Southern California surfer Alex Woodard had scored several gigs on television throughout his youth, often appearing on the Love Boat among other shows. He was also teaching himself to play the piano and guitar, and dreaming of a career in songwriting while alternately pursuing his acting career. After starting at UCLA, Woodard finally began writing and moved to Bostons financial district to capitalize on a good job. Music called louder than numbers, and the following year he moved to the vibrant Seattle music landscape and started playing. He began releasing EPs in the late 90s, and by then local press had begun to take notice, citing his voice and style as "an infectious cross between Springsteen and Vedder" (the Rocket) and "the new breed of Seattle band" (KMTT 103.7FM). He made a few friends in the scene, including former Posies/Sunny Day Real Estate bassist Joe Bass and current Fountains of Wayne drummer Brian Young. The three hooked up with guitarists Abel Ames and Phil Hurley (Gigolo Aunts) and began recording Woodards first full-length album, Nowhere Near Here. The album was released on his own label in 2000 to enthusiastic reviews and gained airplay on over 60 stations nationally. He hit #2 on the New Music chart at San Diegos infamous 91x and #78 on the commercial AAA charts, the only independent artist to do so. The record showed up in indie films, Abercrombie and Fitch soundtracks, and many restaurant and retail establishments, from Vegas casinos to Home Depot. He signed deals with AEI and MTV, performed at SXSW 2001 as a result of strong sales in Austin, TX, and toured most of the year. Alex appeared at SXSW again in 2002, and then returned to Seattle to record the second full-length release with his band. Saturn Returns was released in September 2002, debuted as the #18 most added CD in the nation to college radio, and has since garnered airplay on more than 90 stations nationwide. Alex just finished up in the studio with acclaimed songwriter Pete Droge (now of the Thorns, with Matthew Sweet and Shawn Mullins) producing his next full-length record, which was pre-released at SXSW 2004 in Austin and officially released on March 29th. Visit his website at www.alexwoodard.com for music, info, and more.