Behind The Scenes: Alex Okami

"Close your eyes and imagine something greater ", In the Dark , Alex Okami

With expansive strings and haunting melodies, Alex Okami gave us a peak "into something greater". A labyrinth of sound created by the Arizona post punk multi-instrumentalist compels audiences to dive beyond the surface. A passion for music fostered in the earliest moments in childhood blossomed into the realized experience that is Alex Okami. Even in the travels of a flourishing career , Alex pays respect to his roots by way of family and origin of Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico. Whether he is exploring the familiarity of Southern California , returning to his home base of Phoenix , Arizona Alex incorporates his vast experiences and imagination into every sonic narrative. Each composition pulls the audience into the depths of a catalog of Mystique. Spiral Explored further into the origins of Alex Okami.

What made you decide to become a musician/artist?

Alex: Music was all around me as a kid. My family is full of musicians. I would hear my dad sing, watch my godfather light up a stage with exuding charisma, and witness my great uncle sell out shows wherever he sang. I’m by no means the musicians they are but seeing my own family members live out their dreams in front of me definitely made it seem like an achievable goal when I was a kid.

When did you begin making music and how has your process changed between the start of vs now?

Alex: I started writing songs when I was 15 and haven’t really stopped. The technology and the way music is distributed has changed but my song writing is still the same. I always pull from my own personal experiences.

What made you decide to learn your instrument(s)?

Alex: Singing always came easy for me. I would sing as a kid in my school choir. My dad bought me my first guitar after hearing Jade Puget of AFI. How could you not want to play guitar after listening to that man play.

What inspired you to write your catalog so far?

Alex: It’s more of a necessity to be honest. As silly as this may sound, writing music fills some sort of void in me that makes life itself worth living. I have to write songs, it helps make life feel easier and a bit more manageable.

What would you say to other artists or creatives who are wanting to create as well?

Alex: Start creating right now. You don’t need a top of the line studio, an expensive camera or synthesizer - just create. A poem. A song. A film. A podcast. A cross stitch. A painting. I truly believe if you just put your heart and the time into anything you create, it’ll always be successful. Wisdom imparted by some of my favorite people Kevin Smith, Greg Miller of Kinda Funny and AFI.

How has the process been creating your album?

Alex: My album was written over the span of 2 years. It was a pretty time consuming experience but felt necessary for the project. Writing usually takes up most of the time.

What are you looking forward to with your album/track?

Alex: 2025 has already been a dream come true for me music-wise. My debut album, Strange As Angels, was released in March after working on it for a couple years. I was able to play my music in several states around the country meeting some of the kindest and coolest people. I guess I’m looking forward to more touring, maybe outside the US. Hoping my songs can reach even more people next year.

Lyrically what has been your favorite tracks in your discography and your most recent releases?

Alex: This is quite the question. The first song that comes to mind is Haunted By You. It’s so special to me. Whenever I play it live the feelings I had when writing it resurface and I’m instantly teleported to the moments that inspired the song. All while I try not to turn into a puddle on stage hahaha! Another one would be Vampiros. I love my grandma. As a native Spanish speaker she would listen to my songs and always jokingly say, “They sound nice but I can’t understand a thing, when are you going to write one I can understand?”

Vampiros was the first song that I wrote in Spanish, always with my grandma in the back of my mind. Eagerly waiting for the moment the song was was finished so she would finally get to listen and understand what I was singing. Tragically, she passed away earlier this year and never got to listen to the song.

Most of the songs I write have some sort of emotional attachment or memory to them - which is why it’s hard to pick.

What is one track /lyrics/ piece of art in your catalog that describes your work the best?

Alex: My album, Strange As Angels, is the best thing I’ve ever made. I see every song on the record as a chapter that tells a story of that time in my life. 

What is your most recent tour you’d like to share or what has been your favorite so far?

Alex: I just did a 3 date run with Corbeau Hangs and Second Devine in Texas and it was so much fun. It was my first time playing that many dates consecutively. Happily exhausted by the end and feeling very fortunate Corbeau Hangs invited me to join them.

If you could make a dream tour, Who would be your dream tour mates?

I would love to do a tour with Twin Tribes, Forever Grey, Corbeau Hangs, with myself opening the show. Imagine.

I’ll also give you an impossibly ridiculous one as well just to have a laugh. The Cure and Depeche Mode co-headlining, with AFI as support and my day-dreaming self opening the show.

Coke or Pepsi?

Alex: Definitely water or a Lemon flavored -196

What do you want the listeners to know about your music and your project?

Alex: My songs all come from a genuine place. Life’s too short to release music that doesn’t mean the world to me.

Where can the people find find you Alex?

My next show will be in Phoenix, AZ on December 31 for New Year’s Eve with Meldamor and Corbeau Hangs at The Rebel Lounge

I also have some shows coming up in 2026 ~

February 15 - The Viper Room - West Hollywood, CA w/ Meldamor, Corbeau Hangs and Blood Rave presented by Dark Kinetic

February 22 - Yucca Tap Room - Phoenix, AZ w/ Vick Vapors, Holy Water and Archivo Seis presented by Muerte Súbita

My album, Strange As Angels, is streaming everywhere and available on limited edition vinyl on my bandcamp. You can find my music, tickets, videos, and any info at alexokami.com I also play guitar in a band called Post Crucifixion. Check us out if you get a chance!