INTERVIEW: THE ALEC LEWIS GROUP ON MUSIC AND TRUST
All photos by Kiki Vassilakis
“I want the music to be uplifting and cheeky, not too heavy. The songs are meant to be fun and keep the energy alive, so I steer clear of anything that would kill the vibe.”
On a cold, rainy November evening, Alec Lewis and his band created a vibrant escape for the crowd at Lark Hall. From the storytelling and improv to their undeniable chemistry, the group ignited an energy that was both fun and genuine. On a night when the dreary conditions outside begged for staying in, The Alec Lewis Group delivered a performance that made everyone forget the bad weather—the room filled with rhythm, smiles, and an undeniable warmth.
After the show, I chatted with Alec and the rest of the guys, tapping into the stories behind their songs, their dynamic on stage, and what pushes them to keep making music. Here’s a look into their world.
Sarah Michelle Sherman: One of your songs, “Don’t Cross Me”, stood out as such a vivid story. Can you tell me where the inspiration came from?
Alec Lewis: That one’s actually autobiographical, unlike most of my songs. I grew up attending Catholic school, and when you got in trouble, they made you do chores. I remember doing crosswalk duty at an elementary school—it was a kind of responsibility they gave students back then. Now, I live across from a school with an actual crossing guard, and seeing that sparked the idea. It’s funny how a small memory can turn into a song decades later.
SMS: Your music is clearly rooted in storytelling, but it also feels so light and fun. How do you balance those two aspects?
AL: I’ve always loved telling stories—big fan of musical theater and that vibe of creating a narrative. But I also want the music to be uplifting and cheeky, not too heavy. The songs are meant to be fun and keep the energy alive, so I steer clear of anything that would kill the vibe.
SMS: Speaking of energy, tonight’s crowd was amazing. Everyone looked so happy, which felt like such a contrast to the miserable weather lately. How did you feel about the performance?
AL: The crowd was great—lots of friends and family, but also some people I didn’t know, which is always exciting. It’s cool seeing people just genuinely enjoying themselves. I think that energy feeds into our performance.
Josh Radigan: Yeah, Alec has this great system for leading us on stage. He uses intensity cues, like numbers, to guide the energy. It’s super helpful for those open jam sections.
SMS: Wait, tell me more about that!
AL: So, during a solo or an open jam, I’ll call out numbers—one through four—based on the dynamic level I want. Like, if we’re at a “two,” that’s the normal vibe of the song. If I want to bring it down, I’ll say “one,” or if I want to build it up, I’ll say “three” or “four.” It keeps things tight but still allows for organic improvisation.
SMS: That sounds like such a unique way to communicate on stage. Does it ever lead to surprises?
Joe Sorbero: Definitely. Alec’s instincts are amazing, so we trust him. It keeps things fresh, and the crowd loves it when we let loose.
SMS: It’s clear there’s a lot of trust within the band. What’s the common thread that holds you all together, not just as musicians but as people?
AL: Adaptability, for sure. Everyone here is quick to adjust, whether it’s on stage or in life. We’re all good friends, too, which makes a huge difference. There’s no ego, just a lot of mutual respect and support.
JR: Alec’s vision is what ties it all together. He’s not just a great songwriter but also a fantastic leader. We all believe in what we’re creating, and that makes it easy to give our all.
SMS: You’ve built something really special. Do you ever think about where this journey is heading?
AL: The dream is to keep making music and connecting with people. Whether it’s through our songs or the energy at our shows, it’s all about that shared experience.
Keep up with The Alec Lewis Group via Instagram, and be sure to catch them live this Friday, 12/20 at 518Craft in Troy.