Alex Chilltown

A pun on Bigstar’s Alex Chilton, Chilltown is the project of London’s Josh Esaw
alongside friends and collaborators. The line-up of the band, which is often in flux
has featured Esaw as its one consistent member and lead songwriter. In its various
incarnations, Alex Chilltown has encompassed members of projects and bands such
as Big Joanie, Deerful, Toothpaste, Flirting and Tugboat Captain amongst others.

It was a DIY ethic that inspired the beginnings of Alex Chilltown some years
previous. Esaw, dejected by his musical endeavours, including once being mockingly
referred to in NME as “The Future of Rock” found new inspiration in a bourgeoning
UK scene, releasing tapes on bedroom labels and playing shows alongside national
and international acts such as Yohuna, Small Wonder, Tallies,Emperor X and The
Pains of Being Pure at Heart.

In the years that followed Alex Chilltown honed their sound into the intelligent blend
of art rock and luscious pop sensibility you hear today. Esaw initially begun as a
worshipper of the rhythmic minimalist guitar of Ben Parker of Nosferatu D2 and
Tempertwig, but through collaboration and experimentation his band discovered their
unquestionable nouse for inimitable futuristic sonic textures.

Paddy Kinsella