While the Angels Sigh, Cindy Alexander Perseveres

August 25, 2021 by Michela Arlia

Cindy Alexander is a singer-songwriter in the indie music genre who currently resides in California. In April of this year, Alexander released her 10th studio album, While the Angels Sigh. The album’s 11 tracks speak volumes for an easygoing and spiritual sound.

Alexander is no stranger to tackling life’s obstacles. As a cancer survivor and mom of two, the creation of this album blossomed as the worst that the world had to offer hit her hard, but Alexander still persevered.

Cindy Alexander In The Green / photo by Tom Gundelfinger / courtesy of the artist

Cindy Alexander On The Porch/ photo by Tom Gundelfinger / courtesy of the artist

The album was two years in the making, and the finished product has Alexander saying, “I committed to sharing my truth and my passion, to work with people who could help me manifest my vision, and seized the opportunity to create without being edited, censored or silenced,” as seen on her website.

From the first track “The Power of You,” Alexander has you hooked on infectious melodies and meaningful lyrics, such as “the weight of the world isn’t something we lose,” that seem to linger with you just a little longer after the song has ended.

Songs on the album like “Try, Try, Try” and “Room at the Bottom” offer a more rock-infused and have an upbeat sound, shaking things up for listeners as a slightly more raw version of Alexander’s voice peeks through.

A personal favorite on the album quickly became “Alizarin Crimson” as the rhythms and instrumentals in the music start strong and create a sound that makes it hard to get out of your head. This track deserves to be on repeat.

Cindy Alexander has clearly poured everything she had into the lyrics of every track, giving listeners a well-rounded product straight from the heart. Each song is more promising than the last, and once you hit play, it will be a struggle to try to stop listening.

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Ricky Stein: Texas Roots in Brooklyn

Ricky Stein/ photo courtesy of the artist

If you’re looking for music inspired by New York City with a Texan flare, look no further than Ricky Stein, a Brooklyn-based artist originally from Austin, Texas. Stein is a singer-songwriter whose music is grounded by a combination of his upbringing in Texas and his present life in the bustling streets of New York City and Downtown Brooklyn. Stein has an impressive discography of singles and albums, and since moving to New York City in August 2016, he has released a full album, “Long Summer” and many singles. Stein’s music is best defined as Americana and roots, with folk-infused acoustic and electric guitars, and his lyrics paint vivid images of nature and life. The listener feels connected to Stein, as his musical stylings resemble talent from the likes of John Prine and Bonnie Raitt. His most recent single, “Passenger,” highlights Stein’s talents with a strong harmonica section. The song’s instrumentation and structure is built on one verse, which compliments the song’s message about the uncertainty and ominousness of being a passenger on a long journey. Another standout, “Street Lights,” is a lighthearted commentary on the comfort of hope, the street lights representing persistent light even in the dead of night. Stein’s live performances are carefully tailored, his sets performed at local venues in Brooklyn like Pete’s Candy Store and many other venues known to support live roots and country music. His talents are always showcased, whether performing a solo show with a guitar and harmonica or being supported by a full band. Stein’s upcoming months are packed with performances at many venues, including Saturday, January 11th at Skinny Dennis Bar in Williamsburg and Friday, March 7th at Sunny’s Bar in Red Hook. You won’t want to miss it!

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