Alex Nunes shares new single, “Fear Of Being Erased” (Interview)

Alex Nunes’ New Single ‘Fear Of Being Erased’ Invites Listeners on a Soulful Journey of Reflection and Self-Discovery

Singer-songwriter Alex Nunes from Toronto, Ontario, renowned for his ability to craft gentle folk music that touches the soul, is proud to announce the release of his new single, “Fear Of Being Erased.” This reflective and melancholic track delves into life’s impermanence, inviting listeners on a journey of contemplation and self-discovery.

Thanks to Toronto’s vibrant musical landscape, Nunes has carved a niche for himself with his profound ability to resonate deeply with his audience. Blending heartfelt storytelling with rich folk stylings, he captures emotions that linger in the hearts of listeners long after the music ends. Guided by an artistic philosophy that emphasizes the transformative power of emotions, Nunes uses his unique voice and a variety of instruments to weave intricate harmonies. His compositions are not merely songs, but gateways to emotional landscapes, where listeners can explore themes of grief, transience, and the captivating beauty of life.

“Fear Of Being Erased” is the latest result of Nunes’s decade-long dedication to songwriting and performing. Inspired by the winter of 2017, the track began to take shape in the basement of his childhood home in Ajax, Ontario. Immersed in the study of music production and audio engineering, Nunes recorded the first versions of this piece, laying the foundation for an introspective musical journey. Collaboration has been critical to the song’s evolution. Producer Jonathan Sloan and horn player Bruce MacKinnon added their expertise, infusing the track with an ethereal and haunting quality. Alfio Anibalinni, a college professor and mix engineer, lent his skills to refine further the sonic tapestry of “Fear Of Being Erased.”

The song starts gently, with simple guitars and Nunes’ bell-like voice, with MacKinnon’s soundscaping horn section dancing around and complimenting Nunes’ melodies. At the two-third mark, the song takes an unexpected turn, with electric guitars, bass, and drums coming in. This allows us to appreciate the fragile and sad nature of the song’s first section.

Nunes’s personal experiences underline the song’s depth,

“The passing of my brother, Dominic magnified the urgency behind the release of “Fear Of Being Erased.” This personal tragedy intensified my connection to the themes of the fleeting yet beautiful nature of life.”

He goes on to say,

“At its core, “Fear Of Being Erased” serves as a poignant reminder to myself and, hopefully, to all who lend their ears, of the importance of contemplating our mortality so that we may find a deeper connection to what our lives truly mean to us.”

In its thematic resonance and evocative melodies, “Fear Of Being Erased” has drawn comparisons to the works of revered artists like Phosphorescent, Bonnie’ Prince’ Billy, and Songs: Ohia. Nune’s folk-inspired soundscape and introspective lyricism evoke a similar emotive quality found in the Magnolia Electric Co. album.

Lyrically it’s retrospective and poignant, with Nunes able to easily create a sense of feeling around the track.

‘When everything you love disintegrates
When everything you want evaporates
When you’re a spec afloat in outer space
Is that the fear you have of being erased?’

Nunes’s musical journey is not just an artistic endeavour; it’s a form of therapy, a means of connecting with his own emotions, and a channel for communicating the ineffable. With “Fear Of Being Erased,” he aims to forge that connection with audiences, inviting them to contemplate their place in the universe and the beauty that can be found in life’s fleeting moments.

Care to introduce yourself?

My name is Alex Nunes, and I’m a singer-songwriter from Toronto. I’m also an audio engineer, mixer, film composer, producer, and camera assistant in the film industry.

Tell us about the process of writing and recording “Fear Of Being Erased.”

I wrote the song in my childhood bedroom in Ajax, Ontario. The inspiration for it hit me without warning. I wrote it all in one sitting. I find that my most spontaneously-written songs end up being my favourites.

At the time, I was enrolled in Seneca’s Independent Music Production program and was learning how to record music. Shortly after writing the song, I went into my basement with my laptop and some cheap microphones and started recording it. Everything you hear in the song – other than the horns – were recorded in that basement. The next steps involved sending it to friends, getting feedback, making tweaks, and hiring Jonathan Sloan as co-producer. Jonathan then hired Bruce Mackinnon to play horns. To me, writing and demoing songs are always the easiest part of the process; it’s the following steps (editing, tweaking, re-recording, re-imagining, etc.) that feel the most laborious.

What’s it like being a musician in Toronto, ON?

I think Toronto is a great place to be a musician and an artist. There’s a huge community of musicians, producers, audio engineers, mixers, dancers, and filmmakers in need of scores – all working in symbiosis with each other. In my experience, they’re all kind and brilliant people. If you take advantage of meeting all the great artists who are out there making beautiful music and art, you can help be a part of the magic.

Who was the first and most recent Canadian artist to blow you away?

First: Neil Young – I remember the first time I heard “Tell Me Why” and just being blown away. It made me feel something that no other song had.

Most recent: Star Athlete. They don’t have anything out yet but they’re a fantastic duo (Amelia Waud and Charlotte Lytle). Follow them on Instagram :^)