Teen Musician’s First Single Has a Message

A Southland teenage musician who has just released his first single  says he’s using the region’s binge drinking culture for inspiration.

Alex Dykes, of Central Southland, who is currently studying politics at Otago University, said while most young people were responsible in their alcohol consumption, there was still a binge-drinking culture which was worrying.

“This issue was the inspiration for my first single, and ‘The Alcoholics’ Waltz’ was born.

“Its chorus really packs a punch, and even if it just makes one person re-think the way they approach alcohol, then it’s been effective.

“It’s a song about a relationship that goes wrong, and it’s alcohol and excessive drinking that has caused the problems.

“It’s not preachy or anything. It’s a pretty little song written in waltz timing about being in love with someone more in love with the bottle, than they are with you.”

A music video, recorded at the NZ Broadcasting School in Christchurch earlier this year, was also released alongside the single.

“It’s a great video which really tells the story of my song, and I’m grateful for the support the students gave me in recording this.”

Dykes has been performing and writing music since primary school at Limehills, but it wasn’t until he won the Solo Vocalist section at Southland RockQuest in 2017 that he gained the confidence to pursue his music seriously.

Dykes has played opening gigs at several Dunedin barsU-BAR, and Starters Bar in Dunedin. He has also performed at Invercargill’s Tuatara Bar, Sthd Muso’s Club and the Winton Open day and A&P Show.

“Unfortunately most of the gigs planned for this year have been cancelled because of COVID-19, but I’m looking forward to sharing my first single on stage at The Dog with Two Tails in Dunedin next month when I open for Invercargill’s Sam Cullen.”

Dykes released his single on Spotify last week. An accompanying music video had over 2000 views on its first day.