Alec Duckart, the artist behind the project Searows, is bringing his introspective songwriting and captivating live performances to Vicar Street in Dublin this Sunday. The tour supports his critically acclaimed 2023 album, Death in the Business of Whaling, a record that marks a shift in Duckart’s approach to creating and sharing his music. For fans of artists like Fiona Apple and Sufjan Stevens, Searows offers a deeply personal, yet universally resonant, exploration of vulnerability and self-preservation.
Duckart’s musical journey began with a willingness to lay bare his experiences for his audience. However, he found himself grappling with the dissonance between sharing intensely personal narratives and the desire to maintain a sense of privacy. “Those projects were very personal and vulnerable and revealing my life and specific experiences to an audience began to feel a bit dissonant and exposing,” Duckart explained. This realization led to a conscious decision to focus on the connective power of music while safeguarding certain aspects of his inner world. He emphasizes that music’s strength lies in its ability to forge connections, and he continues to strive for that, but with a renewed sense of boundaries.
Before embarking on his solo career, Duckart honed his skills touring with established artists like Gracie Abrams and Ethel Cain. These experiences undoubtedly shaped his stage presence and understanding of connecting with a live audience. Now, with Death in the Business of Whaling, he’s charting his own course, offering a sound that’s both familiar and distinctly his own. The album has garnered attention for its atmospheric soundscapes and emotionally raw lyrics, solidifying Searows as a rising force in the indie music scene.
Finding the Sound of ‘Death in the Business of Whaling’
Describing his music proves challenging for Duckart himself. “I don’t really know how I would describe it… I’ve always really struggled to do that and whatever I say always feels inaccurate,” he admits. He acknowledges that his sound is constantly evolving, making categorization even more challenging. The latest album represents a significant sonic shift, further complicating any attempt at a neat label. Listeners can get a sense of this evolution by exploring his earlier work, such as the album Deeper Blues, available on Spotify.
Duckart draws inspiration from a diverse range of artists, citing Emma Ruth Rundle, Fiona Apple, Alex G, and Perfume Genius as key influences. These artists are known for their emotionally honest songwriting and willingness to experiment with sound, qualities that clearly resonate with Duckart’s own artistic vision. The influence of Fiona Apple, in particular, is evident in his lyrical depth and poetic sensibility. He even named “Pale September” by Fiona Apple as his favorite lyric of all time: “Pale September, I wore the time like a dress that year.”
From Owl City to the Flute: A Musical Upbringing
Duckart’s musical journey began in his youth. His first concert experience was seeing Owl City in 2010, a formative experience for many young music fans of that era. He also recalls potentially attending smaller gigs at farmers markets with his parents, hinting at an early exposure to live music. Interestingly, before focusing on guitar and songwriting, Duckart played the flute, a detail that reveals a broader musical foundation. He also has strong preferences: he’s “very good at roller-skating” and, perhaps surprisingly, “don’t like ketchup.”
His early musical tastes were also shaped by pop music; he remembers purchasing When the Sun Goes Down by Selena Gomez & The Scene as his first record. This blend of influences – from pop beginnings to indie inspirations – contributes to the unique character of his music.
Current Inspirations and a Song for Life
Currently, Duckart is captivated by the music of Stina Nordenstam, specifically her song “Little Star”.
But if he were limited to listening to only one song for the rest of his life, Duckart chooses Sufjan Stevens’ “Chicago.” “Chicago”, a poignant and emotionally resonant track from Stevens’ acclaimed album Illinois, clearly holds a special place in his heart.
Searows’ music is available on all major streaming platforms. He is most active on Instagram, where fans can find the latest updates and tour information.
Looking Ahead
Following his Dublin performance, Searows will continue his Death in the Business of Whaling tour, bringing his introspective and emotionally resonant music to audiences across Europe. The tour schedule and further information can be found on his official Instagram page. Fans can anticipate a captivating live experience that delves into the complexities of vulnerability, connection, and the delicate balance between sharing and self-preservation.
Have thoughts on Searows or his new album? Share your comments below and let us know what resonates with you.
