by Jaz Bowens
I’m a new fan of Alpine, a Melbourne, Australia based band gaining fame and recognition for their original style and unique sound. The smooth, melodic electro tunes they produce pair perfectly with even more perfect vocals. With mentions in Time and Rolling Stone, there’s no doubt that this is the next band to look out for.
Previously, Alpine has toured the globe with acts like Grouplove, Kimbra, The Naked And Famous and Matt Corby. Now, they will be headlining in Philly for That Mag’s Third Thursday event with Basic Vacation and City Rain. With this not-to-miss show just around the corner, Alpine’s vocalist, Phoebe Baker, took a bit of downtime to chit chat with That Mag about their album, A is for Alpine, as well as present and future endeavors.
Baker and Lou James (the other vocal powerhouse behind the band) have been around since 2007, but for those who don’t know, these girls didn’t always refer to their band as Alpine. “We were named Swiss but we then realized that there was already a band by the same name,” Baker chuckles. “There couldn’t be two.”
Though it certainly makes sense to not have two bands with the same name, Alpine’s sound is unique enough not to be confused with someone else. It’s hard to describe, however, and unfair to put the band’s music into one category. “From what I have read from other perspectives, it is kind of pop, alternative, indie,” says Baker. “We don’t feel restricted by genre. We make music that we like.”
They began making the music they like close to six years ago and many great things happened to the group since then. For an Australian band gaining notoriety back home, what was the turning point? When did they know it was time to go international? “The internet and social media definitely helped. It was a major part in getting us to a wider audience,” Baker explains. “It helped us get a lot of fans in Australia and America. From there we decide to go to SXSW in Austin to expose ourselves to the industry over here.”
Since their performance at SXSW a few months back, coming to America has brought Alpine great success and exposure. “…that is where we met our current American label and since then we have been to America five times,” Baker says. Currently Alpine is on tour in America to promote the release of their album A is for Alpine, which was choose by iTunes as the Australian Alternative Album of the Year.
(photo credit Katie Fairservice)
Though rare, it hasn’t been uncommon recently to see well known bands led by women- Sleigh Bells, Grouplove, Youngblood Hawke, Haim, Alabama Shakes and Icona Pop are some of the main stream acts right now. “We definitely haven’t met any [obstacles as a girl-fronted band]. They can’t mess with us, girl power!” Baker jokes. “People like it because it is so rare. Me and Lou are very close friends and they see that on stage and respond well to our chemistry.”
Besides Alpine’s refreshing rhythms and alluring vocals, their style catches the eye as well. “We all have our own personal style but Lou and I are inspired by a lot of glam, 60s and 70s style. But, we go off of what we like.”
And you will like Alpine. “People will see and hear something like they never have before. I want people to hear our music and for it to make them happy,” Baker says to those considering a trip to Hard Rock Cafe this week. “[Songs such as] “Gasoline” and “Multiplication” will give listeners a feel of what we are about,” she continues. So take a listen to start off your week.
Thursday’s show will be the band’s second visit to Philadelphia and they are looking forward to a great show with awesome fans. Just $10 gets you into the show if you order your tickets now. At the door, you’ll pay $13. Show starts at 8pm with Alpine, Basic Vacation and City Rain.
