Alestar Digby’s recent Roxy performance show-cased his talent and explosive stage presence accented by Digby’s detail for classic rock fashion and performance as a lead vocalist and lead guitarist. Before relocating to Los Angeles, Alestar Digby had a significant following in Austin, Texas with his band Gentleman Jake and the Beat Elite. Now he’s performing with Austin Nicholsen (bass, backup vocals) and David Jordan (drums) to complete his powerhouse musical trio that has already gained him many fans in Hollywood including Sean McNabb (Quiet Riot, Great White) and Punkin Pie (club promoter) was advertising Alestar Digby’s Roxy show. Originally from New Jersey, Digby was a child prodigy on the piano and then proceeded to mastering the drums while attending the Manhattan School of Music studying classical composition along with learning soul, blues, and funk paving the way for him to be an upcoming classic rock artist on the Hollywood scene already having performed at the Roxy and other major clubs that include the Key Club, the House of Blues, Troubadour, and at The Gig. AAM caught up with Alestar Digby and discovered that he brings talent, style, and kindness as a new face in the rebirth of classical rock n roll in Hollywood.
July 13, 2006
By Laura Phillips
AAM: What is your inspiration to create music?
AD: I hear songs in my head that need to be written. People and relationships, good and bad, also inspire me. I am really into experience. Many of my life experiences are reflected in my music.
AAM: You’re known for being supportive of other bands as well as having celebrity rockers come to yours. How important do you feel it is for bands to be supportive of each other?
AD: It is good to support other bands because you can learn a lot from watching them perform. In Austin, the bands supported each other more. Here, there isn’t as much of that. There are a few small pockets here and there, but it’s too bad there isn’t more.
AAM: Who are your influences?
AD: The Beatles, The Doors, Led Zeppelin, and The Who.
AAM: What is your rock music fashion sense?
AD: I believe that rock and fashion go hand in hand. I have never been much for wearing ratty t-shirts and jeans on stage. I think the audience deserves to have something interesting to look at, something that is artistic and cool. I love the kings of style, David Bowie, Prince, and Elton John.
AAM: How was the transition of going from a child prodigy on the piano to a front man as an adult modernizing classic rock with your guitar?
AD: It was difficult because I never took guitar lessons, and I took piano lessons since I was 5. I taught myself how to play drums so I figured I could teach myself guitar, but I found the guitar to be a much harder instrument to play. I always loved the guitar, and I was determined to rock. It was also difficult because being a child prodigy is almost like a novelty, and when you are older you just have to be damn good without any gimmicks.
AAM: What are your future music plans?
AD: In July, I am doing a CD release of my new album called Looked Around The World. I plan to continue to be the person that inspires people and continuously makes things happen. I will never stop believing in being a great artist and sharing my music with the world.
AAM: What advice do you have for other musicians coming up?
AD: Music is a way of life not a hobby. The Grateful Dead have a song called “Jackstraw,” and the lyrics say, “We used to play for silver, now we play for life.” I play for life, and I will never stop playing. My advice is to never be in it for the money or the women, be in it for the music.
AAM: What other information would you like to share with the readers of All Access Magazine?
AD: The longevity of rock relies on the audience, not the media machine that feeds us glitz. I’m a purist. You don’t need fancy sets and dancing girls to capture the imagination of a generation. Long Live Rock...
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