Raised in rural Winamac, Indiana, Mark Alexander was introduced at a young age to the country and rock music of the ‘90s by his two older siblings, and developed an interest in musical performance. This came to fruition during his high school years, beginning with frequent performances in a local Winamac coffee shop.

Soon after leaving Winamac for Indianapolis, Alexander’s focus shifted toward the composition, recording, and production of original music. “Run While You Can” became the first such track to be completed, and it wasn’t long after that Alexander’s debut album, Better Days, was completed and released in April 2009. He continued honing his music, later releasing the Dear Friend EP in January 2010 and his sophomore album Closer in January 2011.

Alexander’s primary musical influences include Dave Matthews, Ray LaMontagne, and Glen Hansard. His music, which he describes as “Midwest rock,” is difficult to pin down with conventional labels—it’s an emotionally raw, soulful alt-country folk rock that stands apart in stark contrast from the over-processed, image-driven artists that dominate the contemporary music scene. However, Midwest rock is more than even that long-winded description entails. Alexander represents the part of the fundamental experience of the Midwest, beyond the clichés; he combines style well rooted in the region with a fierce originality that cries out against stereotypical conceptions of what the Midwest is capable of producing.

Despite the prominence of the electrified pop stars of the past decade, Alexander remains confident he’s found a good niche in the music scene. He sees himself in league with bands such as the Avett Brothers, Mumford & Sons, and Mofro, as part of a post-indie movement that recalls an older aesthetic without being nostalgic, a “folk uprising” in his own words.

Speaking to Alexander, it is easy to imagine him becoming a surprise hit. His honest nature is inviting, and he reveals a pleasing disregard for his image or brand as a musician, and a focus on just producing good music and making it available to as many people as possible.