In the face of life’s most profound challenges, Alex Herd is a London-based artist who distils his experience as he grapples with a life-limiting MND (ALS) illness into his original sonic output. Diagnosed at the age of 30, Alex has channeled his complex emotions and a renewed sense of creativity into a prolific musical journey.
Herd’s musical influences, ranging from Radiohead and Thom Yorke to Muse, Moderat, Jon Hopkins and Rival Consoles, shape his unique sound. Using his laptop, software, samples and his own vocal recordings, Herd produces and mixes all of his music entirely himself.
With his renewed sense of creative drive, in 2022 he released his official debut single with the track titled “Ash.” Returning the next year, he dropped two versions of the song “Nostalgia” with a piano version and an electronic version capturing two different sides of the composition.
Off the back of his single “No Surprises,” he now brings us his latest release with the new single titled “Sign.” Recorded and produced in his bedroom studio, “Sign” serves up a truly epic alternative pop experience from flows from delicate moments of soothing melodic bliss to the lofty highs of synth-driven energy.
Opened by the soft tones of piano, gently echoing with delay, Alex Herd’s moving vocal performance starts with elegant lines that float among the shifting arrangement. Warm string textures glide in as his voice takes flight before the uptempo taps of percussion usher in a laid back beat-focused sound.
Rapidly pattering to drive the plinks of piano, the artist casts an emotive scene full of beautiful melodies and heartfelt lyricism. Gradually building up with the force of layered synths and raised intensity in the drums, Alex Herd’s dancing vocals cap a theatrical sound that channels the grandiosity of his influences from Muse.
Commenting on his musical endeavour, he shares a poignant message, “Living with a terminal illness is terrifying and I’m not sure how long I have left but, by making music, I’m at least able to leave a piece of myself behind.”
Listen to Sign below
More from Music
New music from Serge & The Currents
Melbourne-based musician Sergio Ercole has spent more than four decades building a life around the guitar, moving between classical and …
IRONA releases new single “Marble White”
From New York to London, IRONA is an Istanbul-based artist whose music takes inspiration from a sense of place while …
Shumo AG releases brand new single
Australian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Shumo AG is developing a musical world that stretches far beyond his young age. Balancing school …
