Long Beach rock with reggae/dub influences, moonlit and sun filled sing-a-longs.

15 MP3 Songs
ROCK: Modern Rock, REGGAE: Dub

Details:
3rd Alley formed in October 2004 after Zack, then a solo artist, sent a four-track demo to Long Beach Records, landing on Muddâs ears (formerly of the Falling Idols fame and co-owner of Long Beach Records.) An epiphany by fellow-listener Tyson, lead to "you gotta see if this guy needs a band!" Zack, Tyson and Mudd got together, started jamming, and 2 months later found themselves in front of sold out crowds supporting Long Beach Shortbus across America.

"After School Special" was released one year after the bands inception during which time the band played countless shows performing their arsenal of eclectic sounds breathing new life into the Long Beach music scene. After School Special was released in the U.S., Europe and Japan. 3rd Alley supported the album by touring across the U.S., Europe and Mexico. Whether itâs a sold-out show or an intimate gathering, 3rd Alley is always well received resulting in super fans worldwide willing to drive hours to see them at a bar in Aflenz, Austria or pack a 106° venue in Bakersfield never missing a beat or skipping a lyric.

Singer/songwriter and lead guitarist, Zack Walters, got his feet wet fronting the San Diego band, Handful, which received substantial regional radio play, as well as, touring America as a solo artist performing experimental songs and techniques in front of the most varied crowds. Zack credits his sound to a "balance of ârealâ and âabstractâ songwriting styles," and his ability to connect to the audience to "the fact that all the songs I write are based on real events and personal experiences of the everyday rollercoaster."

Todd Elrod (formerly of Bargain Music) soon joined on drums. Todd has studied music from classical to jazz since the 5th grade through college. Since then he has been a professional touring and recording drummer. His former band Bargain Music has toured and shared the stage with bands such as Fishbone, Slightly Stoopid, Spearhead, Pepper, Tim Armstrong (of Rancid), Los Lobos, and Ozomatli to name a few. His drumming style is heavily influenced by the rhythms of ska, reggae, punk rock, and hip hop.

Todd Forman, of Sublime fame, joined 3rd Alley soon after hearing "After School Special," declaring himself the "Forest Gump of music." "I was fortunate to be alive when Brad, Eric, and Bud came along. Now I feel as fortunate to be around with Zack
and 3rd Alley." As a seasoned veteran of the Long Beach music scene, Todd characterizes the 3rd Alley vibe as laid back stoney rock. "Zack has a wonderful and rare gift of melody. Few singer/songwriters can produce something that catches you
the first time you hear it. Zack is a rare bird indeed."

The newest member to join the 3rd Alley workforce is Andre Davis on bass. Graduating from M.I. (Hollywood) with a degree in bass technique, he has devoted his life to music and making himself the best he can be. "Dre" played for a few years with former M.I. students in the San Diego band "Four Minutes to Midnight" before joining 3rd Alley full time. Heâs armed with an axe and ready for road warrior status.

3rd Alleyâs new album, "shiny shady people," has been receiving immense support from many outlets. Engineering this much-anticipated album is Mike Sutherland whose past projects include Slightly Stoopid, Pepper, Black Sabbath, System of a Down, and Dokken, among others. "Shiny Shady People" (aka. The New Album) was recorded at Total Access Studios which spawned multi-platinum albums such as No Doubtâs "Tragic Kingdom," Sublimeâs "self-titled" album and "Second Hand Smoke," Guns and Rosesâ "Appetite for Destruction," as well as countless other gold, silver, and platinum albums. Josh Fischel (director of Sublimeâs "Stories, tales, lies and exaggerations" and formerly of Bargain Music) produced the album with the band. The album is set to be released under the Martian Church label in June â08, with a 62 day national tour to support the release. Tour plans for Europe and Japan are also in the works.

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