MEMBERS: Alexander Charos (vocals, guitar), Philip Charos (drums), Chase Swan (guitar, lap steel)
St. Petersburg-based New Granada Records-repped Alexander and the Grapes have been active in Tampa Bay for upwards of six years, producing recordings from the Charos brothers’ home-based Yoko Phono studios for half that time – both their own material, side and solo projects, and that of numerous other fine quality locals — and offering limited cassette and vinyl releases under their own Viva La Records imprint. The band went through a rather intriguing stylistic transition between 2012 debut Hemispheres and this year’s Hyper Self – less folk, twang and stylistic timidity, more garage pop, vintage psych and ‘90s-flecked indie rock confidence — though primary songwriter Alexander Charos said the material was recorded almost two years ago, in the fall of 2014, and he’d just been “sitting on it” for a while. Another Grapes album is already written, however, they’ve been performing a few of the songs live, and plan to record it this fall. “The new Grapes stuff is a sister record to Hyper Self. It delves deeper into some of the same themes but musically it’s more in your face.” Also coming up from Grapes members: an outing from Alexander’s side project, Alexander & the Venus (“a marriage of my favorite music of the 1960s and my favorite science fiction”), a solo album from Philip Charos, and a record from Ninehorn, the project of guitarist/lap steel player Chase Swan.
Next show dates: August 12 with Look Mexico, at New World Brewery, Ybor City; October 20, Fest 15, Gainesville.
RIYL: Guided By Voices, Wilco, Sebadoh, Pavement
Self-styled sound: “Melancholia pop.”
How Alexander & the Grapes is building an audience: “Touring is really to the best way to get your band out there. We released Hemispheres in 2012 and did a lot of touring in support of that album into 2014. After that record, I realized that to really make the music I want that I would need my own studio and so I focused my energy and resources into that for the past couple years instead of touring. But now, with our new record out, we are hitting the road in the fall! It’s been a while and we’re very stoked to tour again.”
Alexander and the Grapes’ favorite local artist: “Jacob Campbell aka Soft Hoagie Rolls. Love the dude and his art. He directed the ‘Heavy Days’ video and we’ve collaborated on hosting a few events at my old shop Blond (R.I.P.).”
Ultimate goal, or desired outcome, with your music?: "Like the Snake, the Cross, the Crown said, 'I wanna live on a stage / I wanna play the guitar / and I wanna get paid / but no responsibilities, please / I wanna do what I want / and I wanna get paid.'"
Hardest thing about trying to build a career out of music: "Being in tune."
Any big news? What’s coming up?: "Lots of music and touring."
What songs get the most positive feedback in a live setting?: "We've been playing all of Hyper Self at our latest shows and that's been fun for the band. I have noticed people coming up and complimenting the new unreleased songs that we've been doing live."
Favorite show you’ve played in recent memory?: The Viva La Records Mixtape release at The Bends on Cassette Store Day was a killer show. Jensen Serf Co, the Grapes, The Other Ryan Willis, and Ninehorn played. A lot of the bands that were on the tape showed up and it was an overall stellar night of hangs.
Favorite town you’ve played? "Shreveport, La. wins for hospitality and party. The local band helped us get our van running when we broke down and all the touring bands played poker for gas money."
Favorite local venue?: "Crowbar."
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This article appears in Jul 14-21, 2016.