Hey! Alaska

Hey! Alaska

Hey! Alaska are a group from Middlesbrough who form in 2009 and remain active. They begin under the name The Scarlet Desire before changing to Hey! Alaska. Their music combines pop punk, hardcore and rock, and they describe their approach as crossing genre lines and avoiding stereotypes in songwriting.

Background and style

The band’s sound sits between pop punk and harder rock styles, with a mix that can be more melodic or more abrasive depending on the song. Their influences and comparisons include bands such as New Found Glory and Parkway Drive, reflecting the range between upbeat pop punk and heavier hardcore-influenced material.

Shows and touring

Hey! Alaska play many shows across the UK during their early years, appearing with acts including You Me At Six, Mayday Parade, Madina Lake, Flood Of Red, Poison The Well, A Loss For Words, We Are The Ocean, Frank Turner, The Ghost Of A Thousand and Kids In Glass Houses. They also line up performances with The Blackout, Young Guns, Futures, Bury Tomorrow, I Set My Friends On Fire, Evergreen Terrace and Azriel.

Recording and releases

In September 2009 the band travels to Surrey to record their first CD, which becomes the debut EP The Colour, The Shade. The EP is recorded with producer Matty O’Grady, who also works with acts including You Me At Six and Deaf Havana. The band plans to make the release available as a free download so that more people can hear their music.

Radio and recognition

In April 2010 the track “Sessions” gets its first radio play when Alex Barker on Kerrang Radio begins playing it regularly. Earlier in 2010, the band wins a competition run by Atticus Clothing, which gives them the opportunity to open for Madina Lake, We Are The Ocean and Mayday Parade at Rock City in Nottingham. They treat that show as an important moment and receive feedback from audience members afterwards.