April 8, 2008
If you haven’t heard, local band I Am Alaska has cut a deal with Attic Records. Their new EP, "A Day in a Life," drops June 13, and they are set to go on tour across the states with Closed Eyes Take Lives in June.
Their brilliant new sound is a cross of Brand New and Fall of Troy, but I Am Alaska seems to make it clear that they don’t want to classify their music; they just want to play it.
I interviewed Joe and Rob from the band about their new album and going on tour this summer.
Unscripted: Where did you guys come up with the name I Am Alaska?
Rob: The band started off as a side project, and we didn’t have a name for it at the time. It was just ideas Jay and I had, then Jarrett joined, and we were in the car one day, and Jay said something about wanting to move to Alaska 'cause it was his favorite place and it kind of came out of that.
Unscripted: What kind of music would you categorize I Am Alaska?
Joe: Loud and noisy.
Rob: We don’t much try and be one genre; we just play what we like to play.
Unscripted: How long did you guys know each other and when did you form your band?
Rob: Jay and Jarrett played together in a former band for years. I met them when my old band played a show with theirs. Our bands clicked, and I started hanging with Jarrett and Jay all the time. Jay and I were discontent with our current projects and decided to start jamming and writing stuff we liked. Then Jarrett joined, and their band's drummer and keyboardist joined. My old band kicked me out, leaving me more time for the project, so I’ve known the guys for about two years.
Joe: I knew Jay and Jarrett when I was a little fetus just first starting to go to shows, and their band Phineas started up. I’d chill with them and all. Then I Am Alaska was going through some changes back in fall of last year, and it was perfect timing because Scenic State went their separate ways. Then, Tom joined after his band Indireneed broke up as fate would have it. I think this is the final lineup. I enjoy our sounds. It's weird.
Unscripted: Who in the band writes your songs?
Rob: Musically, everyone comes up with ideas and puts them together. When we first started, I had written lyrics about losing someone in death and Jay and I started from the lyrics and put together our first song, "Death in a Silent Picture." Since Tom and Joe joining, the song writing has been a cumulative effort. I write the lyrics and melodies, and the guys co-write the music.
Joe: It’s not even a process of writing. It all comes so naturally. It’s melody and idea after melody and idea until its too gigantic for us to comprehend.
Unscripted: You guys signed with Attic Records. How did it feel when it finally happened?
Rob: Honestly, it was out of the blue. Attic was looking for new projects, and it kind of just fell into place. When we signed, I was a bit nervous, but it turned out to be a really positive thing for the band, and we're really proud of our EP. Having help doing what you love is an amazing feeling.
Joe: Fate.
Unscripted: You guys seem to be really busy this summer. Do you think you'll like life on the road?
Rob: Yeah, I’m excited for the Summer Odyssey. I’m also nervous. I’ve never been out on the road that long, let alone away from home that long, but I’m psyched to see what’s out there, and hopefully, kids dig us.
Joe: It’s gonna be such a party. Definitely going to be something to write home about as much as its going to be nerve-racking. Cannot wait to rage.
Unscripted: What do you ultimately want for I Am Alaska? Are you guys trying to make it or is this just a project?
Rob: It’s what we all wanna do. We’ve all sacrificed a lot to do this band, and I think it's cool sharing that with each other. Its still fun, and that’s what matters. So to be able to make something we all love into our job for a while would be amazing.
Unscripted: How can fans get a hold of your CD? And do you guys have a Web site?
Rob: Well, we'll have them for sale on our MySpace and on our Web site.
Unscripted: Anything else that you want to add?
Rob: Thanks to everyone who checks us out and gives our stuff a chance, and check out our friends in the bands on our MySpace.
Joe: Listen to Balance&Composure.
