The 9ines
“Number of the harmony, it represents the inspiration & the perfection of the ideas”
The Bolton News article from June 23rd 2011.
Drummer Alex steps up to the front to lead The 9ines
MUSICIAN Alex Wright, from The 9ines, spent his time in his last band tucked away behind his drum kit — so how did he suddenly become the frontman?
“It’s bizarre!” says the 25-yearold. “I’ve always sung and done bits, but I shied away from it for a few years when I was playing drums. But now it feels pretty natural, although that might sound a bit silly.”
Alex, a former Thornleigh Salesian College pupil, was studying at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts when he met fellow musician Justin Gregson and the pair started writing music for adverts together.
It was during this time their songs were heard by Leonie Hallam, who was so impressed by the boys that she signed them up to her management company. It was also Leonie’s idea to give part of the profits from each single sale to the National Autistic Society, as her son was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. Money from sales will also be going towards LAM Action, which helps patients with the rare lung disorder lymphangioleiomyomatosis.
One single, Walk Tall, is available to download now, with the second, Be Free, released on July 24.
“Leonie put us in touch with Barrie Barlow, the Jethro Tull drummer, and we did some recording in his studio,” Alex says. “Suddenly it’s become this band that somehow I’m fronting!”
So was it intimidating for Alex to play in front of one of the most respected drummers in rock history?
“It’’s amazing — he’s top notch. At first it did feel a bit strange playing in front of him, but he’s a really nice, down to earth, funny guy.”
Alex has had a few tips from old school pal, McFly’s Danny Jones, who he supported at the MEN Arena with his old outfit, We See Foxes.
“He has mixed a few of our tracks for us, and hopefully he’ll be getting involved in a few things in future although we need to sort that out.”
For now, the duo are planning to go back into the studio to finish their album, before heading out to promote it.
It looks like Alex might just have to get used to being in the spotlight for a little longer.