We were lucky to catch up with Alex Edwards recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alex, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Growing up, I learned how to play guitar by being in a band with some of my best friends in high school. I was trying to figure out how to play guitar while at the same time learning how to play shows and play with other musicians. I was learning my craft by actively doing it with others. I’m so thankful I was able to come up that way!

I always have to be learning and trying to push my musical boundaries so I can be the best version of myself. Music is always evolving so I think it’s important to not get stuck doing the same thing over and over. Taking regular inventory of where you are at and how you can keep things new and fresh is important!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve been touring and recording music for the last 15+ years. I played voila from a young age in my elementary school orchestra and kept playing in orchestras through high school, but never had an intense connection to it. I appreciated it but knew I didn’t want to do it forever. I started playing guitar in early high school because my best friends were starting a band and needed another guitarist. I figured it would be good way to learn guitar and hang with them even more. Because I was comfortable around a stringed instrument, I became obsessed with the guitar and quickly knew I wanted to make a career of it. I had found my passion.

Music has taken me all over the world and been able to show me some pretty insane and ridiculous experiences I thought I’d never be able to witness. I’m grateful that my job has put me in situations that has shown me so much humanity and different cultures.

Besides playing live and touring, I do studio sessions and play guitar on songs for all types of artists. I also make guitar sample packs under the name SHREDWARDS that I sell on my own. I just came out with a new pack and called it Mk.Shredwards. I’m especially excited about this pack because there isn’t any other guitar sample pack out there like this one. I’m using a specific piece of gear (Roland Vg8 synth guitar system) that is hard to come by these days and sounds super unique. I’m proud to put something out that hasn’t been done before.

Sample packs are a great way for producers to use my unique sounds and have my thumbprint on their music in a convenient way without hiring me to come to the studio. I’m leaning into that pretty hard at the moment and am excited to see where it takes me.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Now more than ever it’s important to hold space for artists. With everything happening in the world, art is one of the few ways humanity can universally connect. It gives us a voice and to be heard. With attention spans at an all time low, it feels impossible to even get anyone to care, but quality art can still cut through the noise and move people. It’s harder than ever to be an artist but as important as ever.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

To be as real to myself as I can. Sounds cliche, but authenticity goes such a long way with my job. I often work with people I’m meeting for the first time and it takes a lot of trust to make music with someone new. Approaching that situation with humility and openness to learn has set me up for success way quicker than coming into a new situation with a big ego. It is what keeps me getting called back for work compared to doing a one time gig.

Contact Info:

• Website: shredwards.com and alexdeanedwards.com
• Instagram: @alexdeanedwards