Rising blues-rock artist Alex Kilroy steps into the spotlight with his powerful new single 'Break My Chains', a release that doubles as the title track of his forthcoming debut album. Blending smoky blues with psychedelic textures and desert-rock grit, the track introduces a guitarist whose sound feels both steeped in tradition and driven by something deeply personal.
Drawing inspiration from icons like Stevie Ray Vaughan and The Doors, Kilroy channels a timeless energy through expressive guitar work and a raw, soulful vocal delivery. Yet beneath the influences lies a story uniquely his own that stretches from his upbringing in Romania to a hard-fought journey through Europe and the United States in pursuit of creative freedom.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
-
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument that truly captured my heart was the bass guitar. At that time, I was already playing the piano, but I wasn’t particularly fond of it. One morning, my father surprised me with a Squire P-Bass by Fender and a Laney bass amp. I vividly recall plugging in the bass and almost missing school that day. That moment marked my introduction to the world of guitar.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Before discovering Stevie Ray Vaughan and the blues, I was listening to movie soundtracks, particularly the music from The Godfather, and attempting to recreate it solely by listening to it. Additionally, I was listening to a significant amount of Romanian folklore music at the time, as my father managed a successful folklore singer, and I was also playing it.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Since I grew up in the generation that had access to YouTube, I never had that feeling of buying my first album and playing it over and over again, but something similar happened when I was older and living in Philadelphia. A friend of mine gifted me Brand New Day by Sting and Come Away With Me by Norah Jones. I did play those two records a lot, and I still have them in the car to this day. I know I can stream the songs, but I like it better when I physically insert the CD in and listen to the album in order with no commercials and interruptions; it feels more intentional.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Definitely Fields of Gold by Sting. That song is a perfect 10 for me, just like Nadia Comăneci at the 1976 Olympics.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
The ritual, if you will, is to clear my mind of thoughts. The music emerges from silence and presence. I would set aside a specific time for writing and then sit in front of a piano, or hold a guitar waiting, much like fishing. Sometimes, something comes, and other times, you simply sit in silence, and nothing happens. You repeat this process the next day until it comes to you, and it will, as long as you create the space for it to manifest.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
My playlist at the moment features Sting, Joe Bonamassa, Eric Gales, Eric Clapton, Genesis, Buddy Guy, Robert Randolph, Hans Zimmer, Howard Shore, and it’s always growing.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
There are many legendary artists that I would love to open the show for, but to name a few would be: Sting, Joe Bonamassa, Eric Gales, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Eric Clapton. That’s my bucket list.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The most fulfilling aspect of being a musician is performing my music for an audience and sharing an electrifying energy with them. This experience never loses its magic.
And what is the most frustrating part?
There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work that has nothing to do with music, and it’s not always pleasant. I’m talking about the business side of things, but it’s necessary for the magic to happen. I’m grateful for my great team that helps me bring my vision to life.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Always maintain a scholarly attitude. If you’re the best in the band, you’re in the wrong band. Question everything, learn everything you can, absorb it like a sponge, and then filter it through your own perspective. Create something new with it, and of course, have fun and enjoy the ride.
-
Alex Kilroy's new single 'Break My Chains' is out now. Check it out in the player below.