Alexander James Colarossi

Alexander James Colarossi (born May 19, 1988 in Toronto, Ontario) is a luthier, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and lead guitarist for the post-rock group Flood of Sound and progressive-experimental band Trapped in the Ventilation Shaft.
Biography
Although born in Toronto, Alexander grew up in a small neighborhood in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada where he attended Crestwood Secondary School until graduating in 2006. He first started playing electric guitar when he was 14 years old. In 2003, Alexander formed the post-rock band Flood of Sound with long-time friend and bass player Gavin Scott. Over the years, Alexander's style has continuously evolved, due in part to his expanding equipment collection including several guitar effects pedals, reverb rack systems and tube amplifiers. His playing has been described as ambient and melodic, but varies greatly with each musical style.
Back when Alexander was in high school, he discovered a passion for woodworking. He devoted his time at school learning trade skills from his mentors and teachers and taking on several complicated building projects. It was at this time that Alexander began building guitars. Years later, in 2009, he started up Alexander James Guitars, a custom electric guitar building business in Peterborough, Ontario.
Flood of Sound
With post-rock group Flood of Sound, Alexander and his bandmates released two independent albums; self-titled album Flood of Sound in early 2007 and We Sleep Awake Dreaming in February of 2009. After playing for more than six years, Flood of Sound officially went on "hiatus" in October 2009. After the band was put to a halt, Alexander decided to re-start an old project. This project (Trapped in the Ventilation Shaft) involved all of the original Flood of Sound members and was a chance for Alexander to explore new music, playing styles and songwriting techniques.
Trapped in the Ventilation Shaft
Alexander James first started the musical group Trapped in the Ventilation Shaft in July 2008. The project has been described as a mix between post-hardcore and experimental groove rock. The music of Trapped in the Ventilation Shaft is composed and orchestrated by Alexander himself. Presently, Trapped in the Ventilation Shaft is Alexander’s main musical focus.
Musicianship
Alexander James’ playing style is characterized by ambient soundscapes, complex harmonies, odd phrasing, and effect-based layers. Alexander’s amplifiers are specifically picked for their versatility and tonal options which help contribute to his style. He uses a large variety of settings, but focuses on creating ambient clean tones. Alexander is heavily influenced by Jón Þór Birgisson of Sigur Rós, guitarists Takaakira Goto and Yoda of Mono, Munaf Rayani and Mark Smith of Explosions in the Sky, Adam Jones of Tool, Ihor Dawidiuk of Tunturia and Parhelion, Jim Ward of Sparta, Juan Alderete and Omar Rodríguez-López of The Mars Volta and classical greats such as Frédéric Chopin and Tchaikovsky.
Discography
With Flood of Sound
*Flood of Sound (2007) - LP
*We Sleep Awake Dreaming (2009) - LP
Equipment
With Flood of Sound
Amplifiers
*Mesa Boogie Road King Series II
*Marshall DSL 100
Speaker Cabinets
*Orange PPC 412 (2 x Vintage 30’s, 2 x Celestion 75’s)
*Marshall JCM 800 4 x 12 cabinet
Guitars
*Alexander James Laurent Custom (exotic wenge wood)
*Gibson SG Silverburst (limited edition)
*Gibson Les Paul Custom
Effects and Accessories
*Boss DD-6 Digital Delay
*Boss TU-2 Chromatic Tuner
*Boss RC-50 Loop Station
*Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb/Delay
*Lexicon MX200 Digital Reverb
*Peavey Valverb Tube Reverb
*Ernie Ball Volume Pedal
*EBow
*Cello Bow
With Trapped in the Ventilation Shaft
Amplifiers
*Mesa Boogie Road King Series II
Speaker Cabinets
*Orange PPC 412
Guitars
*Alexander James Laurent Custom (exotic wenge wood)
*Alexander James Ora Custom (exotic purpleheart wood)
*Gibson SG Silverburst (limited edition)
Effects and Accessories
*Boss DD-6 Digital Delay (x3)
*Boss TU-2 Chromatic Tuner
*Boss TR-2 Tremolo
*Boss BF-3 Flanger
*Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb/Delay
*Boss ODB-3 Bass Overdrive
*Boss OC-2 Octave
*Lexicon MX200 Digital Reverb
*Peavey Valverb Tube Reverb
*DigiTech Whammy
*Ernie Ball Volume Pedal
*Dunlop GCB-95 Cry Baby Wah-Wah (modded)

Main Menu

See Also

Main Menu