{"product_id":"taking-my-time-to-be","title":"Taking My Time To Be","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhen \u003cstrong\u003eAlex Stephens\u003c\/strong\u003e (A.K.A. \u003cem\u003eStrawberry Guy\u003c\/em\u003e) self-released his debut single last year, he was merely doing it out of a love for songwriting. What he wasn't expecting was a million Youtube streams and an avid fanbase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNow, the South-Wales born, Liverpool-based songwriter is ready to release a full EP of his compelling, lushly produced dream-pop. Born outside Cardiff, \u003cem\u003eStrawberry Guy\u003c\/em\u003e moved to Liverpool to study music and grow as a writer. Whether it's playing keyboards in The Orielles or just being part of the city's growing musical scene, \u003cstrong\u003eAlex\u003c\/strong\u003e plays music for the love of music, something that heavily translates into his adept songwriting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMuch of the inspiration for \u003cstrong\u003eAlex's\u003c\/strong\u003e work comes from experience rather than other artists. In terms of musical touchstones however, there's the obvious dream-pop contemporaries such as Beach House and Weyes Blood, coupled with great songwriters of old like Nat King Cole or Harry Nilsson. Sonically, a blend of orchestral and synthesized melodies layer together to act as a platform for his heartfelt lyrics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOpener \"\u003cem\u003eWithout You\u003c\/em\u003e\" is a fine example of this, a break-up song of sorts, with an infectious keyboard melody and swirling synths over which \u003cstrong\u003eAlex\u003c\/strong\u003e contemplates whether it's even possible to find lasting love. Contrast this with the final track, the titular \"\u003cem\u003eTaking My Time To Be\u003c\/em\u003e,\" a powerful song of self-discovery. Beginning with downtempo piano and drums, the song breaks out into a saxophone and synth solo that wouldn't go amiss on a Badalamenti soundtrack. It's a fitting closer to an EP driven by emotion and experience.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Melodic","offers":[{"title":"White 12\"","offer_id":50394901217611,"sku":"1136303","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50394902102347,"sku":"2056632","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/56fd2163-2fab-44a3-b4c3-784885edfc54_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726449933","url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/fr\/products\/taking-my-time-to-be","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}