Alestar Digby
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Alestar Digby

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"Eleanor Rigby Alestar Digby"

My friend Sarah, gave me a CD for my birthday of Alestar Digby.
(The only constant is change)

A week later I picked up a card mentioning Alestar playing a date at the Knitting factory in Hollywood the next week. It felt like it was in the flow. So I called Joe Sutton at the Factory and made plans to attend.

The drive from Malibu on the full moon night was smooth sailing and I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was to find the Knitting Factory and turn into the underground parking leaving me only steps from the escalation. As I was coming in Sarah and Alestar met me at the door and off we went for a wonderful night of musical entertainment.

The first song, Vegas Queen, that opened Alestar’s show, is very Jim Morrison.

The band is extremely tight and, Alestar, himself, is a star. He is kind of like Elvis, Elton John, Doors and Beatles all rolled into one with his own kind of Robbie William’s chutzpa. He is incredibly sweet and poignant on the guitar. He rocks and his body moves and facial expressions are real crowd pleasers.

“Pledge Allegiance to Love” is an awesome anthem for our now manifesting Golden Age. I can see this song being sung in stadiums around the world. “Friends and Lovers” is a song in the same vein. Conscious lyrics with great music.

“Listen Girl” is a bit like a Red Hot Chili Peppers number and is a cool song.

“Sometimes you have to change who you were to become who you will be not forgetting who you are.”

Alestar’s latest CD is wonderful. From the sexy “Jackie” to the rockin “Your Best”, Doorsy “I Like a Woman” and one of Alestar’s favorite to play, “Changing Sights”, this CD is pure musical entertainment, feels good and rocks your soul.
- Malibu Chronicle


"Alestar Digby at the Roxy & Beyond"

Alestar Digby’s recent Roxy performance show-cased his talent and explosive stage presence accented by Digby’s detail for classic rock fashion and performance as a lead vocalist and lead guitarist.

Before relocating to Los Angeles, Alestar Digby had a significant following in Austin, Texas with his band Gentleman Jake and the Beat Elite. Now he’s performing with Austin Nicholsen (bass, backup vocals) and David Jordan (drums) to complete his powerhouse musical trio that has already gained him many fans in Hollywood including Sean McNabb (Quiet Riot, Great White) and Punkin Pie (club promoter) was advertising Alestar Digby’s Roxy show.

Originally from New Jersey, Digby was a child prodigy on the piano and then proceeded to mastering the drums while attending the Manhattan School of Music studying classical composition along with learning soul, blues, and funk paving the way for him to be an upcoming classic rock artist on the Hollywood scene already having performed at the Roxy and other major clubs that include the Key Club, the House of Blues, Troubadour, and at The Gig.

AAM caught up with Alestar Digby and discovered that he brings talent, style, and kindness as a new face in the rebirth of classical rock n roll in Hollywood.

AAM: What is your inspiration to create music?
AD: I hear songs in my head that need to be written. People and relationships, good and bad, also inspire me. I am really into experience. Many of my life experiences are reflected in my music.

AAM: You’re known for being supportive of other bands as well as having celebrity rockers come to yours. How important do you feel it is for bands to be supportive of each other?
AD: It is good to support other bands because you can learn a lot from watching them perform. In Austin, the bands supported each other more. Here, there isn’t as much of that. There are a few small pockets here and there, but it’s too bad there isn’t more.

AAM: Who are your influences?
AD: The Beatles, The Doors, Led Zeppelin, and The Who.

AAM: What is your rock music fashion sense?
AD: I believe that rock and fashion go hand in hand. I have never been much for wearing ratty t-shirts and jeans on stage. I think the audience deserves to have something interesting to look at, something that is artistic and cool. I love the kings of style, David Bowie, Prince, and Elton John.

AAM: How was the transition of going from a child prodigy on the piano to a front man as an adult modernizing classic rock with your guitar?
AD: It was difficult because I never took guitar lessons, and I took piano lessons since I was 5. I taught myself how to play drums so I figured I could teach myself guitar, but I found the guitar to be a much harder instrument to play. I always loved the guitar, and I was determined to rock. It was also difficult because being a child prodigy is almost like a novelty, and when you are older you just have to be damn good without any gimmicks.

AAM: What are your future music plans?
AD: In July, I am doing a CD release of my new album called Looked Around The World. I plan to continue to be the person that inspires people and continuously makes things happen. I will never stop believing in being a great artist and sharing my music with the world.

AAM: What advice do you have for other musicians coming up?
AD: Music is a way of life not a hobby. The Grateful Dead have a song called “Jackstraw,” and the lyrics say, “We used to play for silver, now we play for life.” I play for life, and I will never stop playing. My advice is to never be in it for the money or the women, be in it for the music.

AAM: What other information would you like to share with the readers of All Access Magazine?
AD: The longevity of rock relies on the audience, not the media machine that feeds us glitz. I’m a purist. You don’t need fancy sets and dancing girls to capture the imagination of a generation. Long Live Rock...


- All Access Magazine


"Alestar Digby Takes Hollywood by Storm"

Alestar Digby, The Rockies Solo Artist of the Year, has just released a new self-titled album. After spending 4 hard months in the studio; recording, mixing and producing the disk, the Rock City News caught up with him to discuss his latest work.

RCN : Alestar what was your main influence for your new album?
Alestar: I am always inspired by life experiences and the people that I cross paths with. Some come in and out of my life. What’s interesting is that most people that I write about never remain in my life. It’s like a curse.

RCN: How would you describe the sound or tone of this album?
Alestar: It’s a true classic rock experience. We basically have captured the energy of our live show and put it down on tape. The musicianship and artistry of all the members were impeccable on this record.

RCN: What is the difference between this album and others you’ve recorded in the past?
Alestar: This is my first album recorded in Los Angeles; my other two were recorded in Texas. Also, I have always been the solo guitarist and played as a three piece. On this album, I’ve added a guitar player.

RCN: You’ve had success as a three piece. Why add another guitar player now?
Alestar : Because Dennis Phares is phenomenal. When I told my bass player, Austin Nicholsen that I was thinking of adding a new guitar player, he was totally against it. But after hearing Dennis’ playing at just one rehearsal, he agreed that Dennis would be a great addition to our band.

RCN: What would you say is your favorite song on the new album?
Alestar: I would have to say Looked Around the World, track two, is my favorite because it is extremely personal to me and personifies my state of mind when I wrote it.

RCN: In track 8, Changing Sights, you say “Money spent on nothing to pave the way, countries at war, it’s just a day’s pay”. What exactly do you mean by that?
Alestar: I mean that politicians start wars for greed and power while civilians sacrifice their lives, but it’s ‘just a day’s pay’ for the politician. These men have no conscience, it is evil.

RCN: I noticed that you recorded your album on analog tape. Why didn’t you record digitally?
Alestar: Some of the greatest rock albums of all time were recorded on analog tape. It has a warmer tone and fatter sound. Bands today record digitally so they can do several takes of a song and splice it together on Pro Tools. It is actually more economical to record digitally. I believe in capturing the live performance and not using computer enhancement to make the band sound better or correct an off key vocalist with computerized pitch correction. On my album, what you hear - is what you get.

RCN: It is very hard to achieve commercial success in today’s music industry. Do you think your album has any chance in the mainstream market?
Alestar: Absolutely. I think that my group is as good, or better, than anything in today’s mainstream market. The challenge is not the content - but getting the rock gods to send along enough backing, the right timing, and a mountain of luck.

RCN: When are you doing your album release party?
Alestar: It’s going to be at the Roxy on Sunset on November 16th at 9pm. I’m also excited because this will be the début of my new drummer, Greg Stevens. He is totally awesome.

RCN: How can someone buy one of your albums?
Alestar: It will be available at Amoeba Records on Sunset and you can also go to my website at alestardigby.com, myspace.com/alestardigby or BurnLounge.com.

RCN: Do you have a message for your fans out there?
Alestar: I prefer to call them supporters because the word “fan” comes from “fanatic”. I would like to thank them for their continuous support for what I’m doing. Keep coming back and I will keep rocking.
- Rock City News


"Alestar Digby CD"

Alestar’s latest CD is none other than spectacular. Sounding like a cross between Eric Clapton and The Doors, with a sprinkle of classic Allman Brothers and other assorted 70’s greats, Alestar takes classic rock to the next level. With perfect recordings and professional songwriting, the music hits you straight from the golden oldies days, the forgotten days when progressive was still cool and Jimi was still fresh. The tone of the guitar cuts through the chorus like a knife, and brings the songs to life. It almost sounds like an early Rod Stewart/Faces album. Alestar put some real thought into his songwriting, and it shows with a sparkle and shine.

I could listen to this album all day, because it makes me feel good. I hear old Stones influences, old Lou Reed talking, and a mixture of pop and blues to the bone. Alestar has really outdone himself on this one. If you like the old time feel to your music, there’s nothing better than getting lost in this album. You can almost picture that all star jam in heaven, with Keith Richards and Eric rocking out with Jimmy Morrison and Mick. Good one Alestar, you’re the man.
- Rock City News


Discography

Alestar Digby

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Bio

Alestar Digby exemplifies powerful vocals, evocative lyrics and a larger-than-life stage-presence. Alternating between hard-driven beats and explosive guitar riffs, Alestar’s music is an exhilarating classic rock experience. The stage show is unmatched for its intensity and crowd appeal.

Awarded Best Modern Rock Band of 2007 by The Rock City News, Alestar was also recognized as Best Songwriter of 2006. His self-titled release, Alestar Digby is nominated for 2008 Rock Album of the Year by the Los Angeles Music Awards.

A prolific song writer, Alestar is lead singer and alternates between lead guitar, rhythm guitar and keyboards. The band is rounded out by first rate musicians: Denis Phares on lead guitar and back-up vocals, Austin Nicholsen on bass guitar and back-up vocals and David Jordon on drums. The band’s musical influences include Led Zeppelin, The Doors, The Who and The Beatles.

Prior to Los Angeles, Alestar was the object of a sizable fan base within the live music scene of Austin, Texas, where his band Gentleman Jake and the Beat Elite achieved significant media recognition and radio play. There he successfully wrote and produced his first album, Black Spot, followed up by Et Tu Brute?.

Classically trained as well as experienced in soul, blues and funk, Alestar was a child prodigy on piano at age 6 and on the drums by age 10. Originally from New Jersey, Alestar attended the Manhattan School of Music on a talent-based scholarship, where he studied classical piano composition. He left classical music behind and began creating his distinctive style of rock and roll the day he plugged in his first electric guitar.