It seems like ages ago that I was in Austin for SXSW, when in reality it was only a couple of months ago. But I still remember very clearly being in a dimly lit room with oriental carpets for Rdio’s private recording session with Alpine. I hadn’t heard of them prior to this, and it was an amazing introduction to the band. Alpine consists of dual vocalists Phoebe Baker and Lou James, guitar player Christian O’Brien, bass player Ryan Lamb, keys player Tim Royall and drummer Phil Tucker, all of whom hail from Australia, where they recorded their debut album A is for Alpine, out yesterday. Phoebe and Lou have soft, airy voices that harmonize beautifully together and their music has a really entrancing quality. Check out a playlist below, and read on for an interview with singer Lou James!
Pop-tastic, Honest, Delicious.
Your album was just released in the US – what can people expect to hear?
You can expect to listen to an Australian band with a not-so-Australian sound lead by dual female vocals. I liken each song to a journal entry from six twenty-something-year-old experiences. It’s emotive, upbeat, honest, playful, a little naughty and exciting.
What was your favorite moment from SXSW?
Even though we had such a different experience to SXSW last year I still loved every second of it so it’s really tricky to name one favourite moment. I loved the chaos, the music spilling all over the main streets of Austin, our St. Jerome’s Laneway show at Red 7, seeing Devendra Banhart and Iron & Wine in a church, the Neon Gold label showcase and the awesome people we met and hanging with the awesome peeps from our US label Votiv!
What do you love most about your hometown of Melbourne, Australia?
Its music scene, the bars, the coffee, the food, the secret city laneways and the house parties!
How would you describe your personal style?
I just asked Phoebe and she said “…mixed up mod and layer hippie lady” …so there you go!
Alpine is celebrating their album release by embarking on a U.S. tour supporting Crystal Fighters and also have an opening slot for Grouplove at Celebrate Brooklyn in June! Check out their tour dates here.
For more on Alpine visit their website and follow them on Facebook!
This is another GREAT Aussie band:
http://hiatuskaiyote.com
Totally fits with the Free People brand too!! Check it outtt