ALTERNATIVE-pop outfit, Alexander's album, Say Hello is out now. Matt Westcott spoke to guitarist Jamie Clark. For more details visit www.alexanderofficial.com

Matt: With the state of the nation as it is at present, we all need the kind of uplifting, sunny rock songs you guys turn out. Discuss?

Jamie: Yes, everyone needs that burst of optimism in their daily listening routine. Music thrives from human emotion. We're not exactly the rebelling punks but we offer a hand to people who want to jump on board the happy plane how ever they may feel.

Matt: Is your relationship with each other and your music still evolving?

Jamie: We've been friends for many years, our relationship grows no matter what. As we have grown indefinitely our music has evolved, matured. We're just so privileged to able to play music and travel together with a strong friendship.

Matt: You look like the kind of guys mothers would be happy to see their daughters with, or is there something darker lurking behind those boy next door appearances?

Jamie: Hah! Thank you very much, I can assure you there is no obscure darkness behind us.

Matt: You had a pretty good 2013, for those who think that bands such as yourselves becomes successes overnight, tell us how much work has gone into getting where you are today?

Jamie: There is an incredible work effort from us all behind closed doors, with having our own studio and spending six to seven days a week here. The success we've accomplished is pretty astounding when we put down our tools and reflect on the past year. We've had a great team behind us from the start that are constantly working hard and pushing us in the right direction.

Matt: Your known as alt-pop, but does your sound have any nods and winks back to any older genres?

Jamie: Yes we thrive on drawing our inspiration from older artists. Not so much on Say Hello but for our next record there are a lot of ideas in terms of pioneering our musical direction.

Matt: What is your favourite track on 'Say Hello', why is that and how did it come about?

Jamie: Probably You Lost Yourself, YLY came about after a sleepless night out and about in Newcastle. We went to our rehearsal space and lay on the floor and restless creativity took the better of us and we ended up with a single.

Matt: Tickets for your latest tour sold very quickly, that must give you a buzz heading into it?

Jamie: They did! Not completely sold out just yet we've released more tickets for some cities. We're beyond excited, it's the finale from all of the pre-tour work we have done seeing the sales rise and rise.

Matt: When you've recovered from all that gigging, what is next for Alexander?

Jamie: Write, write, write, write is next. We're going to focus on writing the next record. We're just as excited for writing the second record as we are for tour.