Alex McMurray was born in New Jersey and made his way to New Orleans in the 1980s as a student at Tulane University. Instead of following an academic path, McMurray started to learn about New Orleans through its street culture, and playing and writing music. McMurray has developed into a well-known local songwriter and performer, leading his own band on guitar as well as being part of at least a dozen additional bands, including Tin Men, Happy Talk Band, Tom Paines, Royal Fingerbowl, 007, the Valparaiso Men's Chorus, Greg Schatz and the Friggin Geniuses, The Write Brothers, and more.