Alex Genadinik is a singer-songwriter based in NYC. Alex’s music style is inspired by Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Leonard Cohen. His current single “The One Who Didn’t” is unique in that it uses Beethoven’s motif from Beethoven’s 5th Symphony in the song’s melody and lyrics. For his main work, Alex runs a training company for entrepreneurs at https://www.problemio.com and provides content licensing to companies via his PLR courses service: https://www.problemio.com/udemy/white-labeling-or-buying-udemy-courses.html
Interview by Tim Brown
When and why did you start playing?
I’ve been playing for a long time, but not seriously. About two years ago I began playing music and composing in a serious, professional, and organized manner.
Which famous musicians, do you admire? Why?
I am inspired by Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Leonard Cohen because they are good writers and their music has richness and depth. Many of their songs are the kinds of songs that stay with the listener for years. I try to also write meaningful music and lyrics. Here is a blog post where I discuss some of my more meaningful song lyrics.
Were you influenced by old records & tapes? Which ones?
There wasn’t a particular record, but I have to say that the first time I listened to Stairway To Heaven, it was some kind of an out-of-body experience that I still have not forgotten decades later.
Who are your favorite musicians? Groups? CDs?
I also like Russian singer-songwriters like Vladimir Vysotsky and Bulat Okudzhava. They are great writers with a lot of meaning in their music. I translated some of Okudzhava’s Russian songs to English. Here is the YouTube playlist with my translations of his music:
Have you been in competitions? Fleadh’s? Any prizes?
I have not entered any music or song competitions yet.
Do you perform in public? Describe those occasions? Concerts, radio, TV
I perform my music at a number of local bars around New York City. Next year I plan to do more of that. My focus is to grow my music online and live performances are second priority, but it’s great to share music with live audiences.
What makes this kind of music “good” to you?
I like meaningful music that is more than just fun or catchy melody. I like music that inspires.
Why did you choose to play this kind of music?
I wanted to create something beautiful for other people just like the artists who came before me and inspired me did for me. It’s just a good place to be – to create something meaningful with your work. That’s the best thing a person can be doing in my opinion.
Let’s Talk about your music and your last work…
My latest song is a contemporary song that uses Beethoven’s 5th Symphony motifs in its melody and lyrics. Beethoven’s 5th Symphony is widely recognized by its distinctive 4-note sound DA-DA-DA-DA which is a metaphor for your life knocking on your door, asking what you are doing with your life.
In this new song, this motif is used to haunt the main hero of the song and drive him mad asking himself what if he doesn’t achieve anything in his life. Here is a blog post where I have written more about this song: https://www.touchedbyasong.com/song/the-one-who-didnt-inspired-by-beethovens-5th-symphony/
How do you feel about the internet in the music business?
I feel that it’s a great opportunity. Decades ago, independent musicians had no real options to grow their music. Today, there is a lot of opportunities. The problem today is that there is also a lot of competition.
What are the plans for the future?
I plan to release more songs and hopefully do a bigger live show with a 1-hour set every month or two. Next year, my plan is to also re-do some of my earlier songs and make them sound more interesting. Once I have a solid library of popular songs, I’ll promote them on a big scale. Currently, I am only able to devote a part of my time to music because I run a company for my main work. My company focuses on business and professional training as well as licensing PLR courses. I am trying to find more time to devote to music, and hoping to be able to do so next year.
How has your music evolved since you first began playing music?
In addition to writing interesting lyrics, I am now trying to make my music sound more catchy. For a singer-songwriter, the main focus is lyrics. But for modern audiences, the songs have to be immediately catchy as well.
Could you briefly describe the music-making process?
I first focus on writing lyrics that I love. Then I find a melody that emphasizes those lyrics. After that, it’s time for gathering feedback and recording the song.
M.T.V.rock 