Multi-talented musician Alex Djedid has graced St Barts with his melodic presence for the last couple of years. Alex likes to share his love of music by performing to island audiences; while his teaching skills allow others to follow his musical path.
Which instruments do you play?
I have been playing the guitar and singing since the age of eleven, over sixteen years. I have also learned to play the piano, bass guitar and drums and I am now endeavouring to master the double bass.
Can you tell me about your journey as a musician?
My father is a guitarist, an amateur yet passionate musician. Since childhood, I have been influenced by his love of music, together with his open mind and curiosity for learning. I taught myself how to play the guitar and formed a band with friends; I also became the vocalist, by default. My keen interest in music led me to take guitar and piano lessons in order to further my knowledge. My music studies continued at University, which was then followed by a teacher training course.
What brought you to St Barts?
Friends of mine living on the island encouraged me to join them. I first arrived here in September 2020, just after graduating and following the Covid confinement when there was no work available for a musician. I decided that it was time for a new chapter.
There is something special about St Barts, not only its tropical climate but the positive ambiance and upbeat attitude of the people. There is a vast cross-section of characters from different backgrounds, making life full of interesting encounters.
Do you work full-time as a musician?
I teach part-time at St Barts Harmony and I also have private students. The rest of the time I work as a musician.
Where can we see you perform and who are your clients?
I mostly perform at hotels, bars and restaurants. I also play at private events such as weddings and cocktail parties. I equally perform on the quay for the St Barts regattas and local festivals. The clients that I teach (privately and at St Barts Harmony) cover a wide range of age groups, from 6 to 66 years old.
What type of music do you like to play?
I particularly enjoy rock and roll and blues, which is the genre that I played with my band. I also like to play a wide variety of music from jazz to Latino, classical and popular music. I am a great fan of Jimi Hendrix with his classic rock and 70s psychedelic music. In addition, I admire rock guitarists Joe Bonamassa and Steve Vaï. My favourite vocalists are Beth Hart, Jim Morrison and Serge Gainsbourg.
Do you compose any of your own music?
My compositions are an important part of my life as a musician; it is a great way to express myself. I compose music for different instruments and I also write lyrics, mostly in French. I released an EP in 2014 with a professional band; and I am currently working on a new solo album, which is going to be bilingual, featuring blues and pop.
What are your ambitions?
I would love to release my album, to play it live and share it with the world. I also want to keep working on St Barts and evolve in my musical career, while touring and performing on other islands.
What do you like to do in your downtime on St Barts?
I love the island’s beautiful beaches where I like to swim and snorkel; and I occasionally go sailing. St Barts’ sunsets are quite unique, so when the sun goes down you will often find me at La Pointe or on Public beach. In addition, I like to follow the musical events here on the island, to learn through exchanging ideas and hearing others play.
Is there anything specific you would like to say to the readers of Coccoloba?
I would like to invite Coccoloba readers to watch me perform and to get to know my music. It would also be good to meet them and exchange life stories. Furthermore, it would be a pleasure to play at their private events; and I would equally enjoy teaching those keen to learn an instrument.
