Alex Kumar

Alex Kumar
Born 1996 (age 18–19)
Origin Exeter, UK
Genres Folk, country, blues, indie folk, roots music
Occupation(s) Singer-songwriter, musician
Instruments Vocals, guitar, harmonica, piano
Years active 2013–present
Associated acts Slipdown Dog, Jess McAllister, Paul Downes
Website alexkumar.co.uk

Alex Kumar is a British folk singer-songwriter.[1]

Biography

Alex Kumar's earliest performances began around Exeter and Devon in 2013, where he became first known to local musicians and folk and blues music fans for playing early 20th century blues and old-time folk music at the relatively young age of 16.[2] In a 2014 interview with Acoustic Magazine, Kumar cited influences as varied as Lead Belly, Django Reinhardt, Johnny Cash, Lonnie Johnson, and flamenco music.[3] In particular, Kumar has a strong affinity for the folk music of the Americas, which he attributes to his transatlantic background; his arrangements of the (often political) songs of American folk musicians such as Woody Guthrie have often featured in his performances.[4][5]

With a growing local reputation, Kumar was invited by presenter John Govier to appear on his Saturday show on BBC Radio Devon on July 2013.[6] The success of Kumar's appearance on Govier's show (and in particular, Kumar's song "1963") led to the rush-recording of his eponymous debut album Alex Kumar, which was released in November 2013.[7]

Following the release of his first album, Kumar's first festival appearances came in the Summer of 2014, which included performing at the opening night of Sidmouth Folk Week, and an acclaimed performance at Chagstock Music Festival's Live Lounge stage that stage manager Peter Shields observed as "the busiest the Live Lounge marquee has ever been".[8][9]

Discography

References

  1. ↑ Batchelor, Bridget (22 December 2013). "Review: Alex Kumar at the Globe, Topsham". Express & Echo. Retrieved 10 September 2014.
  2. ↑ Montague, Mark (2 July 2013). "Mark My Words: Alex Kumar". No Crowdsurfing. Retrieved 10 September 2014.
  3. ↑ Strange, Paul (September 2014). "Retune Your Ears: Alex Kumar". Acoustic Magazine.
  4. ↑ "Alex Kumar Bio". Alex Kumar Official Website. Retrieved 10 September 2014.
  5. ↑ "Alex Kumar – Pastures of Plenty (Live)". YouTube. Retrieved 10 September 2014.
  6. ↑ "John Govier: Live music". BBC Radio Devon. 13 July 2013. Retrieved 10 September 2014.
  7. ↑ Monger, Roland (3 February 2014). "Alex Kumar – Album Review". Listen with Monger. Retrieved 10 September 2014.
  8. ↑ "Chagstock Live Lounge: Alex Kumar's set". Facebook. 19 July 2014. Retrieved 10 September 2014. This is the busiest the Live Lounge marquee has ever been.
  9. ↑ Merritt, Anita (21 July 2014). "Review: Chagstock music festival". Express & Echo. Retrieved 10 September 2014.

External links