Ian Alexy

Ian Alexy is a seasoned guitarist, singer-songwriter rooted in the American folk-rock tradition. On his latest album, The Tao of Ian, he expands that foundation by incorporating West African rhythmic ideas first explored during a period of music study in Ghana. In live solo performances, Alexy uses looping and guitar effects to build layered arrangements, creating a dynamic and immersive sound. A Berklee College of Music–trained musician and founding member of Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank, Alexy brings depth, presence and decades of experience to the stage.

Long form bio:

Ian Alexy is a guitarist,singer-songwriter rooted in the tradition of American folk rock, with a career shaped by decades of performing, recording, and collaboration. Much of his earlier work draws from the lineage of artists like Bob Dylan and Tom Petty—song-centered, melodic music built on strong storytelling. 

His latest album, The Tao of Ian, marks a distinct chapter in his songwriting. During the isolation of the pandemic, Alexy developed a new approach to writing that differed from his usual process. He began building a group of songs inspired by rhythmic ideas he first encountered during a three-month period of music study in Ghana. Rather than redefining his entire catalog, the album adds West African rhythmic concepts into his folk-rock foundation. By combining open guitar tunings—an influence drawn from players such as Nick Drake and Jimmy Page—with subtle polyrhythmic structures inspired by artists like Ali Farka Touré, Alexy found a new way for himself to create music.

The resulting material is grounded in American folk, features driving but understated beats, blues-influenced guitar lines, and lyrics shaped by years of experience. His vocals are expressive and warm, carrying a sense of lived-in honesty that matches the  weight of the songs.

In live performance, Alexy brings these ideas to the stage through the use of live looping and guitar effects, building layered arrangements in real time. This allows his solo shows to move fluidly between intimacy and momentum, creating a dynamic experience that feels both spontaneous and intentional. He studied jazz guitar and improvisation at Berklee College of Music, a background that informs the improvisational elements of his performances without overshadowing the songs.

Originally from New Jersey, Alexy relocated to Duluth, Minnesota in the early 2000s, where he co-founded the duo Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank with his brother singer-songwriter Teague Alexy. The duo released five albums, toured nationally, and gained recognition for their bluesy rhythmic sound and high energy performances. In addition to his work with Hobo Nephews, Alexy has released 5 solo records, produced albums for other artists, and co-founded the alternative rock group Babie Eyes.

The Tao of Ian stands as Alexy’s most reflective and exploratory release to date—an album shaped by listening, experience, and an ongoing commitment to growth. 

Live: Ian Alexy’s solo performances combine folk rock songwriting with live looping, layered guitar textures, and real-time improvisation. A Berklee-trained guitarist, he builds rhythmic, polyrhythmic arrangements on the spot, creating a dynamic and engaging live experience that combines the intimacy of a singer-songwriter set with the excitement of live improvisation.

As a solo artist Ian Alexy has opened for:

  • Tinsley Ellis
  • Charlie Parr

With Hobo Nephews he has shared bills with:

  • Trampled By Turtles
  • The Guess Who

Festival Appearances alongside:

  • Brandi Carlile
  • The Wood Brothers
  • Jon Pardi
  • Phil Lesh And Friends
  • Lizzo

Photos

Ian Alexy Music Videos