This is the homepage for composer, multi-instrumentalist, philosopher, and mystic Elk Minister.

The new album 'There's a System of Control' is now available in most digital outlets. 
It was during his university studies where the ideas and concepts for his debut album, There’s a System of Control, began to blossom.  Hours were spent constructing and deconstructing melodies to the rhythms in his mind.  A future of music did not fit well with his Uncle Radcliffe, nor his mother, who demanded he drop music, and continue his studies at university.

When Elk Minister was a child, his Great Aunt Coleslaw was his main source for musical discovery.  He hid under his bedsheets for hours listening to tapes she made for him containing music by Led Zeppelin, Frank Zappa, Black Sabbath, The Doors, and Pink Floyd.  At university, he discovered an appreciation for both classical and jazz music.  David Bowie, Salvadore Dali, and Ludwig van Beethoven are his favorite artists.  His favorite tape, which he received at age 13, was a mixtape containing music by Alice in Chains, Rush, Cream, and The Beatles.

For a over decade, Elk Minister lay in a musical hibernation.  He had succumbed to his Uncle Radcliffe and the family traditions.   In 2016, Elk Minister was given access to a computer for the first time, changing his relationship with music forever.  With modern technology, Elk Minister would be able to create the music and vibrations he imagined for so many years.  He retreated to his birthplace in the forest, and began recording all of the instrumental and vocal parts himself.  Using many instruments he had built, rebuilt, and collected over the years, recording and mixing ended in November of 2016.  Production duties were handled by his friend Eric Bittleman, which consisted mainly of making sure Elk Minister had enough food and water to survive the recording.

Elk Minister loves to read.  He can usually read 2-3 books a week under normal weather conditions.  His favorite subject is Ancient Greek philosophy, specifically writings by Pythagoras, Socrates, and Plato.  The idea of the power mind coupled with the mystery of the universe play a central theme in the lyrics on ’There’s a System of Control.’  

After finishing the album, Elk Minister was given a new trumpet by his Uncle Radcliffe.  Elk Minister completed the writing for his second album, Candy Apple Mountain, and hopes to have the album out by the fall of 2017.  He will record the entire album with only parts that were written on his new trumpet.  He is hoping this will give his second album ‘a more modern feel.’

Alec Gross is an NYC-based singer-songwriter who performs his dark & heavy brand of original folk, alt. country, & soul throughout the US and Europe. This “Cinematic Americana” sound frames his stories of madness, love, sickness, redemption, the planting and the harvest.

His latest releases are:
'Old Elijah & The Sorry Sorry Sun' EP - October 2012 http://handsomeladyrecords.bandcamp.com/album/alec-gross-the-sorry-sorry-sun-ep
'Strip The Lanterns' LP - August 2011 http://alecgross.bandcamp.com/album/strip-the-lanterns
'Rose Tattoo' EP - March 2009 https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/rose-tattoo/id316284899


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