SOLD KINGDOM (formerly Alexandra Rising) is the solo project of L. Alexandra Manuel. Piano-dominant, slow-burning observational art pop with existential fixations, a glittery varnish, and a mild-mannered acidity. Sold Kingdom is currently based in Charlottesville but originated from the humming woods, sprawling crop fields, and smokestack haze of rural, south-central VA.

ARTIST STATEMENT

I have always been preoccupied with the theme of control. What we do to maintain it. The thrill and terror of relinquishing it. Delusions of having it in the first place. My resulting entanglements have taught me, if nothing else, that Stevie knew what was up when she warned, “Rulers make bad lovers. Better put your kingdom up for sale.”

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DISCOGRAPHY OF MAJOR WORKS

Official Full-Length Albums

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Experimental EPs

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REVIEWS

“[This] voice is one that soars, seethes, howls, and even goes into hip-hop territory on ‘Intimacy of the Hitman’… ‘Yearning for Yearning’ is like a John Carpenter score for an opera.” –Dylan Ray (Gratitude Audio)

“Very original music with unique colors.” -Mario Lafleur (Quantum Music)

“Manuel knows the regulations for piano singer/songwriter music, even playing by them sometimes, but usually poisons traditional pop, folk, and cabaret with dark twists.” –Pat Nicnevin (Sounds and Shadows)

“…music for setting fire to home movies…” -Cory Alexander Capron (Capron’s Cabin)

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You can still revisit my former project, Alexandra Rising, on YouTube, ReverbNation, or most other major digital music outlets.