-play scene?
AD: I think that clubs should focus on getting better talent on stage. That way they wouldn’t have to charge bands a fee, and people would come because the entertainment is good. That is the only way [to do it], in my opinion. A true Hollywood rock scene will rise again.
AAM: Any surprises in store for your upcoming CD Release party?
AD: There will be no surprises, just hard-driven kick-ass rock-n-roll, the way it’s supposed to be played.
AAM: How have adding another guitarist and working with a new drummer changed your sound?
AD: Dennis Phares is a great guitar player and easy to work with. Having him in the band allows me to focus more on performing on stage because I don’t have to play every guitar lead. My new drummer Greg Stevens is stellar. He is a total pro. We are very lucky to have him as part of our group.
AAM: Why did you choose to record this album on analog tape?
AD: Analog tape gives you the true classic rock sound. I am a purist and I want my music to be heard on the medium that will best represent it for what it is. All the great rockers recorded on analog.
AAM: In track 2, “Looked Around the World,” you say: “When I look into the center of my mentor’s mind, he’s afraid and so are you.” What does it mean exactly?
AD: Throughout my life, I always thought that the people I looked up to and who have taught me the most had some special secret that could not be revealed. But now I see that there is no secret. We are all afraid and no one has the answers.
AAM: You seem very confident that this album will be a success. What makes it different or special from other albums out today?
AD: I am going back to the seed of rock-n-roll. The music that is out there today comes from old school rock, but it’s like a branch that grew off the tree. I believe I went straight to the seed that made the main tree grow instead of being just a branch of it.
AAM: In track 7, “Tell Me,” the refrain is, “Tell me what you want me to be.” Can you explain that?
AD: It’s about frustration in a love relationship that has hit the brick wall. It’s asking, “What is that you want from me to be happy? Tell me.”
AAM: Some people have commented that because you are from Austin, your band has an Austin sound. Do you think that is true?
AD: Absolutely not. A band from Seattle does not have to be grunge, and a band form Austin does not have to be blues. We have our own unique sound.
AAM: If this album is a huge success, what will be your artistic commitment to the music world?
AD: There are so many different obstacles to overcome to try to make a commitment like that - record label bureaucracy, fame and fortune pitfalls, etc. But with perfect circumstances, and the world listening, I will never stop making great music because I never get tired of hearing people sing my songs back to me.
Thank you, Alestar, for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk to AAM just before your 3rd CD’s release. Again, congratulations for being nominated for Best Male Vocalist – Rock/Melodic/Blues, and thanks for being part of our new All*Access Rocks Volume III CD. We're happy to have you in the AAM family and look forward to watching your band grow and develop. Hope to see you at our Music Awards Show next year!
Story and Interview by Laura Phillips
