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The Alternates: redrafting the old ways of rock radio
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It’s hard to find quality in today’s modern rock bands. Tune into a modern rock station and what you...It’s hard to find quality in today’s modern rock bands. Tune into a modern rock station and what you get is a playlist of esteemed bands from a bygone era faultily mashed with shallow, supervised by a suit and tie contemporaries. It’s a shame, really. The Alternates seem tailor-fit for what a modern rock station used to sound like before this past decade heavily distorted the influence of younger bands, whose frame of reference doesn't go any further than vacuous, deafening noise and trite post-grunge. When you listen to the Alternates’ meaty, reverberated riffs and soulful delivery, it’s apparent the LA band have overseen the modern designation of what guitar rock has become and gone back to its more Southern-tinged seventies touch. That’s not to say they have modest aspirations – the songwriting found in their EP Spiders and Webs balances a fuzzy tonality with lighter-hoisting choruses, all executed with casual confidence. As long as they continue to evolve within their classicist intentions, their upcoming debut long player may give the radio airwaves a much needed rattling.
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The Modern Way Of Spencer Livingston And The Alternates
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I like all kinds of music - I really do. But when I tried to wrap my head around the style of music ...I like all kinds of music - I really do. But when I tried to wrap my head around the style of music played by The Alternates, I just couldn't find the right word to describe it. There was a modern, new-edgy sort of feeling, yet something very familiar about it too. There were lots of percussion, trendy vocals, and even a touch political commentary. More importantly, I just liked it. It felt so…American.
Oddly enough, as much of a challenge as defining it was, the answer was actually quite obvious: they are an American band playing very American music. Keyboard and vocalist Jake Craven calls their style of music "modern alternative American," and I liked that definition the best.
The Los Angeles-based band is really a tight-knit group of six friends that met in high school and started jamming together in lead singer Spencer Livingston's garage. Today, they've got one album out and a single - fittingly enough called Occupy Wall Street -- that is becoming the anthem of the Occupy Wall Street movement.
"When I first met Spencer, he really opened my eyes to traditional American rock…I've learned so much from these guys," said bass player Kevin Solis.
They've written more than 60 songs so far, most of which are penned by lead singer Spencer Livingston.
"I generally write the lyrics and the melody, then the band jams and it all comes together," Spencer said in a telephone interview. "It's an amazing process…it just happens for us."
All six attended high school together at the Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies, a magnet school in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. They were able to focus on the type and style of music that moved and inspired them. In no time, they cliqued together into the group now known as The Alternates.
"We all had a love of music," Jake said. "We embrace a newer, experimental style that stretches beyond Americana and folk '60's music."
The band uses two drummers at the same time - to create a unique beat. Erwin Solis and Matt Walker may rock the stage during their performances, but they have diametrically opposite backgrounds. Erwin is self-taught on the drums, while Matt took lessons for a couple years. Erwin still gets nervous on stage, while the more laid-back Matt simply shrugs any pre-concert anxiety.
"I don't really get stage fright," Matt said. "I don't really stress out in front of people."
Erwin said each of them still have a few little rituals they like to do before a concert, although the days have passed when he would get so nervous he would want to vomit.
"I really wanted to play," Erwin said of his first road trip appearance. "But, I honestly thought I was going to throw up…I was that nervous." But after the curtains parted, he settled in for a comfortable and "fun" performance.
The group's name is still a bit of a mystery. Jake said the name was created during a performance at an awards show, but no one is really sure who came up with it. "We really don't know where the name comes from," he said. "Someone at that show probably just named us and it stuck."
Their creative success comes from a mutual trust and partnership between the guys, although everything isn't always so smooth.
Guitarist Tristan Esmundo will definitely let them know when he disagrees. "He is really passionate about the band," Matt said. "Sometimes he's really passionate about what we are doing."
Lead singer Spencer Livingston said as much as they practice together, they still are a "band of brothers."
"We're not afraid to say how we feel," he added. "That's how we get creative."
When they aren't playing music together or spending time with girlfriends and family, the still find time to hang out together just to have fun. But, it doesn't take long before they are jamming to a tune or piecing together the next song they will write.
The Alternates has been playing in local venues around the Los Angeles area as they seek out management and recording label opportunities.
"We're in this for the long-haul," Spencer said. "We're not just a garage band. We're looking to do this as a career."
The Alternates have an awesome traditional sound of a by-gone era, with hints of modern music magic that attracts listeners of all ages. Their songs have meaning, and the lyrics tell a story. Equally important, they are a group of friends who have found a love and affinity for music - and they are quite good at it.
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The Alternates Are Spinning Webs August 30th 2011
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This weekend I went and saw 100 Monkeys at The House Of Blues in Anaheim, CA! You guys all know how ...This weekend I went and saw 100 Monkeys at The House Of Blues in Anaheim, CA! You guys all know how I feel about 100 Monkeys, and seeing them live only built that love, but this post isn't about 100 Monkeys (a post about their set is in the works) this post is about the band who opened the show that night. I for one, am glad they did. It's not often that you stumble upon a band like this, but when you do, you know you're lucky. Trust me, you, my friends are lucky.
The Alternates are a group of talented young gents from the Los Angeles area. Though they only played a short set, The Alternates grabbed my attention from the very first notes they played, till the conclusion of the last chord. They have a sound that is all their own. A mix, brimming with classic Americana sounds, but thrown in with an edgier alternative vibe.
Front man Spencer Livingston's vocals are rich and deep. They remind me of a mix of, possibly Cat Stevens and Neil Young? Though they are without a doubt his own. Plus he has guitar skills to boot. Speaking of guitar, Tristan Esmundo, shreds on the electric guitar. Seriously, he's got some major skills, and adds his own element to the band. Kevin Solis handles the bass like a pro, thumbing along and adding some great bass lines. The drums are handled not only by one drummer, but two. That's right folks, we have dueling drummers. Well not really, cause Matt Walker and Erwin Solis play their separate drum kits so well together, that it really adds something special to the band. Finishing out the band, Jake Craven handles keyboards as well as trombone and a few other instruments, all of which he has mastered. Filling out The Alternates brilliant, creative sound!
This band is one that has been working for years on their music and it really shows through, both on their record and in their live set. They play so well together, creating something unique, creative and true. Plus, Spencer's lyrics tell some pretty honest stories, which pull the audience in, and kept everyone's attention.
They have a great 6 song EP, called "Spiders And Webs", which you can buy on I-tunes or listen to it HERE! Trust me, you won't be sorry. Give this fantastic, secret of a band a try. So, that way you can be one of those music snobs, who knew about them before everyone else, or at least some people!
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Occupy Wall Street's Theme Song Penned By Spencer Livingston
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Occupy Wall Street's Theme Song Penned by Spencer Livingston
By Dan McGinnis | Yahoo! Contributor...Occupy Wall Street's Theme Song Penned by Spencer Livingston
By Dan McGinnis | Yahoo! Contributor Network – 20 hrs ago
10/27/2011
Lead singer/guitarist Spencer Livingston
The Occupy Wall Street movement is making more than just a little noise in Manhattan. NPR reports that, for weeks, an endless drumming sounds oozes from Zuccotti Park, working the nerves of residents and workers in surrounding buildings. It's the beat of the movement, but that is about to change. Occupy Wall Street now has its own song, conveniently named "Occupy Wall Street."
The folk-style song was penned by 22-year old California resident Spencer Livingston, lead singer and guitarist of The Alternates, an indie rock band formed six years ago. Livingston said the whole Occupy movement captured his attention, not because he is a political activist, but because it's time "to make it right."
"I can't say I have a solution," he said. "But the first step is identifying the problem. They've done that."
A few weeks ago he was talking with his music producer on the phone and had a chance to record a song -- if he acted fast.
"I told him I wanted to record something about Occupy Wall Street," Livingston said.
Malick gave him one day to write the lyrics and melody and show up in the studio. Livingston penned the song in one night.
"It was definitely a spur of the moment thing," he said. "I've never been big on writing political songs, but I had to write about this because I feel passionate about it."
The song is available for free download on The Alternates web site, and will soon be available on iTunes -- with all proceeds benefiting the Occupy Wall Street movement, he said.
This week, Livingston is in New York City to do three solo shows of his original material at local clubs, but he plans to appear on Saturday in Manhattan with guitar in hand.
"I'm going down there to sing the song…maybe they'll have a stage, or maybe I'll just set up in the crowd and sing," he said. "Regardless, the song makes its debut on Saturday in New York City…even if I just stand in the crowd and play it."
Livingston said the main focus in the movement that ABC News described as having no demands is simply to rally public awareness.
"There are people coming out of college and can't get jobs," he said. "They owe hundreds of thousands (of dollars) in student loans and there are no jobs available."
The solution, he said, is limiting the role of big business and, to some extent, changing the way Americans govern themselves.
"The constitution was meant to be rewritten," he said, adding that it's a living, breathing document that has to be modernized with time.
"It's one of the most important, defining documents, but the Founding Fathers didn't envision a modern world like today."
Livingston said he is not an opportunist, but he may have penned the swan song for the Occupy movement. Saturday in Manhattan will tell for sure.
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Concert Review The Alternates Open for 100 Monkeys
http://www.brokenrecordsonline.com/?p=1713
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The Alternates Occupy Wall Street
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Occupy Wall Street is a song composed and performed by Spencer Livingston, lead singer and guitarist...Occupy Wall Street is a song composed and performed by Spencer Livingston, lead singer and guitarist for The Alternates, a Los Angeles rock band I happen to be a fan of. The compelling video for the song was created by Jake Craven, the piano, organ, and trombone player for the band. In order to support the growing national and international Occupy movement, The Alternates have decided to offer free downloads of their Occupy Wall Street song; you can download your copy at - www.thealternatesband.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSxYUv-EGSU&feature=player_embedded
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Interview: The Alternates
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Interview: The Alternates
“I believe that music can be used as a powerful tool to remind people abo...Interview: The Alternates
“I believe that music can be used as a powerful tool to remind people about some of the issues and problems in the world”, exclaims Spencer Livingston, front man of enthralling Los Angeles six-piece The Alternates.
“Sometimes the truth can be painful to hear - but it needs to be said and I am not afraid to say it.”
It’s a confident retort from Livingston, but you wouldn’t expect anything less judging by the band’s alluring debut Spiders and Webs EP – a sprawling six-track fizzing ball of energy that wraps the raw, curious vigour of early Bob Dylan with the blistering sincerity of Neil Young into one of 2011’s best kept secrets.
Their skilled musicianship shines throughout the album but it’s not surprising.
The six-strong pack are long time friends, and have been playing together since 2003.
Livingston, whose searing vocals at times splice the unmistakable growl of Kings of Leon’s Caleb Followill with the haunting croons of Fleet Foxes’ Robin Pecknold, is joined by twins Kevin (bass) and Erwin Solis (drums), guitarist Tristan Esmundo, Matt Walker and multi-instrumentalist Jake Craven.
“Back in 2003, Matt and Spencer began playing together, then a little while later I began playing bass and that was the initial formation of The Alternates”, said Craven.
“From 2005 on, we began developing our sound little by little, by writing, recording and playing shows around Los Angeles.
“Finally, in 2009, I rejoined the band to play keyboards and we were set. At that time, we really came into our own musically and were able to find a voice that was truly ours.”
Like most bands, The Alternates put in the ground work in the hope of finding that breakthrough and, thanks to the wonders of the internet, a successful fundraising campaign via the kickstarter.com website led to the recording of Spiders and Webs – and thank the lord they did.
The EP is awash with different styles, from alluring folk-rock to rock-driven tales of modern hardships, and this was always going to be on the cards for a band full of varying perspectives on modern life.
“There’s so much going on in terms of the identities within the band”, admits Craven. “This results in everyone offering a different perspective on how something should or could sound.
“Luckily for us, we feel that is a strongpoint and we enjoy writing different songs that sound unlike our other stuff. There are no set guidelines for how we are supposed to sound, so we allow each song to develop naturally and form its own identity.”
It’s easy to sit back in 2011, take notice of what’s going on around you and fear and impending global collapse. From the middle-eastern uprisings to the catastrophic earthquake in Japan, or the global financial institution that’s akin to a teetering Jenga set, more and more people are waking up to the struggles and crisis facing the planet, and Spiders and Webs’ opener The Modern Way is extremely prevalent in terms of hardships currently facing modern world consciousness.
“I think that is definitely true about The Modern Way”, observes Livingston.
“I usually try to write songs based on observations and experiences. Most of the time I try to write lyrics that have double meanings and sometimes when you write that way, a song’s meaning can become more abstract.
“I think The Modern Way was my attempt at writing lyrics that are a little more straight forward or ‘accessible to the listener. It seems like I did a pretty good job because your interpretation was pretty dead on.
“It is important to stay up-to-date with what is happening.”
What’s next for The Alternates? The band say the EP received a fantastic reaction and there are aspirations to cross the Atlantic and perform in the UK – but the world is their oyster.
Craven said: “We feel that in order to carve out a niche for ourselves, we need to find our finds wherever they may be. So, there is no specific place that we aim to break in.
“If there turns out to be a community of people who potentially could enjoy our music in Japan or New Zealand, then we want to do everything we can to get our music to those places.”
The Alternates have a devout belief in following their music’s path and remain true to the grounded messages jam-packed in Spiders and Webs; and there’s little doubt the six-piece can build up a loyal fan base thanks to their humble personas.
“Being a band that is working to establish itself in the industry, the journey is really an adventure”, believes Craven.
“As long as we are still making music and getting our songs out to people who enjoy them, we don’t care where we are – two bit dives in Walla Walla Washington, or festivals in the south of France, as long as we are doing what we love to do everything will be OK.”
Interested in checking out The Alternates? Check out these cracking tracks from Spiders and Webs EP below. You won't be disappointed.
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The Alternates Sing Of The Modern Way
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Never underestimate the power of a band of friends. The Alternates, a group of six good friends, for...Never underestimate the power of a band of friends. The Alternates, a group of six good friends, formed in Los Angeles and have been playing music together for over seven years. You can actually hear the friendship in their guitar-driven melodies and effortless harmonies. The band meshes like a comfortable couch and a good book. We catch the band a few days before the digital release of their first EP Spiders and Webs, a solid debut that ranges from folk/Americana to hard-hitting rock. Let’s dive into The Alternates this Saturday afternoon.
“The Modern Way”
This five-minute biting attack at of the world’s overconsumption and destruction of the environment is carried by strong harmonies, skillful drumming, well-placed electric guitar and a neat acoustic chord progression. I specifically enjoy the Modern Way harmonic lyrical cut-ins that provide the listener with a chance to catch their breath. The guitar solo at the four-minute mark provides the song with a refreshing Americana input.
“Spiders and Webs”
“Spiders and Webs” is the title track of The Alternates EP. It features a sharp, head-bopping moving rhythm that tinkers with elements of raw early hard rock while grasping on to slight Indie sentiments. But the hard guitar certainly prevails and it takes the form of an expedited, but enjoyable rock burst.
Spiders and Webs will be released online on June 14 and currently the band is offering free downloads of songs “The Modern Way” and “Slow and Steady” on their website. You can also follow the band on twitter and facebook by following these links. If you live in the California area, The Alternates may be coming to a venue near you. Check out the dates below.
May 18th- House of Blues- Sunset Strip
June 16th- Queen Bee’s- San Diego
June 17th- TRiP- Santa Monica
June 18th- Good Hurt- West Los Angeles
June 21st- Blue Cafe- Long Beach, CA
June 22nd- Frog and Peach- San Luis Obispo
June 23rd- Grant And Green- San Francisco, CA
June 25th- Brainwash Cafe- San Francisco
June 28th- Skylark Cafe & Club- Seattle, Washington
June 29th- Platform Booking- Spokane, Washington
June 30th- Twilight Bar- Portland, Oregon
July 3rd – Moe’s Alley- Santa Cruz CA
July 5th- El Cid- Los Angeles, California
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New And Noteworthy: The Alternates- Spiders And Webs EP
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Luck found me the other day on Twitter as Los Angeles based band The Alternates came up in the "Simi...Luck found me the other day on Twitter as Los Angeles based band The Alternates came up in the "Similar To You" category and I followed. And the Alternates followed me. And since I've had a chance to listen to an advance copy of their debut EP "Spiders and Webs" a few times and have finally found an up and coming band I can put my carriage behind. I say finally because a few other times I'd been contacted by some artists or agencies that I couldn't generate any interest in giving a recommendation. That's not the case with The Alternates. This is something I'd enjoy occasionally and, even more important, something I think some friends of mine would really enjoy listening to often.
What gets me the most about "Spiders and Webs" is it's got the gusto of a band that has already had several recordings under their belt. There is a huge veteran sense of musicianship running through the six songs on the EP. If opener "The Modern Way" has a west cost Avett Brothers Americana vibe, then don't let the rest of the EP fool you unto thinking they're pigeonholed into that category. They kind of tackle all points of Americana put more in a way of, say, My Morning Jacket or Son Volt and that is a huge chunk of the charm. "The Modern Way" is a lovely front porch summer jam, "Changing" Course" is led by an awesome guitar line and has the smarts to add in horns to its menu, and the seven minute plus "Metamorphosis" never feels like a lengthy jam thanks to it's variation in tempo and driving style. Lead singer Spencer Livingston has a voice reminiscent of Josh Homme of Queens Of The Stone Age (The title track best examplele track) or Justin Harris of Menomena ("Nature Of The Mind" is the best example) but his way of holding on to notes in his approach gives each song another layer of character.
Their EP was funded through fans through a fund-raising campaign on kickstarter.com which is something cool in itself. There is no release date for this EP yet but keep an eye out through the links provided below for further information. Also below is a couple songs via SoundCloud available for your listening pleasure (Lead single "The Modern Way" and "Slow and Steady"). Thanks to keyboardist Jake Craven for forwarding the information and I wish him and his mates good luck on future successes because their debut shows they have a lot of potential for it.
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Interview With Spencer Livingston From The Alternates
See link
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The Alternates - Spiders And Webs EP Review
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“…our sound has developed like good barbeque … the sonic marination blends modern alternative sounds...“…our sound has developed like good barbeque … the sonic marination blends modern alternative soundscaping with throwback, telecaster-driven Americana.”- The Alternates
The Alternates’ Spiders and Webs EP drives the urge to grab a cold one and head over to the river on a sunbaked day with a pack of friends, innertubes and a loaded cooler. Or simply to drive and listen. Or maybe just to fire up the grill.
Laid-back yet pointedly aware, Spencer Livingston practically croons through songs that address alarming states of our worlds – both inner and outer – with gentle hope, while holding out the long notes like those nectarous last drips of sunlight at the end of a long, satisfying summer day.
Prone to thumping beats, crashing cymbals and occasionally extended guitar grooves in their powerful live shows, the gang of six, including two drummers, gathered at Peter Malick’s Pie and Tart Shop in LA, where together they refined and recorded this set of six distinctive and eloquently written Rock Americana nuggets. The result is nearly thirty minutes of substantial listening. Livingston’s voice shines with natural beauty at every turn. All the nooks and crannys have value. Even the 7 1/2 min Metamorphosis wastes no space, kindly demanding your ear all the way through.
The Alternates have hit the nail on the head with this instant classic. Spiders and Webs is a diverse and surprisingly mature first release for these LA natives and longtime buddies.
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[Listendownload] The Alternates-The Modern Way
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The Alternates is a band from Los Angeles, California fronted by Spencer Livingston. Their release o...The Alternates is a band from Los Angeles, California fronted by Spencer Livingston. Their release of their EP Spiders and Webs was funded by fans from kickstarter. Their sound is a sort of alternative indie-rock mixed with a country/Americana kind of vibe. Don’t let the “country” tag scare you away though, there’s enough great guitar riffs to rock your world in the EP. I’m allowed to share with you the track called The Modern Way, which is actually the slower more subdued track in the song that is almost reminiscent of those sort of build up to a giant wall of sound indie tracks, except that they don’t and it remains quite chill.
The Alternates- Modern Way
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Spiders And Webs
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A lot of major labels and the RIAA would have you believe that the internet is literally destroying ...A lot of major labels and the RIAA would have you believe that the internet is literally destroying music. The theory is that, because people can download songs now, music itself will go away. As if, suddenly, when no one can get rich making music (or selling it, which is what record labels do. They sign and sell talent, they do not possess it themselves), no one will make it at all. Of course, the fallacy of this logic is that instruments will still exist and people will still play them, just like they did before there was a music “industry.” To be clear, I think plenty of musicians deserve to make a living playing music – but I think people will find ways to do that even when the major labels have died off like the dinosaurs they are. Smaller labels seem to do okay with the internet – I bought the new Daniel Martin Moore album from Sub Pop earlier this year and I don’t recall the confirmation email saying, “Thank you for helping to destroy music, you sadistic fuck.” Maybe it was in the fine print.
Why are we even talking about this?
Well, there’s this local Los Angeles band that I like called the Alternates. They started, from what his aunt tells me, when Spencer Livingston started writing and recording music in his living room under that name. The band’s current incarnation features Livingston on vocals and guitar; Tristan Esmundo on electric guitar; Kevin Solis on bass; Jake Craven on piano, organ, and trombone; and Erwin Solis and Matt Walker both on drums (that is, the Alternates have two drummers. It’s pretty impressive live, but you can’t always hear it on their recorded stuff). The Alternates have played all over Los Angeles and have built up a pretty loyal following. That following paid dividends last year when they used Kickstarter to fund the recording of their new Spiders and Webs EP, which is coming out via Luxury Wafers (there’s no official release date. According to their website, the album is due out “in the coming months”). The band is kicking off a tour at the House of Blues on Wednesday night and they’ll be hopping up and down the West Coast through early July. They’re a great live band and they tend to play very affordable shows, so you might wanna check ‘em out if they blow through your town.
One of the perks of internet fandom, though, is that I have obtained a free promo copy of Spiders and Webs, presumably because I joined the Alternates’ mailing list a while ago. In any case, I have the EP right now. It was sent out to some lucky folks (I think I got the email Sunday night) with the intention of helping the recipients “do your job as a music editor/critic/booker with ease and stealth.” So the band has placed in my hands the power to either shower them in advance praise for their official debut or to pan the thing as hard as Charles Shaar Murray originally panned the Clash (“They are the kind of garage band who should be speedily returned to their garage, preferably with the motor running, which would undoubtedly be more of a loss to their friends and families than to either rock or roll.” According to the lore, it’s this line that prompted the band to write “Garageland.” Murray was eventually won over by the Clash, but that sentence still stands as one of their most notorious reviews).
But it’s probably obvious by now how I feel about the Alternates and it probably won’t surprise anyone to read that I think Spiders and Webs is a pretty great EP that gets better every time I listen to it. Livingston’s voice recalls the better singers of 1990s alternative rock radio (I’ve heard him compared to a young Eddie Vedder, although I hear a lot more of a young Jay Farrar in his voice on Spiders and Webs - if you don’t know who Jay Farrar is, you need to go scoop up No Depression and Still Feel Gone by Uncle Tupelo and the first Son Volt record), and many of the tracks are laden with harmonies worthy of the Band. Long time Bollocks! readers will be aware that I don’t hand out compliments like that lightly.
When I first heard some of the Alternates’ living room recordings, I could immediately pick out that they were splitting the difference between Neil Young-ish classic rock, alternative rock, indie, and alt.country. Over the years, they’ve synthesized that sound into something entirely their own, which is why Spiders and Webs can remind me of Tom Petty and early Son Volt (opener and lead single “The Modern Way” would have been at home on Petty’s Into the Great Wide Open and Son Volt’s Trace, right next to “Tear Stained Eye”) and then head off in jammier directions on longer songs like “Metamorphosis” and “Nature of the Mind” (“jammier” in a Built to Spill or Modest Mouse’s “Whale Song” kind of way) before returning to the raucous brevity of the title track. The Alternates spread their wings pretty far on Spiders and Webs, but every song is rooted in Livingston’s strong melodies and their adorning harmonies.
Lyrically, the songs tend to be about people who are unwilling or unable to face the truth; “The Modern Way” opines that “We must’ve been sleeping/ but everyone’s waking up” and “Everyone here has their heads underground” on “Slow and Steady.” While Livingston’s lyrics (he has the sole writing credit on the EP) tend toward notions of alienation, it’s never in an overwrought, emo manner (like, you know, My Chemical Romance). The narrators of these songs, like a lot of people in the world right now, are seeking stability in a world that’s changing under their feet (I should note that this is just my interpretation of the lyrics – Livingston seems deliberately opaque in his writing, which is something I enjoy). Lazier, ageist writers might say something about how thoughtful Livingston is given his relative youth, but I can’t stand that kind of patronizing shit. Let it suffice to say that Spencer Livingston is a good lyricist who continues to get better and he’s part of a band that does the same.
Having spent some time around the Los Angeles music scene in the last five years, I haven’t found much to like as much as I like the Alternates. For one thing, I have yet to encounter another band that matches their work ethic – they’ve spent years refining a sound and playing wherever they could to get their name out there. They don’t have, to my knowledge, some inside hook-up in the music industry. They asked their fans to fund the recording of Spiders and Webs and were rewarded with a resounding – and much deserved – “yes” from those fans. But more than that, the Alternates are that rarest of L.A. bands that has put more work into their sound than their look and the reward is in the music itself.
Note: As soon as Spiders and Webs becomes available for purchase, I’ll post a note about it here and/or on Twitter so that you can check it out for yourself. Until then, feel free to envy my good luck.
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The Alternates-The Modern Way
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We got a message on Souncloud by The Alternates. This LA-based band makes some cool indiefolk/indie...We got a message on Souncloud by The Alternates. This LA-based band makes some cool indiefolk/indierock, remembering me a bit of a mix between Fleet Foxes, Megafaun and Neil Young. They got their new ep “Spiders and Webs” mastered and to promote it, they send us a very cool song. It’s called “The Modern Way. Some beautiful vocals and lovely guitars make this a very fun track. Have a listen:
The Modern Way by The Alternates
If you live in the USA, you’re lucky because you can check out these guys live: more information here! Oh and one more thing: Buy the EP if you like it! And another ting: as a nice surprise you can download the track on their Bandcamp!
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The Alternates Release The First Track Off Their Debut EP "Spiders And Webs"
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The Alternates have recently completed their debut EP "Spiders and Webs" which is being released by...The Alternates have recently completed their debut EP "Spiders and Webs" which is being released by Luxury Wafers, and are trying to get their music out to the world. They are a group of six long time friends who have been playing together for over seven years now. Over the years their sound has developed like a good barbeque. The result of this sonic marination is a blend of modern alternative sound-scaping mixed with Neil Young inspired, telecaster driven, Americana. It has taken them a long time but they feel that they have achieved something special as a band and especially with this EP. They are especially mindful of the fact that the EP was funded by contributions from their fans that they obtained through a fundraising campaign on kickstarter.com
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The Alternates
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The Alternates sent us a copy of their debut EP, ‘Spiders & Webs’. We like it! Reminds me of Fleet F...The Alternates sent us a copy of their debut EP, ‘Spiders & Webs’. We like it! Reminds me of Fleet Foxes.
Also, if you visit www.thealternatesband.com you can get a free download of ‘The Modern Way’, the first track off ‘Spiders & Webs' EP’.
Check out a more indie fuzzed 'The Alternates' - "Should have"
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L.A. indie rockers, The Alternates to release debut EP ‘Spiders & Webs EP’ on June 14th and kick off their west coast ‘Spiders & Webs Tour’ on June 16th!
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L.A. indie rockers, The Alternates to release debut EP ‘Spiders & Webs EP’ on June 14th and kick off...L.A. indie rockers, The Alternates to release debut EP ‘Spiders & Webs EP’ on June 14th and kick off their west coast ‘Spiders & Webs Tour’ on June 16th!
L.A. indie rockers, The Alternates will release their debut EP album ‘Spiders & Webs EP’ on June 14th via Luxury Wafers. ‘Spiders & Webs EP’ was recorded at Kingsize Soundlabs with producer, Peter Malick (The Henry Clay People, Norah Jones) and was completely fan-funded via kickstarter.com, the largest grassroots funding platform for creative projects. The Alternates will kick off their ‘Spiders & Webs Tour’ on June 16th in San Diego, California, which includes a date opening for L.A. indie funk band, 100 Monkeys. The album singles ‘The Modern Way’ and ‘Slow and Steady’ are available as free downloads on The Alternates website and have been highly praised by music critics and fans.
The Alternates ‘Spiders & Webs Tour’:
June 16th- Queen Bee's- San Diego, CA
June 17th- TRiP- Santa Monica, CA
June 18th- Club Good Hurt- West Los Angeles, CA
June 21st- Blue Cafe- Long Beach, CA
June 22nd- Frog and Peach- San Luis Obispo, CA
June 23rd- Grant And Green- San Francisco, CA
June 25th- Brainwash Cafe- San Francisco, CA
June 28th- Skylark Cafe & Club- Seattle, WA
June 29th- Platform Booking- Spokane, WA
June 30th- Twilight Bar- Portland, OR
July 3rd - Moe's Alley- Santa Cruz CA
July 5th- El Cid- Los Angeles, CA
August 27th- House of Blues- Anaheim, CA w/ 100 Monkeys
For more information about The Alternates:
www.thealternatesband.com
www.facebook.com/thealternates
www.luxurywafers.net -- STS
Website: www.thealternatesband.com
Myspace: http:/www.myspace.com/thealternates
Video Link: www.youtu.be/Eu7iDlbYEfk
The Alternates
Jesse Ramirez
818.319.3343
jesse-ramirez@live.com
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The Alternates Twitter Band Of The Week
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Check out this song above. The Alternates are from Los Angeles, and they make great music. Please ...Check out this song above. The Alternates are from Los Angeles, and they make great music. Please check them out, and tell them Ear to the Ground sent you.
Check out there website: http://www.thealternatesband.com/
On Bandcamp: http://thealternates.bandcamp.com/
On Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/the-alternates
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/thealternates
On Twitter (of course): http://twitter.com/#!/TheAlternates
On You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/thealternatesmusic
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Indie band, The Alternates, draws new fans at the House of Blues February 2011
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Confident and charismatic, Los Angeles-based Indie rock band, The Alternates, was both talented and ...Confident and charismatic, Los Angeles-based Indie rock band, The Alternates, was both talented and entertaining to watch as they played quite an impressive show at the Anaheim House of Blues Thursday night.
The band consists of six members who have known each other since elementary school days at Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies.
Spencer Livingston, along with bandmate Tristan Esmundo, are both the vocalists and guitarists in the band. The rest include Kevin Solis on bass and backup vocals, Erwin Solis and Matt Walker on drums, and Jake Craven on keyboard and trombone.
The Alternates have a very unique sound with their catchy beats and creative lyrics, which are all written by the band themselves.
Along with unique songs, the band has a unique name.
“I don’t know, we kind of just thought it was a cool name,” Livingston said about coming up with the band name. “We’ve also had a lot of different members of the band, so we kind of alternated.”
They have been the same group for three years and are currently in the process of recording their first album, which is said to be released this coming May.
Although they do not have a record deal at the moment, the band members are focusing on other things such as playing at their regular hot spot, the House of Blues on the Sunset Strip, and playing at a variety of other venues. A tour is also in the works. Over the course of two years they have played over 70 shows.
The band was offered a record deal last year, but the label wanted 50 percent of their publishing rights, so the band refused. They have every intention of keeping their creative side and are not about to sell out.
But the band’s wishes were answered. There is a website called KickStarter.com that is based on fan donations. The Alternates received a grand total of $5,559 as a donation and are using that money to record their first album.
Janira Hernandez, a student at UC Riverside, was at the concert and showed her support.
“I haven’t seen the band play before, but I heard one of their songs and I wanted to check them out,” Hernandez said. “They are awesome, they are so good.”
Every band has its idol and looks to other artists for inspiration. Some of the Alternates’ musical influences include rock bands Radiohead, Wilco and Modest Mouse, just to name a few. They consider themselves an Indie rock band and say they do not know if they will be playing this type of music their whole lives. It could change over time.
Many of the fans that showed up to see the band were impressed; even the security guards had good things to say about them. One of the main guards, Steve Tillett, offered his opinion on the show.
“The band was very good and I really liked the two drummers,” Tillett said. “I wish more people were around to see it.”
The band has traveled up the coast in one of their most memorable moments, playing up near Berkeley for a festival known as “Solano Avenue Stroll.” It was an outdoor festival with over 100,000 people.
Livingston said that even though it rained through half of the event and the keyboard broke, it was still a fun experience.
People should really check out this band. They are well worth your time and money. Fans can access the band’s music through Facebook, Myspace and Twitter.
You can also log onto their own personal website, TheAlternatesBand.com, where they post videos, contact information and all the latest news about where they are playing next.
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The Alternates; The Modern Way
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LA based indie rockers, The Alternates, will be releasing their debut EP, Spiders And Webs digitally...LA based indie rockers, The Alternates, will be releasing their debut EP, Spiders And Webs digitally June 14th. You can stream the first single, The Modern Way, and download a copy for the price of an email below. They will be rolling into Portland to play at the Twilight Bar on June 30th. Be sure to check 'em out.
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The Alternates @ House Of Blues LA locals put on a polished performance
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Los Angeles-based band The Alternates formed in 2005 while the members were classmates in high schoo...Los Angeles-based band The Alternates formed in 2005 while the members were classmates in high school, and the band has been making the rounds on the LA music scene ever since. This Friday they performed to a crowded House of Blues on the Sunset Strip, and they put on a show that had their fans in the audience begging for more.
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The Alternates start up Kickstarter.com; charity abounds! 2011
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Tis the season of giving, indeed! The guys from Los Angeles-based indie rock outfit The Alternates r...Tis the season of giving, indeed! The guys from Los Angeles-based indie rock outfit The Alternates recently launched Kickstarter.com, a grassroots funding/escrow platform for creative projects. My description won’t do it justice, so just go check it out!
If you’re a creative type, you can add your own creative project and seek out financial backing. If you’re feeling generous and a little less creative, you can pledge different dollar amounts (from $1 on up) to various projects. The model is similar to DonorsChoose, just applied to creative projects. If you need a little more incentive to open your wallet, Kickstarter allows project posters to include “rewards”. Rewards can take lots of different forms, and vary by project.
For example, The Alternates are asking for donors to back their upcoming 4-track EP. So far, donors have pledges just over half of the $5,000 required to complete the project. The cool part is that, if they don’t reach the goal, the project won’t be funded. So it’s not a good way to e-panhandle. Instead, it’s better to put some time into your project to increase the chances that it gets fully funded. Donors will receive a copy of the EP as a “reward” for their funding.
I really like this model and it’s various applications. I only hope that the word can spread enough to make the site a success. A project like Kickstarter will require a good community of people to make it work. It looks like they are off to a good start; the site has been featured in Wired, PitchFork, on NPR, the New York Times, and others.
I just signed up (which was free and easy), so if you see any great projects that need some extra cash, let me know!
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L.A. Indie Rockers, The Alternates Announce First Performance Of 2011 At House Of Blues- Sunset Strip On Jan 7th!
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Music Events (more headlines) 12-27-2010
L.A. Indie Rockers, The Alternates Announce First Perfo...
Music Events (more headlines) 12-27-2010
L.A. Indie Rockers, The Alternates Announce First Performance Of 2011 At House Of Blues- Sunset Strip On Jan 7th!
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Email: jesse-ramirez@live.com
Website: http://www.thealternatesband.com
For Immediate Release: December 27, 2010
L.A, indie rockers, The Alternates have announced their first performance of 2011 at House of Blues- Sunset Strip on January 7th. The Alternates, who are one of the most promising indie rock bands are currently raising funds for their debut EP album through Kickstarter.com. Kickstarter is the largest grassroots funding platform for creative projects and The Alternates fan funded upcoming album is already over 50% funded and is expected to reach their goal by rewarding donors with digital and physical copies of the album, exclusive bonus tracks, autographed copies of the album, and liner notes acknowledgement. The Alternates would like to thank all their fans who are funding and participating in the release of their debut EP with a FREE performance at House of Blues in West Hollywood on Friday, January 7th. This event is 18+ and is sponsored by KCCA Poorman’s Radio Invasion, who broadcast over 4 million residents in the Inland Empire, Orange County, and Riverside. Poorman’s Radio Invasion host, Jim “Poorman” Trenton, former KROQ DJ and co-founder of “Loveline” will be introducing The Alternates on stage. “Poorman’s Radio Invasion” airs Monday- Friday from 1-2 PM on KCCA 1050 AM and on-line at: www.kccaradio.com
The Alternates will be performing new songs that will be appearing on their debut EP album expected to be released in Spring 2011 independently. For Guest List inquires, please e-mail: thealternates@live.com
For more information about The Alternates:
www.thealternatesband.com
www.myspace.com/thealternates
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How To Be A Rockstar
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So, you have a couple of friends that you have been jamming within the
confines of your parent’s ga...So, you have a couple of friends that you have been jamming within the
confines of your parent’s garage for the past year. You have written a
few solid songs down that you think people would love and you have
already played at a few college parties and your friends think you are
the next big hit, but you are stuck and no one in your group seems to
know what to do next. Here are a few tips on how get you off the
ground and get your band in the spotlight and perhaps make you a,
“rock star”.
1. Be original
Spencer
Livingston recording in the studio, photo by
Jesse Ramirez
If your goal is to be heard on the radio, make sure your music is
unique, but not too unique. You want to be original, but do not be so
different that record labels and radio stations cannot figure out
which category your music belongs to. Music confusion will lead to
your hard work being tossed in the garbage bin.
2. Make a demonstration
(demo) CD
The most important thing for any band is to record your work on a CD
or at least create a digital CD package, so people can download and
listen. It does not necessarily have to be sold, but this is one of
the most important marketing tools for any band or artist. There are
several ways to create your CD, but this requires programs like
Pro-logic, Garageband, Pro-tools, or Acoustica. Some programs cost
more than others, but you want software that will allow you to plug in
your instruments and decode into “samples” in order to retune and edit
your work.
3. Get a personal manager
Managers will play an important role in your music career. You need
one to help book your gigs and help you make important decisions like
deciding which songs to place on your CD’s and to handle the
marketing. Personal managers get from 10 percent to 15 percent of the
bands profits.
Spenser
Livingston performing with the mandolin
at The Roxy Theatre, photo by Gerard J. Walsh
4. Book gigs
For the next year or so, you want to perform at as many places as you
can. This will include coffee houses, bars, small festivals, and minor
acoustic showcases and this is why you need a personal manager, so you
can focus on music. Performing at gigs will pre-determine if you have
the “it factor”. If you can attract a huge fan following, then you
know you are an affirmed band.
5. Social Networking
Some bands resist social networking and only rely on MySpace to market
themselves. This is the wrong attitude when you are a new in this
business. During the age of new media technology, it is not
enough to just have a MySpace page. You must belong to every
social network including Twitter, Facebook, Reverbnation, and any
other social network that has the ability to draw in new listeners.
You are a brand and your product is your music, so treat yourself as a
product. More importantly, speak to your fans. It is okay to
reply back and forth. This brings in the “human factor” and allows
your fans to bond with you.
6. Setting money aside
Here is the business side of being a rock star. Treat your band as a
business. Without money, you cannot progress. Set aside money for CD
mastering and production costs and label distribution, and other
marketing materials. These days, a record label will not take on your
band unless you have a mastered CD, nor will a radio station or movie
production company use your music for television or film unless a
music engineer as mastered your music. This can cost anywhere from
$1,300 to $22,000. It really depends if you need to record from
scratch or you only need minor editing.
The Alternates,
photo by Kevin Landes
7. Shoot a music video
Having a well-produced music video is a sure way from making or
breaking your band into pop culture. If you know people in the
business or people in film school, recruit them to shoot your music
video and post it everywhere on the Internet. Post on YouTube and
watch your stardom go from zero to hero.
8. Sign with a major or
independent record label
This is the final step and the beginning of your stardom career. It
may have taken two or even three years for you to reach this
point, but you are now confident enough to take the next
step. At this juncture, you should have 2 million hits on your MySpace
page and you have over 10,000 friends on Facebook, you’ve already
opened at the major venues and all the major gigs in town, but you
still have not quite made it yet.
This is where your manager will meet with the major or independent
record label executives to negotiate a deal to get your CD mass
distributed and in the retail market and your songs on the radio.
Depending on the record label and how successful they think you will
be will determine how much risk they are willing to invest in your
brand. If you and the label have an agreement, then the CD’s will
be distributed and then you start the marketing process of selling
yourselves. Here is when your income will shift. Depending on
record sales, your incoming revenues will decrease at first, but if
your revenues are managed properly, it will increase dramatically over
time.
The Alternates
performing at House of Blues,
photo courtesy of Gerard J. Walsh
9. Major marketing
tours
While you are with a major record label, your manager will be able to
represent you as a major recording artist. Your manager will be able
to book the major gigs either with another major recording artist or
band and book headlines with your band as the major event. You will
also be booked to make special appearances on radio, television,
interviews with music publications, and even perform at charity
events. Finally, here comes the “rock star” status.
Michael Jaramillo
Staff Writer
Posted in: Multimedia
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Local Band Rocks Pre-Grammy Show 2010
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Local band rocks Pre-Grammy show
By Lorrie Reyes
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Publish...Local band rocks Pre-Grammy show
By Lorrie Reyes
Print this article
Share this article
Published: Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Updated: Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Gerard Walsh / Roundup
The Alternates play the Kress pre-party show in Hollywood, Calif., Jan. 30, 2010.
The Alternates are an indie rock band from Los Angeles.
But since LA is such a big place , that statement can mean a lot of different things.
With that being said; The Alternates are a group of friends that have grown up together in the San Fernando Valley.
They attended Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies in Tarzana, Calif. since the fourth grade and have been playing music together for the past five years.
Four out of the six members of the Alternates have attended Pierce College.
The Alternates are from the Valley.
Although they are all from different areas of the Valley and come from different backgrounds, their comradery allows a comfortable environment where honesty is easy and everyone contributes.
“We have that twist of flavor that no other band has because of the experiences we’ve had together as friends and family,” said bassist Kevin Solis. “We have chemistry that no one else shares.”
Even though The Alternates are a few freeway rides away from LA, that hasn’t stopped them from being noticed by the industry with their distinctive sound and unorthodox band structure.
Their band consists of two drummers, Kevin’s twin brother Erwin Solis and Matt Walker, both current Pierce students, who play together on stage at the same time.
With Walker being the more “classical” drummer of the two on the stage and E. Solis “non-traditional” drummer, the two balance each other out.
“We have way different styles,” said E. Solis. “I didn’t know we would fit that well together, but we did.”
Most of The Alternates have alternated their original position in the band. This shows the dedication they have towards each other to take on new tasks or change for the better of the group.
Former Pierce student and guitarist Tristan Esmundo is The Alternates most recent addition to the band, but has recently began singing backup vocals.
“When we’re not playing shows or practicing for the band, it’s a good chance we are hanging out,” said Esmundo. “With us it’s just a comfortable setting.”
Originally a bassist, Jake Craven, who lives in Santa Cruz while attending school, now plays the keyboard and trumpet in The Alternates.
K. Solis was a guitarist but picked up a bass with the help of lead singer Spencer Livingston.
But the main reason The Alternates have such a distinct sound is because of Livingston.
If you were listening to The Alternates while standing next to Livingston, it’s possible that you might not realize that he is the lead singer.
“I didn’t even want to be a singer,” said Livingston, “but no one else wanted to do it.”
It’s a good thing he started. Singing is in his genes.
Both Livingston’s parents sing and, according to Esmundo there is always someone singing in their house.
With Livingston’s vocals and the band’s unusual setup, The Alternates showed promise by winning a 2008 Battle of the Bands at BB King’s on Universal City Walk wittheir most played song, “Should Have.”
The Alternates have been busy playing LA venues, including the House of Blues
on the Sunset Strip and most recently a networking Pre-Grammy Party at The Kress in Hollywood, hosted by Moodtyme Events on Jan. 30.
Because it was a networking event, chaos ensued the
dimly lit club in more ways than one.
Guests didn’t necessarily want to hear music over their networking conversations, so while other musical guests played it was hard to hear them over the chatter.
Although the Pre-Grammy show wasn’t the exact setting that The Alternates are used to playing, they still turned heads.
Originally they were only scheduled to play a two-song set.
A pair of requested songs that are considered The Alternates “hits” and their oldest songs.
However that quickly turned into two sets, totaling six songs, with a replay of their song “Wake Up,” which was requested by event host and CEO of Moodtyme Events, Germaine Moody.
“They took over the event, they stole the crowd,” said Moody. “They are a true indie rock band that needs to be out there.”
As The Alternates ended their second set, a line gathered to get their album and shake their hands.
“It was more of a presentation for us,” said E. Solis.
“It just opened so many doors,” said Livingston.
Networking events are one way of exposing themselves.
Another way of getting them exposure is getting added to the standby list for The Southwest by Southwest Music Festival (SXSW).
SXSW is a huge music festival, that now includes film and interactive aspects that will take place in Austin, Texas on Mar. 12th-21st.
A summer tour is also in the works for The Alternates.
Plans to go to San Francisco, San Jose and other places up north.
But the networking event might get them a little further than the west coast.
The future seems bright for these young twenty-year-olds from the valley.
But the entire band attributes a lot of the success to their families.
They all mentioned how supportive their families were to let them bang on a drum sets since sixth grade, as Walker’s parents did, or let your twin sons mess with their dad’s DJ equipment, as the Solis brothers did, or simply push her son into playing the guitar as Esmundo’s mom did.
By growing up together, it makes their dream of playing professionally sweeter.
All members of The Alternates just want to play music, not for the money, although they mentioned that would be nice, but because it is what they love and do everyday.
Most of them also mentioned that if they weren’t in The Alternates they would still be playing music-but most of all they would all still be friends.
For more information on The Alternates please visit their website at Myspace.com/thealternates.
--
lreyes.roundupnews@gmail.com
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Sundown on Sunset: The Alternates
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Sundown on Sunset: The Alternates
Monday, August 3, 2009 – Music on The Sunset Strip By Sean Patr...Sundown on Sunset: The Alternates
Monday, August 3, 2009 – Music on The Sunset Strip By Sean Patrick, West Hollywood
West Hollywood, California (Monday, August 3, 2009) – Walking up to the House of Blues on a summer Thursday, July 23, the Strip is alive, at 8pm, with tourists, and diners checking out the varied restaurants and clubs.
You’d be fooled if you thought by looking at the Strip entrance that nothing was going on. As I walked down to toward the box office, there was already a line from the door to the street.
It was a young crowd, but not unsophisticated. It was already apparent that The Alternates had a sizeable following.
Inside, as the crowd came slowly in through the bottleneck of the door staff, they all went straight for the main floor and waited for the show. HOB has a unique way of getting from band to band: there’s a huge white screen onto which is projected various music video footage and crowd scenes.
The stage is actually huge compared to many clubs, and bands have their setup time in relative anonymity behind that screen. You can see the activity, but you really don’t get a sense of anything until it rises.
Most of the time at a live show, if you’ve never seen the band, you won’t get a sense of which microphone will channel the lead singers voice until someone starts to sing.
That night at the House Of Blues, I was able to pick out Spencer Livingston, because he’s the one who was standing at the only mic. on stage.
There were two full drum kits, two guitarists, and a bass player, and the grooving riff, that became an extended lead-in, was better than that screen going up to get you looking at the stage, and the chords were for all of us; the players settled into it with us.
Spencer takes command, but it’s a subtle, and very lyrical blend; nothing too in-your-face at first. You’re not really sure if he’s singing about himself, or someone else. “You’re upside down…you’re beyond repair.”
Should Have tries to shred the past, and figure out a way to take a step forward. “…always looking back, even if you still don’t understand, you better start while you still can.”
If it was coincidental, I liked it as an opening sentiment, and when the song picked up some steam, you could see why these guys were one of the winners in a BB King’s Battle of the Bands.
The crowd and the band weren’t old, but the music had some wisdom to it. On drums, Erwin Solis, and Matt Walker were in sync but had individual flair. Tristan Esmundo on guitar is someone I’m going to like watching as The Alternates gain momentum. Kevin Solis on bass kept the low end blending with Spencer’s voice.
Every song was a twist in style from the last, with Spencer’s voice emotional, yet defined on one song, and gravely and moody on another.
He brings a bit of the Summer of Love to the songs of moment.
I tasted, maybe, reminders of REM meets Vedder on the recording of Changing Course, but that doesn’t really nail it.
The stage version was just that much different for being alive. Their sound is a unique one.
I get the picture that whatever someone thinks these guys don’t have yet, they’re not looking long enough, because it’s all there; keep watching, it will grow. Spencer’s writing speaks to moments of a breakup, and casts off the hurt of that by remembering how bad off the world can be.
Not a lot of solace, but it gets you out of the moment for a bit. Things change.
During the set, there were some subtle and deft vocal harmonies, and it was funny because I’d been sure there was only one mic. Nick Nye appeared stage right, mic. in hand, and flavored Spencer’s voice, and it was a nice touch.
Not appearing was the newest member Jake Craven, who will be adding, among other things, mandolin, trumpet and cello to Spencer’s guitar, harmonica and ukelele.
As I said, things change. You won’t get bored with their arrangements.
The last song, It Seems So Useless, tied in all the elements of the band, and took you back to the first moment in the set, where everyone in the room was alone again for a second.
I have got 1000 miles to… “find my sense of time.” The tune has a woven, yet non-formulaic structure, and it works. “What you do will come around and meet you in the end.”
The main stage at HOB has a clock on it with a large, red display.
The Alternates have a sizeable song catalogue, and though it seemed everyone wanted to hear another one, that LED deity had spoken, and the screen came down like a wall. No more time. “…I don’t know what to say now and it seems so useless. I’m trying now.”
Now nineteen years old, they’ve been playing together four years after meeting at a LAUSD magnet school. That’s enough time for a lot of bands to have gone back home.
Did I mentioned that they won BB King’s Battle of the Bands?
Go listen to their MySpace (/TheAlternates) page; that’s a good place to keep an eye out for their next show.
You’ll probably run into me there.
Sean Patrick is a blogger, musician and WeHo News’ Sunset Strip reporter. Catch his blog at www.SeanPatrick.us.
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Awaken Music The Alternates
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The Alternates have something special. Its a combination of confidence, musical drive, and sincerity...The Alternates have something special. Its a combination of confidence, musical drive, and sincerity. Together it culminates into a fresh euro-pop/rock sound (that spans several sub-genres). Should Have shows this immediately with its melody and instrumentation - a singable track from the get-go.
Changing Course does the same, but grabs hold of Seattle's grunge to add a nuanced element not present in the euro/rock "sound." The Alternates make it work - so much so, that you'll be clapping along by the last chorus.
Later track, Who Can You Trust, places a grittier acoustic strum in the forefront to add a euro-folksy element to the verse. And caps the song off with a beautifully recorded blues solo. All in all, their sound is honed and carefully in place. Recorded with passion, I imagine you'll be hearing more from The Alternates.
RATING: 4 of 5 stars
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The Alternates EP Review UK
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This thunderous new EP from California indie/rock outfit The Alternates hits you straight between th...This thunderous new EP from California indie/rock outfit The Alternates hits you straight between the eyes as the boys from Taluca Lake attempt and indeed succeed to replicate their live sound, which has been wowing audiences on the West Coast for some time, onto disc. From the opening number “Changing Course” with its chain saw like guitars and catchy melody you know these boys, who met at high school, mean business and are more than justifying their title of BB King’s Battle of the Bands winners in 2008. The musical ability of this quintet, which features TWO drummers, is obvious throughout the four tracks and lead singer and song collaborator Spencer Livingston has an incredibly mature and strong voice for someone not even in his early twenties. This is no better illustrated than the fantastic “Who can you Trust These Days” which is a melodic sandwich of bitter-sweet lyrics placed between hillbilly guitars with a dark and more murky after taste in the form of a blues solo as the song reaches its crescendo. Having played to full houses in such esteemed venues as The House of Blues and Whiskey A Go Go in recent years there is a large and passionate following for these lads around the California area, as well as an army of fans on Myspace. I believe that if this EP were to gain the exposure it deserves they will no doubt be selling out venues much further afield in the not too distant future. (MC)
posted by hubbub uk at 12:11 0 comments
labels: the alternates
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New Music Spotlight: The Alternates
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The Alternates are going to blow you away with their catchy tunes, funky rock flavor, and stylish ly...The Alternates are going to blow you away with their catchy tunes, funky rock flavor, and stylish lyrics. The band knows how to rock out and you will be amazed when you hear the band for the first time. I spoke to Spencer of The Alternates who was more than eager to enlighten us on who are The Alternates. Enjoy this spotlight.
Isaac: How do you sum up 2008 for The Alternates?
Spencer/ The Alternates: 2008 has been a very productive year for us. We played a bunch of shows, wrote a whole new group of new songs and our fan base has really grown, especially in Los Angeles. 2008 has been really fun and I promise there will be many more years to come for The Alternates.
Isaac: Describe the music scene in Toluca Lake, California.
Spencer/ The Alternates: There isn't much of a music scene in Toluca Lake actually. We just happen to live in Toluca Lake but the real scene is in Hollywood and Los Angeles. That's where the magic happens. I think we have the coolest following in the world! There are the usual teenagers and young people that we see at every show and now new people from all over the place, that we don't even know are starting to come out to hear us. The most fun part about what we do is to play in front of an entire audience of people that really cares about what we are doing. When we were just getting started, we quickly learned that it's much more fun to play for a few people who care then an entire venue full of people who don't care.
Isaac: What do you feel was the band's biggest accomplishment for 2008?
Spencer/ The Alternates: One of our biggest accomplishments for 2008 was being one of the winners of the BB King Battle Of The Bands at Universal Citywalk. It was like 4 months of shows and eliminations and there were over 70 bands to start with. In the end we came out on top along with another band called Hindu Kush who has some pretty cool songs as well. We also played The House Of Blues in West Hollywood for the first time with our friends Monte Negro. We actually met Mickey Rourke backstage at that show which was pretty random and very cool. We wrote a lot in the past year and came up with some new songs that we are really proud of. We are still working out some of the kinks on a few of them but we plan to play some new ones at The Mint on May 6th 2009.
Isaac: You guys have played together for four years. What do you contribute to your lasting power as band to stay together?
Spencer/ The Alternates: I think the main thing that keeps us all together is the fact that we were all friends before we were in a band together. Believe it or not, all five of us have gone to the same school since 4th grade. We were all best friends in high school and always played music together so we decided to call ourselves The Alternates and start playing shows. That's kind of how it started. At this point, I can't imagine not being in The Alternates. This band is our lives and we will be doing our thing until one of us dies. Whether we become the biggest thing in the world or just play music for our enjoyment, the point is that we will always stay true to ourselves and what we do.
Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry and why?
Spencer/ The Alternates: We listen to every kind of music you can think of. New stuff and old stuff. Rock, Jazz, Rap, Metal, you name it, we have probably heard it. We like The Beatles of course. Bob Dylan's style of writing is definitely a big influence on the way I write my lyrics. Neil Young is a huge influence on us especially our guitar playing. I would say Radiohead, Wilco and Modest Mouse are just about the best thing out there right now. This up and coming band called Autolux is pretty damn cool also. As far as I'm concerned, Radiohead is the most important band of this generation.
Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?
Spencer/ The Alternates: I think we have a fresh sound that no band can imitate, especially live! We aren't afraid of failure so we will pretty much try anything if we feel it is right. At the moment, some people might consider us to be a rock band but I know that 10 years down the line we will evolve into something different. I would go crazy if I stuck to writing one genre of music. That's so boring. When I see a lot of pop bands on TV and on the radio I wonder, where is their creativity? Don't they get bored of writing the same kind of song over and over? I think we can really bring quality music into the mainstream again instead of all these cookie cutter pop bands you hear out there today. There will always be a market for that kind of crap but I really think that real bands like The Kings of Leon are paving the way for bands like us to make our way to the forefront of what is popular.
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?
Spencer/ The Alternates: If we could work with one other group, I would have to say Wilco. I just think we have a lot in common with them. They have always stayed true to what they do and they are amazing songwriters and musicians. I think Jeff Tweedy's lyrics have the most unique ideas and beautiful visual imagery of anyone since Dylan. We have seen them live a few times and I don't think there is anyone out there that can put on as hypnotic of a show as they do.
Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?
Spencer/ The Alternates: Our music has no boundaries. We don't like to categorize ourselves because once you are stuck in a certain place, you will always be there. I would have to say that we make music the way we want to hear it and hope that people like it. I am all about lyrics, smooth melodies and harmonies. I like writing lyrics with double meanings. In other words, what might mean something to one person may mean something completely different to someone else. Most of the time, no one has any idea what I am talking about so they make their own assumptions and draw their own conclusions.
Isaac: What is your definition for Rock Music?
Spencer/ The Alternates: Rock music is music that has energy, and changes your state of mind. A good rock song will make the little hairs on the back of your neck stand up. You might feel angry or excited. Rock music brings out the teenager in every one of us.
Isaac: What has been the inspiration behind the music you make?
Spencer/ The Alternates: We have been inspired by a lot of things. The world inspires us. Our lyrics about things that go on in the world so it's a good thing the world isn't a boring place. Our families are a big inspiration. They have always supported us. They even let us use the living room of my house to practice when we needed to. Other artists that we idolize are huge inspirations on us as well such as Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Thom Yorke, Isaac Brock and Jeff Tweedy. They have shown us that it can be done. Our fans are also probably the biggest inspiration to us. They give us hope and show us that someone believes in what we are doing.
Isaac: Where can fans locate you at online?
Spencer/ The Alternates: The best place to find us is on MySpace at www.myspace.com/thealternates
Isaac: What can fans expect from The Alternates in 2009?
Spencer: In 2009, our fans can expect that we will continue to be The Alternates. We will have plenty more shows, new songs and are working on putting together a summer tour.
Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans…
Spencer/ The Alternates: Thank you to Anel Mora, Hailey Livingston, Nick Nye, all of our families and of course thank you to all of the fans that have always supported us and made every show so much fun.
Isaac: Final words from The Alternates…
Spencer/ The Alternates: We aren't giving up any time soon!
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The Alternates
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Wow! It's been a long while since we've heard an honest-to-rawness "demo". Frontman Livingston has a...Wow! It's been a long while since we've heard an honest-to-rawness "demo". Frontman Livingston has a voice that reminds us of Kings Of Leon's Caleb Followill. "Loss For Words" is a Neil Young like ballad on which the singer sounds older than his years. Keep working, guys!
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The Alternates 4 Song Demo Review
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North Hollywood, California experimental rock quintet The Alternates are young and hungry. Each memb...North Hollywood, California experimental rock quintet The Alternates are young and hungry. Each member is 19 years old and they have been together since their high school days. The Alternates have already made the L.A. scene their own, playing to packed houses at such venues as The House Of Blues, Whiskey A Go Go, The Dragonfly and BB King’s Blues Club. The band is developing a strong reputation as a live act, and beginning to develop material for an album.
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The Alternates: Indie Music Band of the Week
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The Alternates: Indie Music Band of the Week
POSTED BY MIKE WILSON ON JUNE - 8 - 2009
The Alternat...The Alternates: Indie Music Band of the Week
POSTED BY MIKE WILSON ON JUNE - 8 - 2009
The Alternates are an indie/experimental rock band from North Hollywood California and have been playing together for four years. With influences ranging from Radiohead to Neil Young, The Alternates have created very unique sound that cannot be mistaken for anyone else.
The five members of the band are nineteen years old and formed the group when they all attended The Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies, a magnet school in the San Fernando Valley. Spencer Livingston handles the lead vocals and shares lead guitar duties with Tristan Esmundo. Kevin Solis plays the bass guitar along with his twin brother, Erwin on drums. Giving the band an added explosive punch is Matt Walker who doubles up on drums and various percussion instruments. The band’s original songs are a communal effort with Spencer providing the lyrics.
In 2008, the Alternates were one of the winners in BB King’s Battle of the Bands. They have been building a loyal fan base having played to packed houses at The House Of Blues, The Dragonfly, The Whiskey A Go Go, Theater Theatre, BB Kings Blues Club, The Mint, The Oxygen Lounge, The Verity Room, The Aura Nightclub, The Aqua lounge, The Talking Stick, The American Legion Hall, The Forbidden City, The Cobalt Cafe and many other private parties and venues. -“As long as we are alive we are The Alternates and will continue making music.”
The Alternates have over 30 original songs and are always writing new material. They have two music videos on YouTube, one for each of their self recorded singles called "Should Have" and "Who Can You Trust These Days". They also have a self recorded 5 song EP titled The Alternates.
"The Alternates have something special. Its a combination of confidence, musical drive, and sincerity. Together it culminates into a fresh euro-pop/rock sound (that spans several sub-genres). "Should Have" shows this immediately with its melody and instrumentation - a singable track from the get-go." –Awaken Music Publications
"The Alternates are going to blow you away with their catchy tunes, funky rock flavor, and stylish lyrics. The band knows how to rock out and you will be amazed when you hear the band for the first time." –Juniorscave.com Isaac Davis Jr.
"Wow! It’s been a long while since we’ve heard an honest-to-rawness "demo". Frontman Livingston has a voice that reminds us of Kings Of Leon’s Caleb Followill. "Loss For Words" is a Neil Young like ballad on which the singer sounds older than his years. Keep working, guys!" –Music Connection Magazine
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Past, Present, Future: The Alternates
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Past, Present, Future: The Alternates
Friday, June 12th, 2009
I’m a huge fan of the rhythm section...Past, Present, Future: The Alternates
Friday, June 12th, 2009
I’m a huge fan of the rhythm sections. Thick baselines and rocking drums are a must. Enter LA’s The Alternates, a six-piece outfit sporting two drummers. Spanning multiple sub-genres but grounded in indie and euro-rock, The Alternates have a unique sound. Plus, two drummers.
Year Formed: 2007
Interview with Spencer from The Alternates:
1. Past: What is your musical background? What has led you to this point?
Spencer- “We all come from completely different backgrounds growing up and I think that’s what really makes us The Alternates. Matt (one of our drummers) and I really grew up listening to classic rock bands like The Beatles, Neil Young, The Kinks, Elvis Costello, The Who and Bob Dylan. Our lead guitar player, Tristan knows more about hip-hop than I could ever imagine. Erwin, our other drummer grew up listening to bands like Slipknot and Korn and our bass player Kevin was really into the punk scene for a while. He used to listen to The Dead Kennedys, The Casualties and Rancid all day and all night. I think all of our different influences kind of rub off on each other. There are always a bunch of different ideas clashing when we write. We have gotten to this point because of our drive and dedication to what we do. We definitely always give it our all, we never pass up a good opportunity and we never give up. We truly believe in what we are doing and I think people are really starting to notice that we aren’t looking to be the flavor of the month or anything like that. We just want to make good music.”
2. Present: Where are you at now in your career? What are you currently working on?
Spencer – “At the moment we are developing enough material for a full length album. We have about 40 songs written and we will most likely write about 20 more before we chose the 10 or 12 for the album. We have a self-recorded 4 song EP but we will record our album in a studio. We just haven’t found the right one for us yet. We are also playing shows around Los Angeles every chance we get. We have recently played to packed houses at The House Of Blues Hollywood, The Mint LA, BB Kings Blues Club, The Dragonfly and just about anywhere else you can think of in LA. Our fan base has really grown in the past year and now we have people coming to our shows from all over the place that we don’t even know. Its pretty exciting and we love seeing new faces all the time now. We are starting to build our empire so to speak.”
3. Future: What’s coming up for you? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Spencer – “This summer we will be playing a whole bunch of shows in California and working on getting some more material finished for our album. There is no telling the future but I have good feelings about what comes next for us. I could not be playing with a better group of musicians, that’s for sure. We are all like brothers. No matter what happens, we will still be playing music in 5 years. Music is something that is in our blood and will never go away.”
4. Where can people find more of your music?
Spencer – “People can find more of our music, info, shows, pics and news at our myspace page. Our main website is under construction at the moment and will be back up in a month.
5. Anything you’d like to plug?
If anyone would like to contact us in regards to booking/management/publicity here is our contact information:
The Alternates – www.myspace.com/thealternates
Contact: Spencer Livingston
(818) 606-8073
spencerlivingston1@yahoo.com
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The Alternates
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The Alternates are a young band from California that sounds like a hodge podge of a few bands. The s...The Alternates are a young band from California that sounds like a hodge podge of a few bands. The song "Changing Course" sounds very similar to "Jumpin' Jack Flash", by the Rolling Stones and Iggy Pop simultaneously, in the beginning of the track before slowing into acoustic bliss and speeding up at the end.
"Who Can You Trust These Days" is an easy going song with stretched out vocals over somber chords. The bluesy solo in the middle chugs at the heart a little; this song could be a hit on radio. The Alternates' strength is drawing influences from diverse genres of music ranging from rock, blues, acoustic and alternative.
It's good to hear newer band play good guitar solos in an era where most rock bands think strumming a few chords and throwing a pinch harmonic in there is a lead. The Alternates are are a good band that deserves a chance to be heard. They registered with BMI Records, released an E.P. and have been featured in such music media sources as Music Connection Magazine and Junior's Cave Online Magazine.
Review by Jerel Johnson
