The A.K.A.s

The band was born in New York City after Mike Ski just disbanded his former band, Brother's Keeper. He met two guys in New York (and then became guitarist and bassist) and started looking for a drummer. Former band-mate of Ski from Brother's Keeper, Bob Williams, decided to come in on drums. Nina Aron came into their studio to hang out while they were writing early material. She played a few songs with them on her keyboard and later became a permanent part of the band. Soon after The A.K.A.s self-released a 3-song self-titled EP, they played at the 2003 SXSW where Fueled By Ramen was impressed by their music and quickly signed them and they were immediately sent to the recording studio to make their debut album, "White Doves & Smoking Guns." With The A.K.A.s’ debut full-length White Doves & Smoking Guns, the band boldly emblazoned their name with the loaded moniker: The A.K.A.s (Are Everywhere!)… and they were true to their word. Armed with an unyielding work ethic and drive to make their mark and message heard, 400 shows and countless creative campaigns later, hard-earned fans and foes alike are proclaiming, “The A.K.A.s really are Everywhere!" In a rapidly evolving music world over-saturated with clichés and clones, The A.K.A.s stand in the wake with their clever concoction of danceable, rabble-rousing punk rock n’ roll best described as "dancehall fight music." With an undeniable credibility and relevance forged over years of involvement in the emerging Underground and DIY communities, The A.K.A.s—frontman Mike Ski, guitarist Chris Bazan, keyboard player Josie Outlaw, bassist Justin Perry and drummer Chachi Darin—have converged to realize a delightful recipe for dichotomy. Combining raucous guitars, compulsive rhythms, ominous organs and manic vocal diatribes, The A.K.A.s musical delivery is smartly served in a sophisticated package of defiance, self-empowerment, and social change. Covertly tucked in catchy choruses and consonant hooks, the band's message is as coherent and authentic as it is vital. Characterized by relentless support of organizations and issues including young voter awareness, animal and human rights, and the environment, The A.K.A.s walk a walk that speaks for itself. A dedication and sincerity in both music and message that is both inclusive and poignant. Deriving inspiration from artists, authors, and activists, The A.K.A.s pack an aural and visual aesthetic that is indicative of a true anomaly. Style and passion go hand in hand with the radical and incendiary gang of black denim clad idealists who design, print, and hand-construct their merchandise and stage garb. Following months of plots and schemes, including the "Everybody Make Some Noise!" Protest Art Show series, the band entered the studio with uncanny producer Alex Newport (At the Drive In, The Mars Volta) in Brooklyn, New York. The band brought their well-oiled and tested brand of quirks together with a constantly evolving point of view and tightly laced musical restlessness that is synonymous with timeless songs and classic albums. Drawing from their eclectic punk and rock roots, the band’s music hints to the attitude of pioneers The Clash, the unpredictability of The Dead Kennedy's, and the sexy swagger of garage rock heroes The Who and The MC5. With the danceability of stylish surf rockers The B-52's, The A.K.A.s’ keyboard-drenched riff-rock is a modern—and irony-free—mesh of ’60's rock and ’80's punk. Impassioned by their own aptly named art show series, The A.K.A.s are excited to announce “EVERYBODY MAKE SOME NOISE!”… the sophomore album to be released March 19th, 2008 with Metropolis Records (Mindless Self-Indulgence, The Epoxies, Electric Six). Darkly endearing with smirky quips, The A.K.A.s have perfected the art of contrast with a collection of twelve daringly confident tracks designed to create a fearless uproar from city streets to suburban strip-malls with equal indifference. Epitomized by guest appearances from JT Woodruff of Hawthorne Heights, Chris # 2 of Anti-Flag, and Jello Biafra of The Dead Kennedy’s, the fivesome walk a bold line of individuality with no apologies. Expect a barrage of international touring, of which the band's reputation precedes them. Raw, energetic, and anthemic, The A.K.A.s live show is unstoppable as displayed sharing stages on sold out club tours with Bush-Bashers Anti-Flag and sideshow sound trackers Mindless Self-Indulgence, to owning the floor of low brow Brooklyn Art Gallery Openings. Timely, pertinent, and urgent in a desperate musical and social climate, The A.K.A.s persist as a heartfelt protagonist of youthful fervor and unrest. The alternative to today's alternative music, watered-down and riddled with corporate marketing schemes and product placement, prepare yourself to fight, fuck, dance and destroy with The A.K.A.s. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.