If you’ve ever wandered into Trapeze, at Livano Nations in Nashville, chances are you’ve been greeted by Alex’s easy smile and upbeat energy. He’s not just your barista. He’s also your neighbor, a seasoned musician, and one of the people who helps make Livano feel like home.
“I’ve worked in music for almost fifteen years,” Alex says, recalling the winding path that led him from Atlanta to London and back to Nashville. After managing a recording studio overseas, he and his wife returned to the States and chose Nashville for its mix of family ties and creative pulse. “We wanted to be close to the city but still have a little more space and quiet,” he says. “Livano was the perfect fit.”
When Trapeze Coffee opened its doors, Alex was already working as a barista downtown. “It just made more sense to work downstairs in my own community,” he laughs. Soon, he was behind the espresso machine at Trapeze, pulling shots, chatting with residents, and helping foster connection.
“It’s very friendly. It’s very communal,” Alex says of the shop’s vibe. “It’s more of a place for residents to come in, connect, and feel at home — a good anchor point.”
That sense of community is what fuels him. He knows the regulars by name, remembers their dogs, and asks about their trips. “Getting to know people on a personal level, how their weekend went, how their dog’s doing, that’s the best part,” he says. “Sometimes one person overhears another, realizes they’re both from New York or both play guitar, and suddenly there’s a new friendship. I love being part of those connections.”
Outside the café, Alex’s other life hums to a different rhythm. A lifelong drummer and producer, he’s been building his freelance music business in Nashville, recording for artists remotely and collaborating across continents. His current bandmates live in England and France. “It’s kind of an international project,” he says with a grin. “We met up in the UK once to film music videos, but mostly we record remotely. It’s wild, but it works.”
When he’s not behind the counter or behind a drum kit, Alex and his wife love exploring local parks, soccer games, and breweries. They’re still discovering new corners of their adopted city.
“My favorite thing about living and working here is the sense of community,” Alex says. “People genuinely want to get to know each other. It’s not just a place to sleep, it’s a place to belong.”
