User talk:Minoanmusic

Like most kids taking piano lessons, artist/producer/mixer Eric Alexandrakis was fed a steady diet of classical music by his instructors, starting at the ripe age of 6. Having also grown up with an interest in film music, Eric's appetite took on a more modern focus when he discovered the melodic pop of the second British Invasion.

With a dizzying and exhilarating sound that is both experimental and pure pop at the same time, Eric Alexandrakis reveals a wide range of influences from pop to classical music. "I love catchy songs, but I also love sonic imagery. I like to paint landscapes on top of melodies." These sounds include exotic and traditional instruments such as guitars, keyboards and drums, home-made sound effects, and whatever else may find its way through a partially open window.

Alexandrakis, who double majored in Public Relations and English Literature at the University of Miami, and has a Master's Degree in Music Business and Entertainment Industries (also at U.M.), first experimented with his unique style of home recording with the eclectic project, 9 Demos On A 4 Track. "I was mainly just experimenting and getting to know the four-track, which I had borrowed from a friend", Alexandrakis says. "As time passed, I got more comfortable with the machine and I would experiment a little more". The collage of sounds caught the ear of Duran Duran bass player and co-founder, John Taylor, who made 9 Demos On A 4 Track available for sale on his official website, www.trusttheprocess.com.

Further experimentation with his unique Avant-Pop sound led to yet another home-recorded project, I.V. Catatonia. With 22 tracks, this album was also recorded on a borrowed four-track machine within a six-month period in several different rooms in Alexandrakis' house. Alexandrakis played all the instruments and was responsible for all the unusual and atmospheric snatches of aural experiences. I.V. Catatonia caught the eyes and ears of press and radio around the world gaining him exposure in over 8 countries, airplay on more than 100 stations worldwide, including chart positions and airplay on over 70 U.S. college radio stations. Tracks from this album have also popped up on several promotional compilations, and have been picked for use in television and film productions.

Shortly thereafter, further 4 track experimentation led to the licensing of over 60 of Eric's songs to various television shows produced by MTV, Warner Brothers, and others. Two of his songs were recently included on all new models of the Rio MP3 player. Alexandrakis has also released numerous holiday EP's containing songs ranging from the ethereal Valentine's Day song "Good Girls Never Waltz Me", to the Avant-Pop Industrial "Open Heart Surgery", and to the lush symphonic sounds of "Theme From the Motion Picture Stealing Christmas". His songwriting was recognized by CMJ Magazine when he was selected as one of the Coca-Cola Top 50 Best Unsigned Artists in the United States.

Having caught the attention of independent label Serious Vanity Music, Eric's cover version of Arcadia's "Election Day" was issued on their Bangs: Sounds Of The 80's compilation. This two volume CD benefitting the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network pays tribute to music from the 1980's with remakes from several up and coming indie artists, as well as recordings from veteran artists including: Stacey Q, Gioia Bruno (formerly of Expose), Dale Bozzio (Missing Persons) & John Taylor (Duran Duran).

Alexandrakis sound has evolved into a more electro/atmospheric/rock direction, which has been received very well on myspace.com/ericalexandrakis. His most recent effort is an instrumental album titled Electro Organic, from Fargone Records.

Although musically diverse, Eric Alexandrakis is involved in a variety of artistic mediums. He mainly works with his music production company Minoan Music in providing music for film, television & advertising projects. He has also done work in art design and photography for various recording projects and websites, has made appearances in television commercials benefitting cancer research, and a few small roles in films here and there (Miami Vice, My Sexiest Year, Dexter, etc.).

On the production side, Alexandrakis has done scoring for various productions. Eric's remix of the Garbage hit "Androgyny", called the 'Androgynous Aphrodisiac White Noise 12" Mix', was the only mix out of over 1,000 mixes from around the world to be number one for over 5 months at Acid Planet's Acid Garbage remixing contest.

"I would love to be able to bring this music to some kind of full blown theatrical production", says Alexandrakis. On occasion, his live performance tends to utilize slide and video projectors, a rain of orange Tic Tacs, and the occasional flying Barbie doll head, all in front of a plethoric collection of electronic gear. "When I perform my music, I like to give each show a constantly evolving theatrical twist. I think artistic evolution is very important."