Life has its own built-in forms of emotional and creative inertia. And while some people experience a gradual falling off of whatever it is that makes them unique and vibrant, that doesn't seem to be the case with Exene Cervenka. The 54 year-old singer/songwriter's life work has been all about constructing, deconstructing, persevering, and building back up again with new creative adjustments. Sometimes a broken bone leads to a strengthening of the rest of the body.
Many know Exene as a lead member and co-founder of the legendary Los Angeles punk rock band, X. While that's a good place to begin, it hardly defines her. Following the formal breakup of X--a band she still performs with on occasion--Exene continued her transformation into a more formidable solo artist by continuing to write musically with the release of two critically acclaimed solo albums (1989's Old Wives' Tale and 1990's Running Scared), within the print medium through poetry and books, in spoken word performances, and as a visual artist.
The Excitement of Maybe is the next chapter. Maybe it's the one that follows the run-in with an unexpected adventure, where the simplicity of real life seems more attractive than even the most exotic of circumstances.
Full Bio
The foundation of the best punk rock, the music that lasts and remains relevant, isn’t self-destructive anger or smash the state bravado, but a sense of alienation and dislocation. The longing of the outsider. No band epitomized the burst of creativity and energy in this essential awareness better than the legendary punk band X and their singer and co-lyricist Exene Cervenka. And even though the expressions of fiery emotions and actions of youth fade or moderate, the search for a roadmap through the desolation persists, and it is why Exene’s distinctive lyricism still resonates.
Many know Exene first and foremost as a member and co-founder X and while that's a good place to begin, it hardly defines her. Following the initial breakup of X, Exene continued her transformation into a more formidable solo artist by continuing to write musically -- releasing critically acclaimed solo albums, within the print medium through poetry and books, in spoken word performances, and as a visual artist. She has also been a member of the groups Auntie Christ, the Original Sinners and the Knitters.
Official Website: Exene Cervenka Online
