From the darkness of the van to the cosiness of the dressing room at The Garage in London I chat to ALXNDR about recent changes, working in the studio and dating preferences.

Here we meet again. It hasn’t been long since I spoke to Newcastle trio and yet they’ve managed to make a mess in the line-up and the name of the band, drop an EP and embark on UK headline tour. Again.

A few changes then.

Since the last tour we are now a three-piece band – says Anth Snowdon (vocals / guitar). We love our boy Jamie but he didn’t want to go on a next step with us and that’s cool. Also, we’ve released five-track RWND EP which is awesome. Maybe I shouldn’t have said that – that sounds arrogant. Releasing it was awesome.

Yeah, don’t buy it – James Simpson (bass) laughs.

We put out five tracks we’d worked on over the last year – Anth continues. And it’s worked out really well. It climbed up the iTunes chart and people had gone pretty nuts at the time. We’re pretty happy about that. And now this tour – so yeah things are going pretty good now.

I suppose, a quote from one of my favourite writers of all time – Stephen Chbosky – will fit perfectly in here.

Things change. And friends leave. Life doesn’t stop for anybody.

Even the slightest change can make a huge difference but the band seems to be very cool about the leaving of their former guitarist. There are great things waiting for them. They are also excited about tonight’s sold out show. Especially with the last night going down pretty crazy. Two nights at The Garage in London? Not bad.

But what with that name of the band?

Everybody thinks we hid vowels – the singer explains. But we didn’t. It was really just because we wanted an identity that was understandable. We love the name Alexander and we love the way it goes up people’s tongues. But I think it’s just a name. Right now if you google Alexander you’ll get just some dude called Alexander. Having the abbreviation gives us our own identity.

Looks like the 90’s infused alternative trio is ready for some new things. Any new material coming out soon?

I think we always approach development and change

Maybe – Drew Michael (drums) answers vaguely.

We might just become astronauts or something – Anth seems to consider every option. I think we always approach development and change. I think we feel strongly about experiment and trying new things and being inspired by other things even if it’s not music. Just being inspired by anything. The minimalism of music. I think at the moment whilst writing we’re not trying to over-flood it. We’re just thinking about the song, thinking about the little things that make it smile. Hearing that little thing in a track that brings some colour in.

Alright, but what about their relationship? Any figts?

No, we don’t fight – says James.

Honestly. All bands say ‘No’ but literally I’m trying to think if we ever fight… – Anth goes on. James often snores but it’s not his fault. It’s just what happens.

I talk too much that’s why I’m not talking right now – Drew cuts in.

I’m too much like stress head sometimes – adds Anth. We don’t really argue. We’ve been best friends for years.

And we love it – Drew sums up.

As the conversation unravels we revisit the past and the guys share some nice stories and secrets [including dating preferences].

I’ve always loved Shania Twain – James mentions. She’s adorable.

I’m still really inspired by The O.C. – the lead singer recalls. It’s like my favourite show. When I was ten I actually took a day off in school just to watch it. Actually, a couple of times I was ill just to watch a TV series. Anything about gossip – I love it! And Richard Bilson. The half of the reasons I watch The O.C. Fine, it’s not.

There’s always a babe in a film – Drew makes a comment about Anth‘s interests in movies. And I even get a few recommendations. I don’t usually watch a lot of television but only recently I’ve been watching “Vinyl”. It’s like Goodfellas meet the recording industry. They see how the artists are treated, how the label works, its corruption with drugs. I don’t know how much it’s changed now but you should watch it.

I definitely will. Sounds promising.

Following that babes track we play some “Snog, Marry, Avoid” game at the end. The options given are Rihanna [James goes straight away for Avoid – yep, I’d do the same], Taylor Swift and Cara Delevingne when I hear from Drew – Who is the last one?

What I would love to do is actually go for a coffee with all of them first – Anth thinks out loud. Get to know them a bit. But I’d avoid Rihanna, I’d snog Taylor and marry Cara cause she seems like she has a cool personality.

And James agrees on that whilst Drew is making up his mind a bit longer.. Ok Rihanna – a party animal so I’d snog her. Marry Taylor cause we’ve both got the same natal charts in astrology. We’d be compatible. [James makes a comment saying – She thinks that as well. No need for a coffee date.] And the last one – what’s her name? Yeah, I’d avoid her.

Oh well, I might actually try that astrology thing on a date sometime. It’s worth a try, isn’t it?