Everclear Biography

Rock music has saved the soul of more than one troubled youth. For musicians as well as fans, rock music is often seen as a cathartic release, a cleansing of the subconscious, a way to unleash the demons that cling to the underbelly of our minds.

Art Alexakis, the singer/ guitarist/ songwriter for the Portland-based power grungepunk trio, Everclear, would most likely agree on this subject, as his songs are largely based on such dark purges of personal experience.

Alexakis grew up in a situation that was less than ideal. When his parents divorced at age five, and his older brother died of a drug overdose several years later, it wasn't long until he found himself in trouble with the law. He joined on as a roadie with a fledgling punk band at the age of sixteen and, with his new found freedom, became even more self destructive. As the downward path gave way to alcohol and drug abuse, Alexakis finally realized that he, too, could become a casualty if he didn't clean up his act.

Going cold turkey on the substance trip helped him in focusing his own musical vision. After a stint in San Francisco with the band Colorfinger, Alexakis relocated to the Pacific Northwest and hooked up with bassist Craig Montoya and drummer Scott Cuthbert (since replaced by Greg Eklund).

The group called itself Everclear and pooled $400 to record their self-produced album, World of Noise. Fans eagerly gobbled up over 3,500 copies of the recording as soon as it hit the street. In no time the majors were banging down the door.

Everclear signed to Capitol Records and cut their major label debut album of the same title. Combining rage, revelation and an ear splitting dose of guitar distortion, Everclear addresses such topical themes as AIDS ("Invisible"), anti- abortion laws ("Pennsylvania"), and coming to terms with one's own destructive nature ("Sick & Tired").

After a tireless tour of the country, Everclear returned to the studio to work on their follow-up LP.