Alexander Biggs' second album, ‘Stay with the Horses,’ serves as a raw and introspective reflection on change, growth, and being present—a bold sonic journey that signifies a new phase in his musical journey.
Some music resonates like a profound release—a quiet yet potent confrontation with the past. Biggs' sophomore effort, Stay with the Horses, exemplifies this: it is an unrefined, thoughtful, and sonically bold exploration of love, loss, and the tricky practice of living in the moment. Following the release of his 2021 debut, Hit or Miss, and through a series of personal upheavals and a quest for clarity, Stay with the Horses (which came out independently on February 7th) goes beyond Biggs’ indie folk roots, incorporating rich sounds and a daring storytelling technique.
Active for a decade, Biggs has been recognized for his talent in transforming personal experiences into universal themes. In this album, his songwriting reveals a new depth of vulnerability. Stay with the Horses conveys not just heartbreak or healing but also the spaces in between—the subtle challenge of remaining engaged when life pulls you in multiple directions. He shares that the album evolved over several years, shaped by changing circumstances, personal turmoil, and an ongoing effort to understand it all:
“I know it’s old news, and we’ve all moved on from bands with COVID albums, but it began there—or a bit before that—during the void following my first album release, Hit or Miss,” he tells Atwood Magazine. “I was crafting songs during that time and into the ‘new normal’ we’re all navigating now, through several health challenges and the final conclusion of an on-again, off-again relationship I experienced throughout Hit or Miss. That first album and this new one are somewhat like bookends marking the most tumultuous period of my life. I spent a lot of time reflecting on my own lack of presence and working to get a grip on my mind.”
Biggs' thoughts on presence and self-explanation formed the bedrock of Stay with the Horses, an album that not only chronicles change but actively engages with it. While writing, the album evolved with him, influenced by life’s unpredictability and a newfound desire to push his artistic boundaries.
“I wanted to build upon my first record and apply everything I learned from writing and recording it,” he clarifies. “I didn’t have a more extensive plan beyond that. I believe my songs are most genuine when I let them be diary entries reflecting my life, and I think my records benefit from living life and allowing things to unfold. Somewhere along the way, I developed a strong urge to disrupt the ‘indie folk’ label I had been using, which inspired some of the sounds you hear, along with tracks like ‘know ur style’ and ‘r u nervous.’ I learned that I need to push against my comfort zones more. I've always found small ways to challenge myself, but in retrospect, those creative choices never seemed like risks. I aim to take more risks now.”
For Biggs, Stay with the Horses represents more than just a second album; it is a declaration of growth, serving as a bridge between his past and future. Though his trademark intimacy is retained, there is newfound confidence in his artistry and perspective. His songwriting seems sharper, his sonic palette more adventurous, and overall, the album captures a clearer, more assured version of the artist he is becoming.
“I feel like I’ve in many ways lost my training wheels,” he admits. “With those two EPs—I was still finding my footing. I think this album builds upon Hit or Miss. I've discovered something to focus on, bridging those two records. I've grown as a writer, creator, and person, and I'm eager to keep building. What I mean is, I believe I've found my sound and voice, and I’m excited to continue growing, evolving, and connecting with people as I develop this craft.”
Biggs candidly states that the record has ‘something for everyone.’ Nevertheless, at its essence, Stay with the Horses is profoundly personal, shaped by his individual experiences of self-discovery, presence, and development. This sentiment is encapsulated in the album's title—a phrase that holds both literal and metaphorical significance for him.
He reflects, “During the final stages of creating this album, I was working at a school in literacy intervention with younger kids. One child, in particular, had attention deficits and often seemed lost in his own world, which resonated with me as someone on the spectrum managing ADHD. I knew that learning was challenging for him. One day, my colleague mentioned a conversation with the child’s mother, who said when he drifts off, you could call out ‘stay with the horses’ to bring him back.”
“I believe she meant ‘stay with the horse’—he enjoys riding horses—but the notion of staying with these horses, running wild but remaining present and agile,
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Alexander Biggs' second album 'Stay with the Horses' is a candid and contemplative exploration of change, growth, and mindfulness – a personal, sonically bold compilation that signifies a new phase in his artistic journey.