Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Beane.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My bandmate and I graduated from TCU and SMU, and our original plan was to take a year off before attending grad school. During that time, we ended up making a few songs out of my bedroom, and we fell in love with music. Since then we have traveled around Texas taking gigs wherever we can! We have released one album, and we plan to have our second and third out by the middle of 2022.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has been difficult, but incredibly fulfilling. We tried to work jobs that involved only music as a way of expediting our journey, and it wasn’t always easy to make rent with a smattering of part time gigs. I was not a good piano or guitar player, so I taught elementary school kids and used their lessons as extra practice time. I didn’t understand how to run sound or lights, so I worked as a stagehand loading equipment into and out of various venues. I didn’t know how to properly mix and master a hit song, so I found part time work at a recording studio. My bandmate even went to estate sales and flipped items when we were strapped for cash.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Our specialty lies in the realm of original music – we are mainly known for our music under the stage name “Carbon Love”, but we have also written unique material for companies and podcasts looking for an intro or commercial. Our proudest moment in the industry so far came when we were looking for bookings in Dallas, and we couldn’t get anyone to hire us. We were caught in a catch 22 of sorts, where we needed referrals to get the gig, but couldn’t get those referrals without playing in the first place. We decided to plan our own outdoor concert/festival on an acre of open land and took care of the lights and sound, marketing, and talent. After filming it and creating a promo, we got a gig in Deep Ellum almost immediately. Having that concert come together and performing is on the highlight reel of my life.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
In a way, I think of my entire life since graduating college as one huge risk. I chose to forego a typical path of employment to dive head first into the shark tank that is the music industry, and it certainly isn’t for everyone. Rejection and doubt are certainties, and there is no clear path or finish line that defines success. That being said, if your passion burns hot enough, it doesn’t feel like a risk at all, because every day you wake up knowing that you’re one step closer to manifesting the art that’s inside of you. All the greatest things in this world lie behind risk and the fear of failure, whether it’s skydiving, starting your own business, or falling in love. As far as I’m concerned, all we can do is embrace those feelings and enjoy the ride.
Contact Info:
- Email: carbonlovemusic@gmail.com
- Website: carbonlove.net
- Instagram: @love.carbon
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHXjzm9PJ1xwpMbd4yUjuiw
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0KUGKdWkxRWq709xVFKNb6?si=twOFSu2DQUupOIbOr3Gsmg&dl_branch=1
- Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/carbon-love/1449006322
