Mexican Stars Mix_01

"A mistake that keeps being repeated is not a mistake, it's a choice." - Unknown

It's about taking chances, riding the river of life, and inspired by my love of those classic songwriters and their lo-fi vibe.  

Ride the river.

"The Same Mistakes Again" written, arranged, recorded, produced & performed by Eric Alexandrakis.

Mixed by Eric Alexandrakis and Zach Ziskin.

Mastered by Zach Ziskin.

©℗ 2023 Minoan Music

www.ItsABeautifulDayToday.com

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Lyrics:

Well i've been down that troubled road before, many times afoul.
And i know every stone and tree and pothole, I've stepped on them and howled.
Yet still looking down that dusty road temptation calls my name.
Oh how does the painful sensation pull me to make the same mistakes again?

Oh there's a bridge over the river, which takes me home with ease,
But if life was always so easy, we'd never scrape our knees.
Yeah the trees, the bees and blades of grass get teased by the breeze and terrain,
But if we never ride that river, we'll make the same mistakes again.

That old uneven road has made me trip surely more than thrice,
And yet somehow I keep taking the same path, and I keep paying the price.
That bridge up ahead is an easy route that keeps me safe and sound,
But if I take that river, I might cover greater ground. 

Well there's a bridge over the river, which takes me home with ease,
But if life was always so easy, we'd never scrape our knees.
Yeah the trees, the bees and blades of grass get teased by the breeze and terrain,
But if we never ride that river, we'll make the same mistakes again.

BRIDGE

Well this boat is a bit flimsy, but in life there are never guarantees.
Things look so much different when rowing on one's knees,
But I'm moving forward living life, and always seeing new things.
Just looking to see what the future says, and what new things it brings.

Now an unsuspecting wave rolls by, and knocks me in the water.
Sometimes the cards we're dealt in the game of life, fold and burn or prosper.
As I gasped for air I swore that life will keep me, I'm no martyr.
When I regained my footing I stood real tall, and the world was mine to conquer.

Yeah there's a bridge over the river, which takes me home with ease.
But if life was always so easy, we'd never scrape our knees.
Yeah the trees, the bees and blades of grass get teased by the breeze and terrain,
But if we never ride that river, we'll make the same mistakes again.

Oh there's a bridge over the river, which takes me home with ease.
But if life was always so easy, we'd never scrape our knees.
Yeah the trees, the bees and blades of grass get teased by the breeze and terrain,
But if we never ride that river, we'll make the same mistakes again.

The Same Mistakes Again

My first comprovisation of 2024, featuring drums by  Magnus Brandell / OddGrooves.  The ECM package was just what the doctor ordered for this piece.  

I think I would classify this as Jazz.  What do you think?
I wrote this and played guitars, guitar synth, keyboards, and bass.   The PRS Hollowbody II got all of the love this time.     Still favoring the Fender Jazz bass for bass parts.     I love how accurately the Fishman Triple Play tracks.   Layering synth textures with guitar parts brings an interesting dimension to the soundscape.   

The chord motion popped into my head on Christmas.   Other parts sort of just happened.   I suppose that this was my Christmas present from the universe.  I am happy to share it with you.  I hope that you have an opportunity to give it a spin.

Serene Melancholy

We've all been there.  

It's about leaving the bad stuff behind...sadness...abuse...unhappiness... loneliness...loss...and taking that next big and difficult step towards happiness, and to where you truly belong.

"Home" written by Eric Alexandrakis.

Produced by Eric Alexandrakis and Mark Scandariato.

Mixed by Paul David Hager [Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Jonas Brothers, Devo]

Performed by:

Eric Alexandrakis
Ryan Hoyle [Collective Soul, The Pet Shop Boys, Anna Vissi]
Akis Amprazis [Pyx Lax]
Mike Surratt
Mark Scandariato [Maypo Deluxe]

Mastered by Zach Ziskin.

Inspired by Melanie Safka, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, John Taylor, and Noel Gallagher.

Available only on Apple Music.

©℗ 2024 Minoan Music

ERIC ALEXANDRAKIS BIO:  

http://tiny.cc/EABIOPRESSPHOTOS

www.ItsABeautifulDayToday.com

"2 x Grammy® Nominated, discovered by Duran Duran's John Taylor, collabs with Dolores O'Riordan, Ric Ocasek, John Malkovich, David Lynch, Yoko Ono, Sean Lennon…he can't be ignored, and clearly won't be..." - Madame X

"HOME"

I've had enough, of all this stuff,			
That brings me down, I'm all but drowned.	
I don't need much, for my life's clutch.
I have no crutch as such, no loving touch.	

I'll call my bluff, and pretend to be oh so tough.
Pack a bag and take a drag, pacing in a restless zig zag.
Too many sunsets wasted on this scene.
Too many pockets emptied over burning kerosene.

I see the train passing every day from my front porch.
Burn down this house of pain with a blazing torch.

I'm leaving this town.  I'm leaving this frown.  I'm coming home. 

Sleeping with snakes and fakes, the venom, it's all high stakes.
Those razor blades of lies, hidden in freshly baked pies.
Stuck in the mud and always, swallowing blood.
No voice to talk or lamp to rub.  No path to walk, or heart to flash flood.

Gotta leave this place fast, I always knew it would never last.
I'm still alive, my time's not at all passed.
My hands are tied and my, love has lied,
To them, to you, and to me myself and I.

I hear the train's whistle calling my name to hike,
Beyond the prickly thistle, just itching to strike.

I'm leaving this town.  I'm leaving this frown.  I'm coming home. 
I've lost and I've found.  I won't turn around.  I'm coming home.

Life is like the gift that keeps on taking,
Not the gift that keeps on giving, or forgiving.

Life is like the gift that keeps on aching,
And the gift that you keep on making. 

I've packed my bags, and left behind my rags.
I've shaved face, and combed my hair, neatly in place.
I took a breath that's deep, behind the door that I used to weep,
Suitcase firmly in hand, flying away to land. 

Day after day the door's shadow shapes, a wedge upon the floor,
As I open slowly it gets bigger, from the sunset's roar.
I take my steps a new, into the sunset's orange hue.
Across the field the train, has on their list my last and first name

It's not so easy using decision's sharp knife.
Better to slowly breathe than risk cutting the cord to life.
I hear the train's whistle calling my nerves to strike,
Like a call to action for a suffocating pike.

I'm leaving this town.  I'm leaving this frown.  I'm coming home. 
I've lost and I've found.  I won't turn around.  I'm coming home.

I'm leaving this town.  I'm leaving this frown.  I'm coming home. 
I've lost and I've found.  I won't turn around.  I'm coming home.

I'm coming home.

Home

Below the Surface

Observation (No. 5) is a short piece for clarinet and string orchestra. It is a brief yet evocative work for clarinet and string orchestra, composed and first recorded in 2017 and newly recorded in June 2025. Written in a post‑minimalist style, the piece unfolds with meditative poise, weaving gentle clarinet lines through a shimmering backdrop of sustained string textures and subtle rhythmic shifts. Its title hints at a sense of quiet contemplation, as if the listener is invited to pause and reflect alongside the music’s restrained but luminous development.

This new recording offers a refreshed interpretation, with Stefan himself as the clarinet soloist, highlighting the piece’s delicate interplay between solo instrument and ensemble. It will be available in the spatial audio format, which enhances the immersive quality of the sound, surrounding the listener in its calm yet subtly evolving harmonies. The result is a work that feels intimate and spacious at once—both a personal statement and a serene musical landscape that rewards close listening.

Observation (No. 5)

Observation (No. 5) (for Clarinet and String Orchestra)

Featuring:
John Luttrell - guitar
Scott August - Native American Flute and "shimmer" strings
Robert Murray - keyboard bass and harmonics
Produced by John Luttrell, Robert Murray, and Scott August
Notes: Dedicated to Dawn Hall, owner of Tushita Heaven, who gave the song its name and provided a wonderful venue for music in San Juan Capistrano, CA.

Libra Moon



- Lantern was named one of the Best Albums of 2024 by Wyoming Public Radio
- NAPPA (National Parent Product Award Recipient 2025)
- "In My Arms" took 2nd place in the Children's Music category of the 2025 International Songwriting Competition, alongside Grammy nominees/winners Fyütch and Lucy Kalantari.

"Lantern in the Dark is a life preserver when you're thrown into 'The Upside Down.' When experiencing a crisis, it can be difficult to reach out for help. This record serves as a reminder that you are not alone. It's gentle, but not saccharine, with Carey & Sample's voices blending together seamlessly on originals and thoughtfully arranged interpretations of Bob Dylan, Cyndi Lauper and Wilco.”
- Cindy Howes, Folk Alley

 "If there is one word to sum up this album, it is: gorgeous. The Colorado-based Edie Carey and the Wyoming-based Sarah Sample first partnered for the terrific ‘Til the Morning a decade ago, and they have re-teamed to create these exquisitely crafted songs that are guaranteed to touch your heart. This is not a kids album, per se. This is music that all ages can respond to...Carey’s and Sample’s voices blend together wonderfully, and the subdued instrumental accompaniment perfectly compliment their vocals...Lantern In The Dark certainly is perfect for nighttime or naptime, but this enchanting album works its chill-out magic during those major stress moments (whether you are an adult or child).” 
-NAPPA Awards

"Lantern in the Dark: Songs of Comfort and Lullabies is a beautiful music CD for all ages, featuring original songs ideal for winding down after a long day. Singer-songwriters Edie Carey and Sarah Sample are supported by a variety of talented musicians: Scott Wiley on bass, guitar, pump organ, banjo, and drum programming; Mai Bloomfield on cello and background vocals; Paul Jacobsen on acoustic and electric guitar; Dustin Christensen on acoustic guitar; Aaron Anderson on percussion and drums; Ryan Shupe on fiddle; Sam Cardon on piano; and Maren Gayle on keyboard. Lantern in the Dark is a treasure for personal and public library music CD collections, and also makes an excellent gift! Highly recommended."
-Midwest Book Review

"This 12-song collection from seasoned singer-songwriters Edie Carey and Sarah Sample will touch your heart. The album provokes a feeling of comfort and joy while providing a sense of soothing compassion." - LA Parent 
 

Time After Time

All The Ways You Comfort Me

El Unico Para Mi

Mis Ojos Sobre Ti

As a GRAMMY® winning composer and multi-instrumentalist, Carla Patullo is best known for her music that blends lush acoustics with layered vocals and experimental electronics. Her music strives to connect with the deep human emotions that are found in moments of grief, healing, redemption, and joy. Carla’s latest work, the GRAMMY® nominated album So She Howls follows a near-death experience, from which she emerged with a new sense of adventure and gratitude. It features the Scorchio Quartet (Philip Glass, David Bowie, Laurie Anderson), the vocal ensemble Tonality (Bjork), and violinist Lili Haydn (Opium Moon).

Some of Carla’s recent film scores include the Disney+ film Maxine starring Margaret Cho, directed by Niki Ang; Charlotte Hamblin’s Everybody Dies Sometimes, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival; Magic Hour, an upcoming dramedy starring Miriam Shor; My Name Is Maria De Jesus, an HBO Latino film; Porno, Fangoria’s recent SXSW hit; the IDA shortlisted documentary Lotte that Silhouette Girl; and an in-the-work project called Bitterroot, a beautiful new film about the Hmong community. As her body of film work shows, Patullo is passionate about writing music that supports and advances inclusion for women, immigrants, and the LGBTQ+ community. (Full List of Credits.)

"Carla’s music is vibrant, ethereal, sometimes haunting, and so often mesmerizing." - POPAXIOM

Below the Surface

Carla Patullo

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