Alex Mitts, 20, is filled to brim with an appetite for life and a larger than life devotion to music. The singer-songwriter has made quite the name for himself in his eight years as years as a musician.

“[My brother is] kind of the inspiration behind a lot of things I do. My brother is like the saving grace in my life,” said Mitts, talking about his older brother who serves as Mitts’s biggest influence and biggest hero. Inspired to pick up music by his brother, Mitts soon began playing guitar, trying his hand at singing a few years later. Since then, he has delved into the world of drums, bass and keyboard though he is still most well-known for his singing and guitar playing.

Playing what he describes as acoustic pop, Mitts is a solo act these days. With no backing band, Mitts is focused on making his live shows a true spectacle.

“I’m trying to redefine my show as just one guy,” said Mitts.

He hopes to incorporate elements ranging from simply having more intense visuals, such as film clips projected during a show, to having live actors on stage. While the ideas are currently in the planning stages, Mitts assures fans that he’s working toward making them a reality.

Mitts has already released an album titled, “One Raccoon Short of a Jewel Heist,” at the age of 17, although he is not too proud of the work, he admits. It is available for purchase on iTunes.

Mitts is currently working on an untitled EP at the moment. With no band members, Mitts plays every instrument found on the recording himself while also handling all songwriting duties. During the process of recording he discovered an interest in recording and engineering he hopes to explore in the future.

“I’m not looking to become a big rock star. I just want to make music and hopefully have people hear it, most importantly have people want to hear it,” said Mitts as he detailed his ambitions.

His music is something he wants to share with the world, even going so far as to literally give away the upcoming EP for free in the form of a digital download for a few days. After the first few days the collection of songs will be available for two dollars.

His music is, at the end of the day, an outlet for his emotions.

“I’m not really a heart on my sleeve, express my emotions kind of person. It’s something I kind of have to do. It’s therapeutic as well as artistic. As long as I’m around feeling stuff I got to get it out there somehow. Hopefully this is a way to do it.”

Almost as big as his love for music is his love for fiction. An avid fan of comic books Mitts admits to them having an influence on him. Mitts dabbles in writing fiction and admits that he wouldn’t mind publishing a book one day, be it a novel or comic. Outside of music and fiction, Mitts says he’s just a regular guy.

“I have a girl, I have friends I hang out with and I work and go to school.”

For all of those interested in listening to Alex Mitts’s work you can listen to his music on www. myspace.com/alexmittsmusic and is available for purchase from www.cdbaby.com or iTunes.