Name: Alex Solin
Title: Lead guitarist for Archer’s Paradox
Hometown: Dayton, Ohio
Why we love him: For being a vital part of Cincinnati’s music scene and representing the Queen City beyond its borders via alternative Pop/Rock.
For as long as he can remember, music has always been an integral part of Alex Solin’s life. He recalls listening to Van Halen at the age of 2. “My dad played a lot of Van Halen so I was listening to that at a young age,” he says. “There are crazy home videos of me playing air guitar way before I started actually playing.”
When he first started playing guitar, it was because his brother had received one as a Christmas gift and Solin wanted to one-up him. “I was in middle school at the time,” Solin says. So he started playing his brother’s guitar and has been a guitarist ever since. That initial drive eventually led to a lifelong passion for music — one that exceeded sibling rivalry.
“Playing guitar is basically my ultimate passion,” he says. “My dream is to have a trillion-dollar career doing it.”
Solin was in a Metal band during high school called When Hope Prevails. Now he plays lead guitar in renowned local band Archer’s Paradox, which has performed at big events around town including the Bunbury Music Festival, Midpoint Music Festival and Macy’s Light Up the Square at Fountain Square. They recently played in CityBeat’s Best New Band Showcase at Bogart’s. Solin claims the performance at Bogart’s was the most fun Archer’s Paradox has had as a band in a long time.
He was also excited to be involved with CityBeat’s 17th annual Cincinnati Entertainment Awards (CEAs). Archer’s Paradox was nominated for awards in “Indie/Alternative” and “New Artist of the Year” at the CEAs. The ceremony took place on Jan. 26 at the Madison Theater. “It’s one of the most enjoyable things as a band to be up for an award, whether it’s the city awards or the Grammy’s.”
How do you define passion? How is passion different from love? What are you most passionate about?
The difference is that passion will give you the drive to keep things going even if it is within [the context of] love. If you are with someone, the passion will keep that love going. My biggest passion is definitely music. I hear it in my head constantly, whether it’s someone else’s song or an idea I have. It keeps me going and motivated toward playing music forever.
Name someone that you love — a role model, best friend, inspiration, etc. And tell us why.
That would have to be my mom. She is freaking awesome and the strongest woman of all time. She is hardworking and loves constantly and unconditionally. She’s been there for me, my entire family and my friends. My mom is all around the best.
What is the best lesson life has taught you about love?
Probably that when you’re looking for it, you’re not going to find it. When you least expect it, it’s going to come out of nowhere.
What phrase or motto do you live your life by?
It’s one that keeps me going with a positive outlook no matter how bad times are. You have to have a really positive attitude all the time no matter what the circumstances are. I am the one who pushes myself to be happy regardless of situations.
