QUARANTINE PROFILE: Alexander Wren
We’ve launch a new profile series to highlight how artists are spending their time during quarantine. Several times a week we’ll highlight a new artist across the globe and see how they’re keeping busy during COVID-19 lockdowns.
We caught up with Nashville’s Alexander Wren to see how he’s been spending his quarantine. Alexander has been one of our favorite authentic songwriters we’ve come across as of late. His songs give a sense of nostalgia while living in modern times. There’s something to love about starting off the day with an easy listening song and Alexander brings that. Scroll down to see what show he’s been watching for 15 hours straight and savoring the lockdown.
Alexander Wren Online: Spotify | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
How have you been staying busy during quarantine? (or not keeping busy is totally fine too)
I haven't been staying busy- that's the best part. At a time when everyone is flocking to social media or zoom to virtually connect, I've intentionally unplugged from everything. You'd be surprised at what happens when you take away your phone. I mean really take it away. Have you ever seen how long you can just sit and do nothing? No music. No Netflix. Just you and your own silence.
Song (or album) you’ve had on repeat:
Anything I wouldn't have found myself listening to before. Not in English? Give it to me. Not easy listening? Give it to me. Red-dirt country? Give it to me. I have a 'Surviving COVID-19' playlist which includes all of my favorites on Spotify!
If you could only watch one film or TV show for the rest of time what would it be?
Right now it would be, The Office. I binged the whole show for the first time throughout quarantine... I learned that Erin Hannon is the love of my life. Oh, and I watched Spongebob for fifteen hours one day... Why not?
Things keeping Alexander sane: I’ve been spending time writing
What’s the best advice you’ve received during this time?
My dad told tipped me off to a parable. It goes like this...
A Harvard grad goes to Mexico and sees a fisherman. He compliments the fisherman on his catch and asks about his profession. The fisherman explains that he only catches a few fish; then he goes and rests, plays with his family, learns the guitar, and in the evening he drinks with his friends. The Harvard grad tells him that he should catch more fish. With those extra sales he can buy a boat, then turn that boat into a fleet, and that fleet into a marina- he could make millions! The fisherman gets excited and then asks what he'd do after he invested all of the time and made the millions. To this the Harvard grad says... Well, after that, you can rest, play with your family, learn the guitar, and in the evening drink with your friends!
What do you hope we take away from this?
Perspective and balance. These in the sense of remembering why I do what I do. Why do something that isn't eternal? Why do something that doesn't make you or someone else happy? If you aren't checking any of those boxes, you might as well stop... What meaning does it have? Well, what meaning does anything have, really? ; )
Anything new we should know about that you’re working on?
Yes! While I've had to cancel close to fifty tour dates (big bummer), I'm excited to be sitting on five new singles that will begin releasing early fall. These will be included on my first record!