Hailing from Recklinghausen, Germany, ALAZKA have been on a rollercoaster of a journey in the five years since they formed as Burning Down Alaska. With members coming and going, alongside the name change, the quintet are now on the rise having released their debut album, ‘Phoenix’, earlier this month.
In addition to the name change, ‘Phoenix’ sees a change in sound, embracing soaring melodies courtesy of Kassim Auale. While Tobias Rische offers impassioned, angst-fuelled vocals throughout. Stylistically, songs such as ‘The Witness’ and ‘Everglow’ play off the slick and emotional direction ALAZKA are heading in. Its title track hints at the band’s alt-rock tendencies.
With ‘Phoenix’ now seeing the light of the day, the German five-piece recently kicked off a European tour which will take them from their homeland to the UK and through Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Poland and the Czech Republic. Joining them for the adventure is label mates Imminence and Across The Atlantic.
With time to kill, travelling from country to country, venue to venue, we asked both vocalist, Kassim Auale and Tobias Rische, along with guitarist Dario Sanchez, to compile a playlist of songs that will keep him entertained on the long drives through Europe.
Follow us on Spotify for more playlists.
Lil Uzi Vert – XO Tour Llif3
Uzi wrote this song whilst on tour, it won the title of “my summer hit of 2017”. It’s the perfect jam whilst on the road.
James Blake – Overgrown
Whilst on tour you spent a lot of time out on the road. I love to read a book while listening to this track. It’s so relaxing.
Counterparts – Lost
I love to listen to this track in the tour van. It makes me remember the old times when I dreamed of being in a band!
Don Broco – What You Do To Me
All of Don Broco’s songs just make your head bounce! I absolutely love their groove and melodies.
Big Sean – Bounce Back
Big Sean is an inspiring, hard-working artist. I love his new album ‘I Decided’, which came out in February of this year.
Troye Sivan – Blue
This song, but also Troye’s whole album, ‘Blue Neighbourhood’ takes you on a journey. It just makes you want to close your eyes and enjoy.
Highly Suspect – My Name is Human
This song always gets me in the mood to play a show. Its drive is amazing and it gets you pumped up.
Kendrick Lamar – Loyalty
Listening to Kendrick while driving always gets you in a chilled out frame of mind.
Vitas – 7, the element
We always play this song 5 minutes before we arrive at the venue to make sure we get into the right mood.
Alazka will be playing two UK shows with Imminence and Across The Atlantic this week:
Spetember
19 Fuel, Cardiff
20 The Black Heart, London
Purchase tickets here.
‘Phoenix’ by Alazka is out now on Arising Empire.
