Alaska Launch Party – 19/1/10
On Tuesday I found myself tootling off to Mahiki for the launch of ‘Alaska’, Young Guns Music Management’s latest foray into the sprawling world of production and promotion. I have to admit I had never been to Mahiki before, and remain a tad uncertain if this is a compliment or criticism of my sensibilities. It was themed, safari, the beer was noticeably expensive, Mayfair clubs remain the same.
The band, comprised of Johnny Malone – Lead Singer, Harry Pierson – Lead Guitar, Max Baille – Electric Violin, Alexi Hay – Bassist and Josh Catling – Drums were pretty darn tight if the truth be told. Homage to the Strokes, Greenday and the Chilli Peppers was omnipresent. Hugely energetic, well structured and layered their set held the crowd as well the attention of the club’s owner who is reputed to have laid a 200k deal on the table. Mutterings about shows at Glastonbury and the Isle Of Wight Festival are circulating too.
Not a fan of ‘brand development’ the name Alaska was a last minute change, literally decided on the night, and it’s been stated this may change again at some point. They were formerly called Blitz but everyone in the band unanimously agreed that they didn’t like this, perhaps not a bad move when you think of that small but special segment of Joy Division’s fans or is it a bid to distance themselves from the recent Yeah Yeah Yeahs album title?
This remolding is sonorous with Young Guns approach, their self-professed bespoke entertainment has created a novel approach to the ‘Fuller / Cowel’ model. In dong so it takes the circus of the X Factor gives it credibility and gives me reason to believe the human race is not completely culturally bereft.
Which is nice.
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I personally know the singer and the guitarist, and the singer is not called Johnny Malone but Johnny Mallet. You may have been confused as he is very close with the Malone family, as I am, and also Andrew Malone is also a singer, who is one of his best friends.
Georgina
Sorry Georgina – will correct now!