Everclear will take the New York Pleasantville Music Festival stage at 8:05 pm this Saturday, July 13. The performance will be the culmination of a day of mini concerts from world-class headliners, breakout stars and local artists you need to know. “Un-Block The Music” posted a preview yesterday at https://unblockthemusic.blog/2019/07/11/the-pleasantville-music-festival-this-weekend-brings-much-needed-music-to-nyc-suburbs/

Everclear has been around since 1992, and was put together by Art Alexakis who still fronts the band. Everclear’s lineup has changed a bit, but they never broke up, Art told “Un-Block The Music.”  There have been different members, but the core has remained the same. “We think of bands as a collective, but they are not really. There are always one or two musicians. “

The band, known for hits such as Santa Monica, Father Of Mine, Everything To Everyone, and Wonderful has stayed true to themselves. While they welcome new fans, Art says,  he wants to be creative and play what he loves because, thanks to his parents, he loves all music. “I’m not trying to chase the carrot. I’m not a natural musician. I work at it. But, that’s ok. That’s where the creativity comes in.”

On October 11, he will release a solo album on End Records called Sun Songs.  “I recorded all of the instruments and vocals myself. It’s a lot of acoustic guitar; an old school record.” It’s under 40 minutes as albums used to be. Art says he still believes in that format. Back in the day, people listened to shorter records over and over. “I just wanted to do something different.”

Art recently finished an intimate, collaborative acoustic tour with three of his friends:  Chris Collingwood (Fountains of Wayne), Max Collins (Eve 6) and John Wozniak (Marcy Playground). The “Songs and Stories” tour gave each musician the opportunity to perform stripped down versions of their band’s hits, deep tracks, and new songs – and the stories behind all of them.

Art says Everclear will tour and he will likely do solo dates as well.  Whet your appetite at the festival. I can’t wait!