Alex Clare
A soulful British vocalist whose electronic blues found global resonance after a Microsoft ad campaign.
Born 1985 (age 41)·British singer-songwriter·Birthday: September 14·Millennials
Biography
Alex Clare emerged from London's music scene as a singer-songwriter with a gravelly, emotive voice that defied easy categorization. His 2011 debut, 'The Lateness of the Hour,' was a bold fusion of soulful introspection and aggressive dubstep production, crafted with the help of Major Lazer. While initially garnering critical respect, his career trajectory shifted dramatically when his single 'Too Close' was featured in a 2012 Internet Explorer advertising campaign, propelling the song into international charts. This unexpected mainstream success created a complex narrative for Clare, an artist suddenly known to millions through a web browser. He navigated this by staying true to his musical roots, later exploring more organic sounds and openly discussing the role of his Jewish faith in his life and creative process, carving a path distinct from fleeting internet fame.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Alex was born in 1985, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Alex Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Alex's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2003Could vote
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Turned 21
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2015Turned 30
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- His single 'Too Close' reached the top ten in over fifteen countries following its feature in a major 2012 advertising campaign.
- Debuted with the album 'The Lateness of the Hour,' a pioneering blend of soul vocals and dubstep-influenced production.
- Performed on major international television programs like 'Late Night with Jimmy Fallon' following his commercial breakthrough.
Did You Know?
He is an observant Jew and has spoken about balancing his faith with a career in the music industry.
Before his solo career, he was the drummer for the English ska band The Streets.
He turned down a place at the prestigious Brit School to pursue music independently.
“I'm not a robot, I'm not a monster, I'm just a man.”
