Alex Cartana

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Mallorca - steeped in ancient Mediterranean civilization, religion and bullfighting - enjoys a distinct and inimitable character of its own. All of which may go some way to explaining the singular calling of Mallorca-raised artist Alex Cartañá.
Leaving her family behind, at the tender age of 17, Alexs ambitious spirit decided it was time to broaden her horizons and commence the pursuit of her dreams, taking her to UK shores, where she has been a resident ever since. The gifted Anglo-Hispanic singer-songwriter blends the passionate flamboyance of her upbringing with the gritty urban authenticity of her current London home to make music with a unique breadth and spirit. Her looks mirror the exotic allure of stellar Latin blondes like Cameron Diaz or Madonna; indeed, while the latter blonde ambition is part of the resolutely focused Miss Cartañá game plan; her musical influences are even broader. Equally steeped in her mothers love of Motown and soul, as she is her fathers love of Brazilian and Latin guitar records, coupled with a life long respect for Michael Jackson, Alex's music injects cutting edge R&B, Latin, Soul, Jazz and funk with a vivid new array of colours. Her feisty debut single "Hey Papi" was a Latino-flavoured, R&B pop explosion that married the lyrical sensibility of Madonnas Papa Dont Preach to the funkier-than-thou chassis of Princes Alphabet Street. Despite the influences, it remains as much the inimitable 21st century sound of Alex Cartañá.
After shimmying into the music biz as an employee of a Marketing and Promotions company, (whilst reading a BA Degree in Business Studies & E-commerce, at the University of Westminster) and working as a club promoter for Def Jam and Death Row, Alex came into contact with Big Brovaz Entertainment who immediately recognised her fledgling talent. Swiftly teamed up with their production unit, Alexs exceptional voice and her inimitable sense of style couldnt help but impress, and tapes began rolling. Co-written by Alex, alongside Big Brovaz Entertainments hottest team, the resulting collection of songs, was blissfully eclectic, which spanned the spectrum from primary colour pop-soul to dusky, heartfelt ballads, via shades of soul and funk and a smudge of Ragga and Rock. Alexs strident vocals and lyrical savvy belie her youth, forging a collection of potent, melodic song writing.
Alex is already familiar with chart success. In the summer of 2003 she co-wrote and performed on the monster hit Shake It (Move A Little Closer) by Lee-Cabrera (notorious New York production duo Steven Lee and Albert Cabrera erstwhile collaborators with the likes of Aretha Franklin, Brian McKnight and Tori Amos). The single smashed into the Top 20, and Alex was swiftly flown to Malaga to shoot a video and perform in front of seven thousand rabid, bronzed music fans at the BBC Radio One Road Show in Ibiza.
Alexs song writing remains a serious, sober activity - one designed, for endurance as much as transient visceral thrills. The aforementioned Hey Papi, for example, was originally written about the relationship between Alex and her father, whom, after the tragic death of her elder sister, became over-protective. Despite the moving autobiographical background, the song has a universal appeal and will immediately chime with any woman who has been over-guarded by a male figure, be it a father, lover or husband. The sobriety of Alexs lyric writing is reflected in her own abstemious lifestyle. Music is her only indulgence these days since, as a frighteningly self-aware fifteen-year-old, she vowed never to touch alcohol or drugs. Life is too precious to throw away! was the only explanation she provided, for this decision.
Three years on from "Shake It", Albert Cabrera (of duo Lee-Cabrera) and Alex Cartañá have come together again. Their second collaboration is a dance-flavoured track entitled "Look At Me (Dig the Vibes)" which should be on the dancefloor as we speak! ~TO HEAR A SAMPLE, PLEASE VISIT ALBERT CABRERA'S PAGE!!~
In Addition to this, Alex is currently in the studio working on her DEBUT album, which she hopes will reflect her style and personality, this time with a more profound, sincere, focussed and adult approach to life. The album which is essentially pop will be quirky with soul influences.
Other projects which Alex has been involved with are;
"Freefonix", for which she has performed backing vocals.
"An Easy-Listening/Chill-Out" album with Producers Gavin Miller & James Raynolds, as well as singer-songwriter Emma Holland. "A Spanish influenced Cafe Del Mar" type album with Producer Rich Adlam.
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ALEX SUPPORTS:
Having seen my sister suffer & deteriorate from the disease, as well as having to witness her passing at just 22 years of age, Cancer is something I have known and had to live with since I was very young. I am terrified of it and that is why anything that could provoke it such as smoking, are definite No No's in my life! I pray for all those who have been touched in any way by this dreaded illness! -
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ALEX's FAVOURITES:
Bespoke Painting of Alex Cartañá by Kris Hardy.
Kris Hardy is a contemporary Artist who specialises in high quality, original contemporary canvas art for the home and commercial properties. Kris kindly offered to paint my potrait which can be seen on his website, under "Bespoke Previous Work."

Kris' MySpace : You may also find more information on him through his Myspace page, why not add him as a friend too?