Artist Spotlight :: Alex Bias

Bio

Alex is a Chef/Musician based out of Columbus, Ohio. He Joined the Metal band Nine Mile Silence a little over a year ago. In that short time he has helped in the writing and recording of their first studio length album Metamorphosis. Nine Mile Silence has recently received multiple endorsements, with more in the works.

Being a Chef by trade has helped give him the work ethic and drive to push the band to the next level of playing. Securing shows with many local and national acts, including most recently opening for Geoff Tate.

Alex pulls many of his influences into the music he writes. These influences include Tom Morello, Adam Jones, James Root, and Jack White. Taking from a wide range of techniques to help develop his own personal style.

He is looking forward to getting back into the studio to start recording a new string of singles leading up to their new album.

What/Who inspired you to pick up your instrument?

Adam Jones of Tool opened my mind to using different rhythm techniques.

James Root of slipknot really got me listening to metal in my teens.

Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine got me into using my guitar to make different crazy sounds to add into our music.

Jack White of the White Stripes inspired me to pick up the guitar and learn simple but fun rock riffs.

What piece of musical advice would you give yourself if you could go back in time to the beginning of your musical journey?

Pick up your guitar every day and push yourself to learn a few new songs a week. Unless you are constantly pushing to learn something new you will end up playing the same boring riffs for years.

What keeps you excited about playing?

Playing with different musicians pushes me to learn how to play harder music. I also love collecting pedals to add to my sound. It keeps things exciting and fun.

Desert Island 3 pedal pedalboard (not including tuner)

Overdrive. Without a doubt. I love that breakup. I like using it in all styles of music.

Wah. I use it mostly for solos. But to me, it is too versatile to not have on my board.

Delay. If you mess with delay pedals, you can do so much to shape your sound/time.

When you find yourself in a musical rut, what techniques do you do to break out of it?

I push myself to play music someone new. Often I'll learn something new from them that gets me wanting to pick up my guitar and push myself to practice more.

Who is your favorite artist/band today? And who was your favorite artist/band ten years ago?

Currently, I'm really into Gojira. Absolutely amazing musicians. They are bringing metal Into the future.

Ten years ago, I was only listening to Tool. I love them as a band. Their music is dynamic and exciting. I still hear new things in their music even after listening to them since I was 16.

When you find yourself in a music store - what is your go-to riff when test drive gear?

I always play our song T-rexxx first. It hits a wide range on the guitar neck, and it's fun.

What is your most prized/cherished piece of gear? And why?

My sterling jp157. My wife bought it for me for our 5th anniversary. It makes me so happy getting on stage and knowing I'm playing the guitar she picked out for me.

What is the next big musical purchase you're hoping to save for?

I really would like to buy an EVH 5150 stealth iii. Maybe if our next album takes off, I can make that happen.

Gear Breakdown

Bands / Projects

Listen on Spotify

Social Links

Want to be featured as an Artist Spotlight?

Do you have to be a famous musician to be featured? No. Do you have to be a professional musician to be featured? No. Do you have passion about playing and gear -- oh and a verified Rattlesnake Cable Company cable user. Yes!

All you need to do is contact us and we'll direct you to our submission form. If your submission is approved, it will be in the queue to be showcased!