Beach ⁢Slang’s James Alex ⁤on Rock and the Road

⁢ Updated May 28, 2025

James Alex, the frontman for the Philadelphia punk-rock band beach Slang, is currently on‍ tour with ​Tommy Stinson of the Replacements, calling it a‌ dream. Alex described‍ the experience as “awesome” while speaking from a roadside⁢ restaurant ⁤in Kenosha, WI.

For Alex, ⁣this⁤ tour, especially ⁢his first visit​ to the Twin Cities, holds special meaning. He plans to visit landmarks associated with the Replacements,including the Let It Be house and clubs where the band played. ⁢He considers himself a lifelong rock and roll fan, ⁣comparing ⁤his pilgrimage to a history‌ buff visiting⁢ a famous battlefield.

Beach Slang, formed after‍ Alex’s⁢ previous band Weston dissolved, began as a side project. Despite touring with ​Weston for two decades without achieving mainstream success, ⁣Alex continued to‌ pursue⁢ his passion for music. Beach Slang’s EPs, released in‍ 2014, drew inspiration from bands like⁢ the Replacements, Swervedriver, and the Jesus and ​Mary Chain.

The band’s music resonates with ⁤aging rock fans, similar to bands like the Hold Steady​ and Japandroids. While ⁤those ⁢bands acknowledge the passage of time, Alex maintains⁣ a‌ youthful viewpoint in his ⁣songwriting. His lyrics often explore themes of youthful naivety and clinging⁣ to the present.

‍ “That’s still⁣ the person I am,” Alex said. “Age is a collection of numbers… I’ve ‌never⁣ subscribed to that, and I have the bank account to​ prove it.”
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Beach⁢ Slang’s debut ‍LP, The​ Things We Do‌ To Find People Who Feel ‌Like Us, expands on their previous⁣ work with heightened guitar work and emotive lyrics. Alex’s music aims to capture the feeling of living inside the rock songs that have inspired him.

Alex​ encourages others to pursue their passions, stating that ⁤remembering the things that “feed the good parts ⁤of you” is essential. He continues ⁣to perform live, embracing the energy ⁢and excitement of rock ‌and roll.

During ​a stop in ​St. ​Paul, Alex reflected on his​ first punk-rock show, the ramones in Allentown, PA, at ⁣age 12. He described⁢ the experience as transformative, noting the sense of ⁢community and acceptance⁢ he felt.

Despite initial indifference from‌ the crowd at a recent show, Beach Slang won over the audience⁢ with their energetic performance. Alex’s passion and enthusiasm ​were‍ evident⁤ as he engaged with the crowd,ultimately⁤ leaving them wanting more.

⁢ ⁣ “I don’t⁣ know why everyone isn’t ⁤in a band and [doesn’t get] drunk every night,” Alex said to his⁤ latest fans. “It’s fucking heaven, man.”
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What’s next

Beach Slang is expected to⁢ continue ‌touring and recording,​ bringing their energetic ​and passionate brand of rock and‌ roll to ‍audiences‌ worldwide.Fans can anticipate more music that explores themes of youth, ⁤dreams, and the power of rock and roll.