Uncut Diamond by Alex Warner

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Self produced and self released, 'Uncut Diamond' is an acoustic and heartfelt return to basics from a British singer/songwriter whose recording career has spanned releases on both major and independent record labels, music for TV commercials and character dubbing for film and television. 2004 saw two releases: 'Uncut Diamond' in Alex's adopted home of Barcelona and 'El Cid', Filmax's $9 million award-winning animated feature with Alex in the title role.

'I wanted to make an honest acoustic record, a collection of songs that articulated what I was feeling at the time and that sounded like me. For the first time I think I've managed it'.

Many of the vocal and acoustic guitar tracks were recorded in single takes helping to give the album a fresh not over- produced feel and Alex's friends who collaborated on the CD include some of the best musicians in Spain.

'Not having a record company behind you can sometimes be a creative advantage', continues Alex, 'Being free from any commercial pressures and aims, you can focus on the basics - writing songs for their own sake and for your own pleasure'.

This is not to underestimate the positive influence of the more commercial records Alex has been involved in however. These include a number one hit in Spain in 1995 with a cover of '70's soul smash 'Hooked on a feeling' and numerous other record credits. Recent recordings include singing on Isabel Coixet's 'Goya' winning feature film 'My life without me'- produced by Pedro Almodóvar and starring Sarah Polley and Deborah Harry, the soundtrack to the 'Goya' nominated children's cartoon feature'10+2 The Big Secret' with the Prague Symphony Orchestra, David Civera's 2003 summer no. 1 'Bye Bye' and co-writing 'Time to live', a hit for Spanish Pop Idol winner Rosa.

In the advertising world, Alex has contributed to music to over 150 television commercials including writing the music to the VW golf Tdi 'desert' ad, singing a cover of Donovan's 'Hurdy Gurdy Man' for the VW Golf 'Hamster' campaign and putting his spoken voice to the Audi A4 'Kiss' spot and last years Atletico Bilbao soccer ad starring champions league streaker Mark Chapman. All campaigns have won 'Lions' at Cannes advertising festival.

Alongside 'El Cid', Alex is currently narrating the second series of 'Connie the Cow' for Nickelodeon (Noggin) in the States and the Disney Channel in the UK. Other recent series have included 'Goomer', 'The Three Bears' and '20-20'.

'Although I feel a bit of a Jack of all trades', says Alex ,' I get a buzz out of pretty much all the things I'm involved in. The important thing is finding the right balance (a complimentary balance) between the things you do for a living and the things you do for yourself. 'Uncut Diamond' is the first solo record I've made that I feel comfortable with and it's largely because I've approached it as a hobby.

At the end of the day, people can always spot a song that comes from the heart. So far the response has been really positive so we'll see what happens'.

The record is availiable via Alex's web site www.alexwarner.com, at leading online CD retailer Cdbaby.com and at 25 outlets in Spain via the Gong Discos chain of record shops. A full discography can also be found at www.alexwarner.com.

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