Two-time Grammy®-nominated musician Eric Alexandrakis is opening a meaningful new chapter with two releases shaped by remembrance, artistic heritage, and creative exploration. “One More Angel” and “Life Is Better Live” [Steppenwolf 50] reveal different sides of his musical vision while celebrating the enduring power of sound.
“One More Angel” Honors Raul Malo’s Remarkable Legacy
“One More Angel” holds profound personal significance for Alexandrakis. Written by Raul Malo and Alan Miller, the song originally appeared on Malo’s 2009 solo album, Lucky One. Its reflections on mortality and the loss of life have gained deeper emotional weight following Malo’s passing in December 2025 at the age of 60.
Malo earned widespread admiration as the lead singer of The Mavericks and through his accomplished solo career. His expressive voice carried warmth, vulnerability, and remarkable range. Rolling Stone placed his talent alongside legendary singers such as Frank Sinatra, George Jones, and Roy Orbison. His death came after a courageous 18-month experience with cancer, leaving audiences around the world mourning a truly distinctive artist.
Alexandrakis shares a connection with Malo that reaches back three decades. Their paths first crossed during Alexandrakis’s early years in Miami, where he encountered Malo and The Mavericks. Life later gave their connection another dimension. Alexandrakis has faced cancer twice, allowing him to approach this tribute with intimate knowledge of the fear, strength, and uncertainty that can accompany the disease.
That experience can be felt throughout his performance. Alexandrakis sings and plays several instruments while overseeing most of the production. The arrangement gathers an impressive community of musicians around Malo’s songwriting. EJ Ouellette contributes violin, viola, mandolin, and slide electric guitar, bringing rich textures to the recording.
Former Mavericks accordion player Michael Guerra also appears on the track. Leo Nobre, a fellow graduate of the University of Miami School of Music, performs on bass, while teenage musician Tanner Hughes handles the drums. Canadian rock artist Pennan Brae and harpist Theresa Bentley further expand the song’s expressive palette.
Frequent Alexandrakis collaborator Paul David Hager mixed the release. Hager’s credits include work with Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Olivia Rodrigo, Chappell Roan, the Jonas Brothers, Van Halen, and Devo. His contribution helps give the tribute clarity, depth, and a graceful emotional presence.
“One More Angel” is available as an exclusive standalone digital single through the Apple Music Store, with limited-time streaming on Apple Music. A limited-edition vinyl EP is also planned for release through Elastic Stage. Only 500 copies will be produced, and each edition will feature a coloring-book-style insert inspired by Renaissance paintings. All proceeds from the vinyl release will benefit the American Cancer Society in Raul Malo’s name.
Experimental Sound Meets Steppenwolf Theatre
Alexandrakis’s second release, “Life Is Better Live” [Steppenwolf 50], enters a strikingly different creative landscape. The track was composed for a short film by acclaimed photographer and director Sandro Miller. The film forms part of a photographic exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of Chicago’s renowned Steppenwolf Theatre.
Created with the theatre’s adventurous legacy in mind, the piece blends classical and contemporary instrumentation with experimental sound design. Alexandrakis drew inspiration from influential composers Karlheinz Stockhausen and John Cage, whose ideas expanded the possibilities of musical composition, silence, chance, and sonic space.
The result reflects Steppenwolf Theatre’s history of fearless storytelling and artistic discovery. Its textures support Miller’s visual language while giving the film a distinctive identity of its own. The composition shows Alexandrakis working with sound as atmosphere, movement, and emotional architecture.
“Life Is Better Live” is available as a digital download through the Apple store, along with limited-time streaming access. Together, these releases demonstrate his ability to respond thoughtfully to personal loss and major cultural milestones.
About Eric Alexandrakis
Eric Alexandrakis is a two-time Grammy®-nominated singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. Discovered by Duran Duran bassist John Taylor, he has built a diverse career across music, film, visual art, and experimental media.
His list of collaborators includes John Malkovich, David Lynch, Dolores O’Riordan, Yoko Ono, Sean Lennon, and other internationally recognized creators. His work regularly crosses stylistic boundaries, guided by curiosity, emotional honesty, and a willingness to explore unusual forms of expression.
Two Releases With Lasting Resonance
“One More Angel” offers a heartfelt farewell to Raul Malo while supporting cancer research and patient services. “Life Is Better Live” celebrates five decades of Steppenwolf Theatre through imaginative sound.
Both recordings carry Alexandrakis’s unmistakable creative spirit. They honor lives, institutions, and artistic ideas that continue to inspire, giving listeners two memorable reasons to pause, reflect, and listen closely.