Features

Monolith Agency hopes to help Alaska bands attract attention

You might not have heard of the Monolith Agency, but if you go to many shows at Tap Root, Humpy's or the Blue Fox, chances are you've heard one of the bands the group has brought to Alaska. The Anchorage-based agency got its start two years ago...

Read story

Archive by category ''Features

MUSIC

Dr. Dog brings 1960s sound to Anchorage

"Do you feel like you're stuck in time?" is a question that comes early on "The Breeze," the first track on Dr. Dog's 2008 album "Fate." It's a line befitting a band that sounds like a reminder of AM radio's days full of catchy tunes and harmonies. For a group that's clearly inspired by the Beach...
MUSIC

The Melvins attempt to set a Guinness World Record

Earlier this year the Flaming Lips broke the record for most shows performed in a 24-hour period, playing eight from Memphis, Tenn., to New Orleans. Now the Melvins are getting in on the act -- the band is attempting the fastest-ever tour of each of the United States, playing one show in every...
MUSIC

Whatever your musical interests are, Palmer likely has it for you

Summer is winding to a close, and that means another Alaska State Fair is upon us. A reunited Creed kicked off this year's concert series on Thursday, but the Borealis stage still offers a full slate of classic rock, country, comedy and more. Here's a breakdown of this year's performers. Note...
MUSIC

Fishbone promises to 'bring the ruckus'

Formed by a group of junior high students in Los Angeles, Fishbone created a unique blend of ska, funk, reggae and punk, becoming a prominent part of a Southern California music scene that also included such luminaries as the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Jane's Addiction. Now, 33 years, numerous...
MUSIC

More than 30 acts are jammin' for salmon this weekend

While only in its second year, Salmonstock has already become perhaps the biggest musical festival in the state. More than 30 acts will perform on four stages over the course of three days at the Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds in Ninilchik. That's one more stage than last year, and this year's installment...
MUSIC

36 Crazyfists celebrates 10th anniversary of major-label debut

Brock Lindow, frontman for 36 Crazyfists, doesn't think the record deal his band got a decade ago would have ever happened if the local metalheads were just now getting their start.
MUSIC

Atmosphere embraces adulthood on 'The Family Sign'

Atmosphere has been a force in indie hip-hop for more than a decade, during which the duo has shown little interest in sticking to any established formula for mainstream success. Releasing records under their own label and championing a fierce loyalty to their hometown of Minneapolis, Atmosphere...
MUSIC

Hardworking Citizen Cope on tour with a new album

Seemingly always on tour, singer-songwriter Clarence Greenwood -- better known as Citizen Cope -- still manages to produce new albums from time to time, even if he's not getting help from a major label anymore. His latest, "One Lovely Day" was released Tuesday and is Cope's second album since...
MUSIC

Brandi Carlile returns to Alaska with a new album

When you interview someone as well known as Brandi Carlile, you sometimes get a pleasant guy named Sean or Chris who calls to let you know that the phone interview has been canceled. Someone named Shannon reschedules. When everything is sorted out, Sean or Chris will call to connect you to Carlile...
MUSIC

Gary Sloan gets unexpected boost from reissued 'Harmonitalk'

Gary Sloan has spent much of the past 35 years touring Alaska and his adopted home of Arkansas, building his reputation as a leading blues harmonica player. So when the past came calling last winter, it took him by surprise.