Alexander’s “Like a Bird,” from the movie Sing Sing, is nominated for the Oscar for Best Original Song
Gibson Marquee Artist Abraham Alexander has been nominated for an Oscar. Alongside Black Pumas guitarist Adrian Quesada, with whom he collaborated on the track, Alexander is nominated for Best Original Song for “Like a Bird” from the movie Sing Sing. The result will be revealed at the 97th Academy Awards ceremony on March 2, 2025.
Sing Sing is an American prison drama based on the real-life Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility, a maximum security prison in Ossining, New York.
We caught up with Alexander to get the story behind “Like a Bird” and find out how he felt on hearing the news of his Oscar nomination.
How does it feel to join the exclusive club of Oscar-nominated musicians? It must be a career highlight.
“It’s surreal. When I started making music, I never imagined something like this would happen. To be recognized by the Academy, to be part of this incredible group of artists—it’s beyond anything I could have dreamed. More than anything, I feel grateful. Grateful for the journey, for the people who believed in me, and for the power of storytelling through music.”
How did you find out the news, how did you react, and who did you share it with first?
“I watched the nominations be announced. It was one of those moments where time slowed down. I think I just sat there for a second, trying to process it. Then, of course, I called my family and my close friends. It was a mix of disbelief and pure joy.”
Can you tell us about the writing and recording process behind the song? How did it come about, what was the inspiration, and what guitar(s) did you use on the recording?
“The inspiration for ‘Like a Bird’ came directly from the film. Adrian reached out and asked if I’d be willing to write a song for Sing Sing, and he sent me a trailer along with a mood board. The moment I watched it, I just broke down in tears. It was such a powerful story, and I knew I had to find a way to honor it through music.
“I wanted to personify the emotions of being locked in a cage, the feelings of being confined from what you were created to do. And what better way to capture that feeling than through the imagery of a bird? That became the heart of the song.
“I started writing it on my Epiphone Dove™, and when we recorded, I used an old Gibson J-45™ that Adrian had in his studio. That guitar had so much soul in it, and I think it really helped bring the song to life in a way that felt raw and honest.”
What’s your favorite song among the other nominees and why?
“That’s tough because every song in this category is incredible. Each one tells a story in its own way, and I respect all the artists who brought them to life.”
What’s next for Abraham Alexander?
“Right now, I’m just embracing the moment, but there’s so much on the horizon. I’m finishing my second album, which has been a journey of self-discovery. I’m also working on a mini-documentary that ties my trip to Greece with my music, exploring where I come from and where I’m headed. And, of course, I’m excited to keep playing, keep creating, and keep growing. No matter what happens next, I just want to stay true to the music and to the stories I want to tell.”
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