Alex Maher’s newest album, Dream Final doesn’t immediately sound like a stark examination of our current global state of affairs. Most of the tracks are up-tempo pop flavoured offerings that feature Maher’s warm, silky vocals waltzing through light layers of synth. Maher and producer Ryan Stewart put a lot of effort into making his musings palatable on a sonic level in order to brighten the mood of the subject matter which includes climate change, social alienation, increased nationalism and the digital age.
“These thoughts and this anxiety, I’m sure it’s gripping a lot of us,” Maher explains over coffee. “It’s hard to go about your life day to day trying to get money and thinking about economic growth when we kind of know that we’re blowing it and we need to do something drastic. And there’s so many voices pulling in so many directions and there’s so many people wanting the same thing but not wanting to abandon what’s comfortable for us and what’s become so important for us in our day to day lives.”
Maher’s acute observations reveal his analytical side. Although he played saxophone competitively from grade eight all throughout high school and beyond, Maher eventually went to UBC on a science scholarship. During his third year, while studying molecular genetics, evolutionary ecology and plant physiology, minoring in psychology the band he was in, Flannel Jimmy was signed to a five-album development deal with Nettwerk Records. He and his bandmates packed up their books and headed out on tour.
I was like “Sorry mom… bye!” Maher chuckles recalling the memory.
By the time Flannel Jimmy called it quits, Maher had amassed a collection of songs that he was keen to continue working on. He spent a few years working in the service industry, honing his skills as a solo artist making beats on the computer, and experimenting with cover songs and original music. During this time, Maher also started an open mic night that quickly gained popularity and is still going strong almost fourteen years later although he has since handed over the reigns of hosting the weekly community event.
These Days Maher and his wife are a “mom and pop operation” in terms of managing, producing, and promoting his work.
“We don’t have any kids so this is like our dog,” the multi-instrumentalist laughs.
This past week, Maher hosted a release party for Dream Final at the Fox Cabaret with guests Ivan Hartle Trio and Marie Hui. He played that show with a full band in front of fans that were friends, fellow musicians, and other music enthusiasts. Next Week he hits the road on a cross Canada tour with Small Town Artillery doubling as their saxophone player and as the opening act for a good portion of their shows. The tour starts right here Vancouver at the Rickshaw Theatre on March 6th and Maher’s first opening slot will be the next night in Victoria.