Alexis Harte Band
www.alexisharte.com

About the Song: That mayflies are born, grow up, find a mate, and die all in 24 hours make them a poster child for being present and making the most of it all---this a carpe diem song through and through. Here are the lyrics 

About: "It's a big red sun, itching to explode, to take us all in a fiery fold, to take us all back home," Alexis Harte crows on "Mayflies," the opening track of Big Red Sun, his new album for 2009. This vision of an imperiled world–played out in images of environmental and urban decay–is a backdrop for the album's exploration of relationships as fragile but ultimately powerful sources of solace. Written during the waning months of the Bush era, Big Red Sun is a canvas for the darker colors of Harte's palette. But with musical roots extending into acoustic folk, bluesy Americana, and even electrified Afro-pop, Harte's songwriting has never been monochromatic. His songs are powered by an examination of everyday moments, in which his sharply drawn details loom larger than life. It's a cinematic effect that recently landed Harte a co-publishing deal with Lionsgate Entertainment. 

Harte was born and raised in Berkeley, but spent his late teens and 20s living/traveling far and wide before moving back to the Bay Area to put down roots, start a band, etc.  "I've been extremely fortunate enough to play with Aaron Brinkerhoff on Drums and Randy Weaver on bass for years now, and more recently we've completed the quartet with Marc Mowrey on keys and accordion. Lately, special (very) guests have included Shelley Doty on guitar, Damond Moodie on vocals and percussion, Phil Worman on cello, Ben Leinbach and Julia Harrell on percussion. Its turning a big raucous 8-piece band and we are really digging it.

I've also been fortunate to find and work with some of the Bay Area's best producer/engineers: JJ Wiesler, Jon Evans, and Matt Boudreau."

Why you like San Francisco? Whenever I contact out of town/overseas bookers, etc, the first thing I always say is "I'm a San Francisco-based songwriter..." No disrespect, but that wouldn't work if I were from LA or Nashville. Point is: San Francisco still has cache. One says it with a certain pride. 

Recent favorite live venues of ours have been Cafe Du Nord and the Freight and Salvage, but we've played almost everywhere now and all have their charms. Recently, house concerts have been some of my favorite gigs. so contact me and we'll set one up! 

Favorite Restaurant: Trattoria la Siciliana on College Ave in Berkeley

Upcoming Shows: I'm touring solo in Europe in early August , but more local shows tba soon

I recently scored my first film, a little gem called Kaziah The Goat Woman , which will be shown at Landmark Shattuck Cinemas as part of the Berkeley Film Festival on September 26th.  The soundtrack is high, lonely acoustic guitar, plus a few new and older songs...Cannes here we come.

Songwriter Sundays Unplugged, at Yoshi's SF
Sunday, October 11, 8pm
Alexis Harte, Stacy Kray, and Cas Lucas
www.yoshis.com/sanfrancisco

Want to see the video for Mayflies? check it out here