Alex Mak is a versatile and accomplished guitarist, boasting an impressive roster of accomplishments in the music industry. His range of work spans from performing on globally broadcasted talk shows to arranging for music instruction books, demonstrating his diverse skill set.

One of Alex’s standout achievements is his role as the guitarist for Titanique, a popular jukebox musical parodying the 1997 film Titanic through the music of Céline Dion. The show has garnered considerable success, regularly filling 90–100% of its 270-seat venue, and earning recognition from esteemed media outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and People Magazine.

Alex’s integral contributions as the guitarist have played a key role in the show’s ongoing success.

Alex’s talents are further showcased through his work with Yamaha Music Entertainment Holdings. He arranged and recorded all guitar tracks for the Japanese-language music instruction book, “Arranging for Contemporary Music.” Authored by Lee Abe and published by Yamaha, the book provides an in-depth guide to utilizing the electric guitar in modern music ensembles, delving into an array of sounds and notation techniques. 

Alex’s guitar performances have been featured in audio examples on Yamaha Music Publishing’s Japanese YouTube channel, which boasts 43.1K subscribers and a total of 27.36 million channel views. This platform has enabled Alex’s expertise to reach and inspire a broad audience.

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Today, Alex is here to give us a sneak peek at his career and provide aspiring musicians with the best advice to succeed in the industry.

We’re so excited to have you here, Alex. Can you tell us more about your work arranging for Yamaha Music Entertainment Holdings, and what it was like to record all the guitar tracks for “Arranging for Contemporary Music”? 

Recording all the guitar tracks for “Arranging for Contemporary Music” was both challenging and rewarding. This opportunity allowed me to delve deep into the various sounds and techniques of the electric guitar and to contribute to a comprehensive resource for musicians and educators. 

I’m honored to have collaborated with Yamaha Music Entertainment Holdings, one of the world’s largest and most esteemed music companies, and to have my performances highlighted on their YouTube channel.

In addition to these accomplishments, I’ve also had the privilege of performing with Titanique on “Late Night With Seth Meyers,” a widely viewed American talk show. During this performance, I played both the electric and acoustic guitar and programmed all the electric guitar tones.

The performance garnered a US viewership of 795,000 according to Nielsen ratings, and it received coverage from reputable outlets such as Playbill, Vulture, and Broadway World.

What was it like to perform on Late Night With Seth Meyers, and how did it feel to receive recognition from major media outlets? 

Performing on “Late Night With Seth Meyers” was nothing short of extraordinary! I felt so grateful to be given the chance to display my musicianship on such a prestigious platform. 

It was truly humbling to be acknowledged by respected outlets in the entertainment industry, which was a testament to the hard work and talent of everyone involved in our performance.

Taken as a whole, my achievements in music are both wide-ranging and noteworthy. I’ve had the opportunity to perform on a globally renowned stage and contribute to a comprehensive music instruction book. 

With continued dedication and a passion for my craft, I look forward to making an even greater impact in the music industry in the years to come.

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians and guitarists looking to establish themselves in the industry? 

Embrace the journey of learning and growth. The allure of success and validation can be potent, yet the initial impulse to create art must come from within. 

A year dedicated to honing your craft is far more valuable than a decade spent trying to promote yourself prematurely. If you find yourself lacking the tools needed for success, devise a path to acquire them. 

Remember, visibility is only half the battle. Personally, I’m still learning every day and constantly setting my sights higher!

What’s next for you in terms of your career goals and upcoming projects? 

I’m excited about releasing some of my original music this year! My goal was to create music that I would want to listen to, drawing inspiration from a wide array of artists, from the electric bands of Miles Davis to Judee Sill. 

I wanted to encapsulate group interaction, dynamics, and energy, all the while maintaining a fondness for melodies and ballads. 

To learn more, visit my website at alexkmak.com or follow me on Instagram at @alexkmak!