Tag: "Alaska"

• Aw, Pitbull’s being such a good sport.
• Let the continuous bass drop commence.
• Well, there goes our 14-year-old innocence, Courtney.
• Aye, Aye, Captain!
• Insert pun on the name “fun.” here.
• She’s a real hip Queen.

Their name is The Lives of Famous Men, and if their career thus far is any indication, they will probably know exactly what those lives are like.

Hailing from Anchorage, Alaska, this five-piece eventually moved to New York City, where they now claim residency at Arlene’s Grocery and at Philadelphia’s North Star Bar.

Vocalist Daniel Hall has a soothing yet expressive tone, channeling a mix between Head Automatica‘s Daryl Palumbo and The Spill Canvas‘ Nick Thomas. The group behind Hall writes with a strong indie pop sensibility (similar to Steel Train and The Format) as showcased on their latest record, Marigold Maxixe. The record is an evolution from the group’s past material, which was more upbeat and jazzy, but shows that the group is both maturing and unafraid to experiment with new sounds.

Like Meg & Dia, the group opted for a more toned-down approach for their new release, which features airy guitars, steady drum beats, vocal harmonies and charming acoustic guitars. Charging electric guitars have been traded in for bells and tambourines, but the change is both refreshing and well-executed.

After performing at SXSW, Warped Tour, MTVU’s Campus Invasion and on Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Lives of Famous Men are more than ready to take on the indie scene. Produced by Paul Kolderie (Radiohead, The Pixies), Marigold Maxixe is now available for streaming and download on the band’s Bandcamp page.

Click here to check out The Lives of Famous Men’s performance on Jimmy Kimmel and hear some of their older material in the player below!

Devin Belle was born a Texan and raised an Alaskan. Sick of the freezing cold, she moved to Tennessee with her husband to embark on a music career in Nashville. Her adventurous spirit and angelic voice make for a compelling raconteur and singer-songwriter. While influences of country songbirds Martina McBride and Trisha Yearwood shine through her music, listeners can sense a bit of good, old fashioned R&B soul when she hits the high notes. Devin is making a home for herself on the Nashville live circuit in addition to making a home for herself on OurStage. In the past year she’s landed an impressive five Top 10 spots within the Alternative Country, Country and Female Singer-Songwriter Channels. Give her country chart-topping track “Mama Never Told Me” a listen and treat yourself to one of Nashville’s most promising rising stars.

Home of: Jewel, Mt. McKinley, Sarah Palin, the bald eagle, 36 Crazyfists, Portugal. The Man, the Iditarod

Fun Facts: State flower; forget-me-not, state song; “Alaska’s Flag,” state sport; dog mushing

The Venues: Every April, Alaska’s capital city of Juneau plays host to the Alaska Folk Festival. This free, entirely volunteer run festival celebrates folk music not only from Alaska but  Northwestern United States and Canada as well. The Bear Tooth Theaterpub in Anchorage, AK is a movie theater/live music venue. Also in Anchorage is the pub and brewery Moose’s Tooth. Together these venues work hard to bring big name musicians like The Wailers, The Hold Steady, and Citizen Cope to Alaska.

The Music:

Static Cycle – Static Cycle’s modern rock sound is similar to Chevelle and 3 Doors Down. For their debut album, When We Meet Again, the band worked with Producer/Engineer Mike Brown (Papa Roach, Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, Garbage) to capture their live energy in the studio. Their single “Pressure” is fast becoming a favorite of fans and radio stations all over the US.

Southside Totems – Rap group Southside Totems represent the South Side…of Saxman, AK. The Southside Totems are of the Tlingit and Haida people, Northwest Coast Tribes indigenous to Southeast Alaska. “Tlingit Traditions” celebrates the members’ Tlingit heritage as a way of life.

Theory of Hate – The weather isnt the only thing that’s brutal in Alaska. Theory of Hate is part of Alaska’s strong metal/hardcore scene. Check out their track “Inside Out” for guitar shredding, pounding drums and growling vocals.

Check out these acts and other great Alaska artists in the playlist below!

Who are your favorite OurStage Alaskans? Where do you like to see live music in Alaska? Let us know in the comments!