Charlotte, NC (January 12, 2024) - A.H. Pettus, the genre-blending artist originally from outside Charlotte, NC, unveiled his latest album, How The West Was Once this past June 2023. This raw and heartfelt album takes listeners on an emotional rollercoaster, navigating the tumultuous landscapes of divorce, grief, and redemption through a fusion of Folk, Singer-Songwriter, Western-Country, Americana, Rock, and Punk influences.
ALBUM TOPICS & THEMES
In How The West Was Once, A.H. Pettus explores various aspects of human experience, from life’s big questions to post-divorce challenges. Through a gripping narrative set in the old West, he touches on themes like justice and survival. The album reflects Pettus’ personal journey through divorce, finding solace and happiness unexpectedly. Inspired by the war in Ukraine, one song reflects on the broader impact of war on humanity. The album closes on a positive note, with Pettus expressing gratitude for his new family, friends, and listeners on this musical journey.
ALBUM COVER ART
ABOUT “HOW THE WEST ONCE WAS”
In 2018, amidst the aftermath of a challenging divorce, A.H. Pettus sought refuge in the creation of How The West Was Once. This record serves as a musical memoir, capturing Pettus’ emotional journey through grief, love, and self-discovery over the course of two years. Recording, instrumentation, mixing, and mastering were all executed by Pettus in his basement studio, showcasing a hands-on approach to his craft. From melancholic beginnings to uplifting resolutions, the album encapsulates the artist’s resilience and growth.
“Some people have therapists, and some people have a bottle of bourbon and a guitar.”
- A.H. Pettus, Alternative Folk Singer-Songwriter
About A.H Pettus:
As the lead singer and head songwriter of Charlotte, NC area super-group ‘Remy St. Claire’ over a decade ago, Alexander is back with a more stripped-down western-folk sound with his new solo record How The West Was Once.
Comprised of songs written before, during, and after the divorce from his first wife. You get an intimate look inside the rise and fall of a love story. Mixing Appalachian-folk, indie-rock, country-western, and a little bit of punk, it is a truly special and intimate recording of its raw delivery and emotional attachment. Written over a period of 5 or so years, and recorded entirely by Alexander himself, it’s simple, but in a world so complicated, sometimes simple is just what you need. Among music, Alexander has been an actor since the age of 6 doing voice-over work for Lionsgate’s ‘Christmas in Cartoontown’, and starring with the late Mickey Rooney in ‘The Lost Stallions: The Journey Home.’
He has written two novels, two kids television series, and two feature films one of which was nominated for the Nichols Prize and was a PAGE’s finalist. He also is a painter specializing in acrylics and has sold paintings to the Belk family and the Bates family among others over his artistic career. He also has been nominated and competed for the Southern Prize in art for the Southeast.