Interview by Jason Setnyk | Submitted Photo
Cornwall, Ontario – Alex Hunter is a multi-instrumentalist from Cornwall, Ontario, who has participated in many music projects and local events. He is well known as the lead vocalist of the hard rock band Don’t Tell Sarah from the SDSG area. Alex has an intense passion for the electrifying feeling of live performance and thrives in bringing high-energy live music to audiences far and wide.
Don’t Tell Sarah is set to take the stage alongside an impressive lineup of performers, including Trailer Five, for a variety show on Saturday, May 20th, 2023. The event will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion on 415 Second Street West in Cornwall, Ontario. Doors will open at 6:30 pm, giving attendees ample time to get settled and grab a drink before the show starts at 7:00 pm. It will be an unforgettable evening of entertainment you won’t want to miss.
Five Questions with The Seeker
1 – What made you want to become a musician?
“Ever since I was young, I was lucky enough to be surrounded by musicians and blues/rock music. My father, Scott Hunter, is a seasoned guitar player and vocalist who showed me the basics growing up. Being given opportunities to play with more experienced musicians at a young age opened my eyes and showed me how fun and euphoric live performance can be.”
2 – What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?
“Being someone who grew up participating in school plays and was always considered theatrical and outgoing, I have learned that my true passion is making others feel something special. Sharing the energy with an audience keeps my passion flowing, and it’s an adrenaline rush to see people get up and move to the sound you are making. There’s nothing quite like it.”
3 – What’s your process for dealing with performance anxiety?
“99% of the time, there is always some pre-show anxiety; even though I have done many shows before, I still get an uneasy feeling. I feel like this feeling comes from knowing Don’t Tell Sarah is a super high-energy live act and that I will be running around and screaming my head off for the next hour. It’s almost as if I’m hyping myself up for a workout if that makes sense. My best way to deal with it is to look back at previous performances, see how well they’ve gone, and boost my confidence enough to get up there and perform.”
4 – Tell us about your bandmates and what it’s like working with them.
“Vincent Montpetit Is the guitarist; I’m surprised this man’s fingers haven’t fallen off yet because there’s never a moment on stage where they’re not moving faster than a bullet train to Tokyo. Nicholas Upper is the drummer; I’d say he is probably the quietest one of the bunch, but definitely not when it comes to the sticks. I swear Nicholas burns the rubber off his shoes playing the drums; it’s always 100% with him. Jacob Kilger is the bassist and never ceases to amaze me, I could’ve sworn he sold his soul to inherit the powers of Jaco Pastorius and Les Claypool, but then again, I could just be superstitious. All in all, these guys are like brothers to me, and it’s always a party working with them.”
5 – Tell us about your last album or an upcoming one.
“Our last release was the 2022 EP “The Hangover.” It’s available at local stores such as Buds Records and can be purchased online. Don’t Tell Sarah has big plans this summer and is very excited to get things rolling with recording. We feel 2023 will be a big year for shows and tours, and we can’t wait to get out there and represent Cornwall and the SDSG area! Rock on!”
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