Travelling is a journey that spurs greater insight within an person. This was certainly the case for traveler and singer/songwriter, Greater Alexander. As others before him, Greater Alexander has explored the road and now offers his melodic and lush sounds as a memoir of his travels. He spent time adrift in the islands of Greece, digging at an archaeological site in Aiani, near Thessaloniki (Northern Greece), and bunked in hostels in Belgium, Amsterdam, Berlin, Munich, Salzburg, Cinque Terre, Florence, Piza, and Venice.
“There’s some fantastical fear that comes into play when you decide to hop from a plane and then onto a boat and go to a random destination, let alone an island. But, if you don’t take action to do it, you’ll never know what amazing things you’ll get to see or experience if you hold on to self limiting beliefs. I once found myself in the southerly most part of Europe, on the island of Gavdos, in Greece. It was a peculiar island that lies on the Lybian sea with a population of around 50.
Gavdos also has a ghost town. The ghost town reminded me a lot of my hometown, Detroit. Walking around the deserted mini city, seeing cart loads of furniture and children toys in small piles on the side of the road.
How did I get here?
The only thing that made things feel different was a shoreline with a deep blue sea and small ‘tavernas’ planted alongside. I found myself understanding my existence. To be there walking these empty woven paths, being alive and knowing that the space was created to be admired. Something different and new is around every corner when you are a traveler.
Gavdos even had an iconographer who found solace making icon paintings in a nearby cave. Could it possibly be a dream? Or was I approaching a reality that led to what I was experiencing musically? As an aspiring musician, I found lyrics and musical ideas coming together as I experienced my surroundings.I urge anybody reading to take a leap to somewhere new.
Go outside your home base. Find a way to feel alive. Places are waiting to be seen. ”
Now settled in Detroit, Greater Alexander has released his 12-track debut album, Positive Love which has been enriched and affected by his travels around Europe.
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