Aaron Benolkin - Lead Guitar, Lap Steel, Banjo, Vocals James Dommek Jr. - Drums, Guitar, Vocals Evan Phillips - Vocals, Guitar, Harp Ivan Molesky - Bass
Alaska is a land of extremes — near endless hours of darkness in winter, and the midnight sun of summer. It is also a place of isolation, even in the state’s largest city. Many things just never find its way north — musical trends included.
This, however, has proved advantageous for the Anchorage-based Whipsaws. While the popular musical styles of the moment get batted around like a tennis balls across the net of the Lower 48, The Whipsaws have relied on their own intuition (and the scattered records collections and obscure radio broadcasts they happen upon) to become a hard-driving rock band, albeit, one with some stomp and twang and the ability to mesh that with solid story lines and timeless tales.
“We’re kind of sheltered from what’s going on Outside,” explains lead guitarist Aaron Benolkin, who also plays steel guitar, banjo and sings. “Alaska has kind of kept us away to develop on our own, and we’re better off for it.”
The Whipsaws cast off the misguided music industry notion of categorization and, in true Alaska pioneer spirit, see boundaries as something to cross, not a place to get held up. Hard and aggressive, crunchy and raw, twangy and roots-deep, subtle and heartfelt — these are all accolades that accurately reflect upon The Whipsaws, driven by attitude, belief and imagination-capturing lyrics.
Thank you very much for the Link Up & Sharing your music Nice to meet you through cyberlink! Keep up da Great Work! Wishes you All the Best in 2009! Enjoy your Week!
Where can we buy your cds? I'm making everyone I know listen to them and they want a copy. Let me know please! Last weekends show was fun! See you hits next time I'm in town. I love the shirt! Later, stace
Yeah Im headed to Anchorage on the 21st. I finally get to see you guys play again! Put me on the list please so they dont have to go look for James. See ya at the SnowGoose! Later guys, Stace
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