It’s hard out there for Alaskan bands. As Spin documented in a trip to the state last year, being a musician in Alaska usually includes day-long travels for gigs of unknown turnout, which brings many natives, like Paste favorites Portugal. The Man, down to Seattle or Portland. But for many residents like Meg Mackey, our 49th state is the only place to craft their tunes.
?Below, we’ve counted down nine of our favorite musical discoveries from Alaska. Share some of your own favorite Alaskan bands in the comments section below.
9. Young Fangs
Location: Fairbanks
For Fans of: Freelance Whales, Wolf Parade
Young Fangs’ shimmering, clean guitars lead the way on their debut EP, Thanks for Caring. The band’s tracks fall on the more melodic side of the loud/soft/loud school of music, but this Fairbanks outfit engages beyond the hooky melodies with a hard-hitting backline.
8. Matt Hopper
Location: Eagle River
For Fans of: Tom Petty, The Shins, Ryan Adams
Although this songwriter recently relocated to Idaho, Matt Hopper cut his teeth in our most northern state, which would lead to the wiry, blues-flavored tracks on the 2011 album Jersey Finger. Hopper is a Tom Petty dead-ringer on “Send/Receive,” and he spends the rest of Jersey Finger drumming up nostalgia for listeners of many generations.
7. Marian Call
Photo by Brian Adams
Location: Juneau
For Fans of: Regina Spektor, Sufjan Stevens, Rosie Thomas
This pop songstress from Anchorage churns out shifting, orchestral tunes across her double-album, Something Fierce. She can be minimal and charming (“Free Bird”) or layered and commanding (“Good Morning Moon”), but the string that connects Call’s tunes is her playful personality.
6. Feeding Frenzy
Location: Fairbanks
For Fans of: Murder By Death, Arcade Fire
On the strength of their folk-rooted tunes, this Fairbanks five-piece has already shared the stages with the likes of mewithoutYou and Murder By Death. Their 2011 outing at Austin’s SXSW caught our attention with a harmony-heavy set that shines in a live setting.
5. Animal Eyes
For Fans of: Maps and Atlases, Grizzly Bear, Beirut
Formed in Alaska, this band has gone the way of many before them and made the trek down to Portland. Along the way, they’ve hit SXSW and played shows across the northwest, traveling on the strength of their progressive, math-tinged take on traditional songs that squeeze in accordion and horns.
