alchalant

alchalant is featured on the front cover.
alchalant's interview is featured on page 25.
alchalant's full page advertisement is featured on page 31.


IAE: Please tell us where you’re from and what influenced you to pursue a career in music?
alchalant: We are from Detroit. We have each moved around in the past, but have always been drawn to the dynamic force and reputation of the city. Of course, we mean the reputation as Detroit ROCK City, although we also embrace our hometown as the Motor City, and use the Murder City as a branding symbol for intensity and seriousness that is conveyed through our attitude and live performances. I (Alex) have been interested in music since I was a young boy. I have enjoyed rock music since I can remember. My earliest memories include listening to cassette tapes of the Detroit legends Alice Cooper and Iggy Pop. I knew the words to The Clash’s entire London Calling record by the age of 10. All of the above have been tremendous influences on my songwriting and passion for sharing my own music with the world. After fiddling with an old Harmony acoustic guitar for a while, I got my first Stratocaster. TJ had also begun playing music at a very young age. He’s a bit older than the rest of the band, and grew up listening to 80’s punk and hardcore including The Misfits, Black Flag, and The Circle Jerks. He became interested in more diverse sub genres like grindcore and has also been influenced by Napalm Death. TJ has played guitar and bass in many punk and metal bands over the years. He had been searching for something different and original to showcase his talents. His tough, fierce demeanor accents alchalant’s tonal foundation brilliantly. Hobbs began playing drums after being influenced by Tom Everett Scott’s performance as a drummer in the film That Thing You Do. He is a gigantic fan of Sublime, Nirvana, 311, Third Eye Blind, and other 90’s rock. Through our somewhat different backgrounds and tastes in music, we have developed a good brand image, using a new slogan to define our roots, Detroit PUNK ROCK City.

IAE: When did the band form and what does the name alchalant mean?
alchalant: This is actually a new incarnation of a project I have pursued for over 10 years. As the front man of the band Nonchalant, my peers coined the moniker ‘alchalant’ in 2001 as a blend of my first name (Alex), and the name of the band (Nonchalant). After disbanding, I kept the stage name and released a solo record in 2004. I have continued performing my repertoire of original songs as a solo artist until now. I joined a metal band called Glutton For Punishment in 2005 with the former drummer of Nonchalant, Bryan Reed. This is where I met alchalant’s bass player TJ Errion. We played dual lead guitar in Glutton For Punishment and built a strong collaborative bond. In the summer of 2011 as I was finishing the new self titled record alchalant, I ran into an old high school friend Chris Hobbs at Telway, a staple of the Detroit area (world famous for their hamburgers). We began jamming, and after making contact with TJ through Facebook, the band was complete. My band has been great. I could not ask for more dedicated, enthusiastic, professional musicians. As I had finished the record before the formation of the band, the songs have evolved from our post release collaboration. TJ and Hobbs have each put their own touch on my repertoire, resulting in an even more intense and energetic live performance than you hear on the new record.

IAE: Tell us about your latest project and what fans can expect to hear on the album?
alchalant: The new self titled record alchalant is a collection of songs written in the past 10 years. The songs were chosen to highlight different punk rock sub genres. It can be described as a roller coaster of rock n roll, showing the different colors of the punk spectrum. Our first single, Better Off Dead, is a driving pop punk track with low crisp vocals. Nightmares follows in the upbeat vein - I Am Entertainment

Artist: Alchalant
Song: Grad Song
By: Nick DeRiso

Alchalant begins “Grad Song” with an insistent rhythm, and a flat, dirge-inspired vocal – something that stirs up a dark portent in what might have been a sweetly reminiscent lyric: “I miss the days I was young, playing outside in the sun,” singer and band leader Alex Matijow intones. “I didn’t have a worry in the world, because I didn’t know what it was.”

Matijow, who originally launched this Detroit-based punk-metal/alternative group as a one-man project, wrote “Grad Song” in 2001 – as he faced the end of high school. A decade later, the song’s nascent worries have taken on new meanings, new shadings of emotion, and so has Matijow’s take on it.

Now touring and recording with Todd Errion on bass and vocals and Chris Hobbs on drums, Alchalant is gaining wider notice – having been named best alternative band at the recently held first annual Indie Music Channel Awards. In all, Alchalant had been nominated for seven awards, including album of the year for their self-titled debut release. But, before all of that, before the awards and the recognition, there was this song – and its words clearly still resonate with Matijow.

By the time the fleet riff finally arrives, almost a minute in, there is a billowing sense of dread. Then Alchalant explodes into a squalling, punky rhythm – with bashing drums and a bloody-knuckled, jagged guitar made complete with this howling, resentful vocal: Everything the main character once feared, as graduation loomed, has come true: “10 years later, on the phone, I’m successful but alone … writing songs about the days when I was young, playing outside in the sun.”

As Matijow sings, with an increasing sense of abandonment and hurt (“I didn’t know what it was,” he repeats), there are layer upon layer of added emotions, until “Grad Song” is finally subsumed by wave after wave of electronic noise – and just like those golden days of youth, it’s gone.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
- Review You

Artist: Alchalant
Song: Better Off Dead
Reviewer: Nick DeRiso

“Better Off Dead” leaps out with a gnarled, noisy verve, making terrific use of the kind of scronky attitude that marked early New Wave. Singer-songwriter Alex Matijow’s vocal stays with the period, as he howls and growls like the best late-1970s punk stars. It’s just as angry, too, though tightly focused on a relationship that’s been shattered.

Hard to believe, as a seething Matijow screeches out the lyric “I won’t miss thinking of you” that this was once, back in 2006, a love song. But after everything fell apart with the girl, Matijow refashioned the song in 2010 as an angry reply – then began experimenting with sounds on an Apple iPad.

Those digital emulations, coupled with his wintry howl, ultimately give “Better Off Dead” a more modern feel – as Matijow dives into the same kind of found-object, noise-based energy as early Nine Inch Nails.

Left alone with these swirling emotions, Matijow unloads a torrent of bile – first suggesting “there’s not a whole lot left to say,” before lashing out: “How did it taste when you ate my soul?” Then: “You ripped my beating heart right from my chest. All that blood on your face – how do you like that, bitch?” All of it leads up to the song title itself, and a scorched-earth guitar solo – the very sound of catharsis.

Many a brokenhearted lover have perhaps had these thoughts, experienced these turbulent feelings, but been unable to frame it with such searing honesty. “Better Off Dead” focuses squarely on the hurt, picking at the scab rather than covering it with a bandage.

Since reworking “Better Off Dead” a couple of years ago, Matijow has added a pair of talented musicians to what was once a one-man band in bassist Todd Errion and drummer Chris Hobbs. Here, though, you get the full brunt of both Matijow’s roving eye for fashioning music out of jagged sounds – and also his unvarnished, deeply personal pain over a love lost.

Review by Nick DeRiso
Rating: 4 stars (out of 5) - Review You

Artist: alchalant
Title: “Grad Song”
Review by Alex Henderson


Nostalgia has been a part of music throughout history, and it will no doubt continue to be a part of music in the future. Inevitably, some musicians will find creative inspiration by reflecting on the past, which is what alchalant (who don’t capitalize their name) do on their noteworthy single “Grad Song.” Alex Matijow, lead singer for this Detroit-based punk/alternative rock band, wrote the original version of “Grad Song” when he was still in high school back in 2001; the tune was reworked in 2010 (for one thing, a new bridge was added) and recorded by alchalant in 2011. And it isn’t hard to see why Matijow has kept “Grad Song” in his repertoire for 11 years; the tune is nostalgic in a way that is easy to like and easy to relate to. Matijow’s lyrics look back on his childhood, fondly recalling a simpler time in his life. And listeners will have no problem relating to “Grad Song’s” nostalgic message, which is delivered with an exuberant punk/alterna-rock infectiousness. “Grad Song” is hooky and catchy, underscoring the fact that melody is an important part of alchalant’s musical outlook.

That said, “Grad Song” is not emo and should not be described as emo; the fact that alchalant are melodic contributors to punk rock does not automatically make them an emo band. Rather, “Grad Song” is typical of alchalant’s work in that it is edgy and aggressive yet shows some vulnerability. And the tough-guy-with-a-heart aesthetic that has worked well for Matijow on some of alchalant’s other recordings (including their song “Better Off Dead”) also works well for him on “Grad Song.” Stylistically, “Grad Song” has a lot more in common with Green Day (one of alchalant’s main influences) and early Offspring than it does with ultra-introspective emo bands such as blink-182 and the Sloppy Meateaters.

If one has never heard any of alchalant’s recordings, “Grad Song” would be an enjoyable introduction.

Review by Alex Henderson
Rating: 3.5 Stars (Out of 5)
- Review You

Artist: Alchalant
Song: The Grad Song
Review by Rhonda Readence

Alchalant, hailing from Detroit Rock City, is made up of Alex Matijow on vocals and guitar, Todd Errion on bass and vocals, and Chris Hobbs on drums. Their single “The Grad Song” is a nostalgic piece of music that laments the innocent and care-free life of youth. The track is lyrically sound and extremely well-written. Anyone with a sense of youth that has passed will relate to the thoughtful lyrics and look back wistfully at happier times.

Vocally, the piece could use some work. Matijow is not always in tune and he is occasionally pitchy. He delivers with confidence though, and the lyrics are easy to understand. Instrumentally, “The Grad Song” is executed well and these musicians have a solid grasp on the composition of music. However, there are moments of discord within the track when the rhythm section seems to be off the barest beat. This tends to add to the charm of the song, but for those few seconds, listeners may have to take a step back and reassess what they are hearing. As for the sound quality, it is not terrible, but the drums sound tinny at times and the vocals tend to override everything else. A thorough re-mixing is suggested.

Overall, “The Grad Song” is a solid piece of music with exceptional lyrics and a catchy rhythm; however it does need some attention. Alchalant is a band with talent, which is obvious while listening to this single, and “The Grad Song” is a good indication of what they can do. The lyrics are great and the composition of the piece is good as well, but Alchalant simply need to focus a bit more on the overall quality throughout and add a bit of polish to the sound.

Reviewed by Rhonda Readence
Rating: 2.5 stars (out of 5)
- Review You

alchalant was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2012 IMC Awards. - Indie Music Channel

alchalant won Best Alternative Band at the 2012 IMC Awards at the House of Blues, West Hollywood.
- Indie Music Channel

Artist: alchalant
Title: "Better Off Dead"
Review by Alex Henderson

Detroit may not be the first city that comes to mind when punk rock is mentioned; one doesn’t associate Detroit with punk to the degree that one associates Los Angeles, New York City, London or San Francisco with punk. But in fact, Detroit had a vibrant punk scene in the 1970s and 1980s. Plus, some of the rockers who had a strong Motor City connection before that helped paved the way for punk (including Iggy Pop & the Stooges, MC5 and Alice Cooper). Bearing those things in mind, it makes perfect sense for a Detroit-based band like alchalant (they don’t capitalize their name) to wave the punk flag on “Better Off Dead.” This digital single is tough, edgy and rugged yet melodic; alchalant are punk and alternative rock, but they are also rock & roll. The direct influences that alchalant bring to the table range from Green Day to the Clash to early Offspring (before they came out with cutesy novelty tunes like “Pretty Fly for a White Guy”) to the proto-punk of Iggy & the Stooges. Most of the influences that one hears on “Better Off Dead” are American influences, but at the same time, alchalant’s fondness for the British punk and pub rock of the Clash and Sham 69 comes through. One could say that “Better Off Dead” has a transatlantic sound, although the American punk elements are more prominent than the British punk elements.

Alex Matijow, alchalant’s lead singer, shows himself to be an asset to the band. Matijow has a punk snarl, but it’s a punk snarl with empathy; Matijow is able to express empathy as opposed to strictly expressing attitude. And it should be noted that “Better Off Dead” is not emo; there is some vulnerability at work here, but it isn’t an emo-ish sort of vulnerability. Matijow, rather, favors the “tough guy with a heart” approach to punk and alternative rock.

“Better Off Dead” is not a breathtaking song, but it’s a likable song. These spirited Midwesterners are worth keeping an eye on.

Review by Alex Henderson
Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)
- Review You

Artist: alchalant
Title: Better off Dead single
Review by G. W. Hill

Taking this punk rock tune strictly based on its musical merits, it’s a cool tune. It has a lot of energy and is quite angry, yet has a catchy hook. It’s really important to understand the process involved in the creation of the song to truly appreciate it, though. As much as the piece feels organic and natural, it was actually created by re-writing the lyrics to an older love song. The newer angrier lyrics were written while keeping the syllables and melody unchanged. That’s a pretty impressive feat in itself, earning this some kudos from a technical stand-point before it even spins.

Drums start the track and give way to a motif that feels a bit like some of the more modern pop punk. When it hits the chorus, though, there’s more of a sneering growl to the vocals. This track is definitely angry. It has a lot of energy and the bass line is quite interesting for such a raw, punk tune. There’s a cool growling scream. The guitar solo section that follows has an almost cheesy sound, but it lends some real character to the piece. One thing that’s unusual for a lot of punk is the fact that it includes synthesizer. Even more interesting is the fact that the synthesizer, along with the drums, were created by an iPad and designed to emulate classic hardware.

While the technical aspects are impressive and the song itself is entertaining, it’s not without its flaws. The main one is that the vocals are often a bit hard to take. That lends some charm when it comes to a punk rock song, but it also means this is likely to turn more than a few people away from it. Of course, the demographic that is most likely to really enjoy this understands that it’s more about the anger and passion of punk rock vocals than it is musicality.

Rating: 3.5 Stars (out of 5)
- Review You

IAE: Please tell us where you’re from and what influenced you to pursue a career in music?

alchalant: We are from Detroit. We have each moved around in the past, but have always been drawn to the dynamic force and reputation of the city. Of course, we mean the reputation as Detroit ROCK City, although we also embrace our hometown as the Motor City, and use the Murder City as a branding symbol for intensity and seriousness that is conveyed through our attitude and live performances. I (Alex) have been interested in music since I was a young boy. I have enjoyed rock music since I can remember. My earliest memories include listening to cassette tapes of the Detroit legends Alice Cooper and Iggy Pop. I knew the words to The Clash’s entire London Calling record by the age of 10. All of the above have been tremendous influences on my songwriting and passion for sharing my own music with the world. After fiddling with an old Harmony acoustic guitar for a while, I got my first Stratocaster. TJ had also begun playing music at a very young age. He’s a bit older than the rest of the band, and grew up listening to 80’s punk and hardcore including The Misfits, Black Flag, and The Circle Jerks. He became interested in more diverse sub genres like grindcore and has also been influenced by Napalm Death. TJ has played guitar and bass in many punk and metal bands over the years. He had been searching for something different and original to showcase his talents. His tough, fierce demeanor accents alchalant’s tonal foundation brilliantly. Hobbs began playing drums after being influenced by Tom Everett Scott’s performance as a drummer in the film That Thing You Do. He is a gigantic fan of Sublime, Nirvana, 311, Third Eye Blind, and other 90’s rock. Through our somewhat different backgrounds and tastes in music, we have developed a good brand image, using a new slogan to define our roots, Detroit PUNK ROCK City.


IAE: When did the band form and what does the name alchalant mean?

alchalant: This is actually a new incarnation of a project I have pursued for over 10 years. As the front man of the band Nonchalant, my peers coined the moniker ‘alchalant’ in 2001 as a blend of my first name (Alex), and the name of the band (Nonchalant). After disbanding, I kept the stage name and released a solo record in 2004. I have continued performing my repertoire of original songs as a solo artist until now. I joined a metal band called Glutton For Punishment in 2005 with the former drummer of Nonchalant, Bryan Reed. This is where I met alchalant’s bass player TJ Errion. We played dual lead guitar in Glutton For Punishment and built a strong collaborative bond. In the summer of 2011 as I was finishing the new self titled record alchalant, I ran into an old high school friend Chris Hobbs at Telway, a staple of the Detroit area (world famous for their hamburgers). We began jamming, and after making contact with TJ through Facebook, the band was complete. My band has been great. I could not ask for more dedicated, enthusiastic, professional musicians. As I had finished the record before the formation of the band, the songs have evolved from our post release collaboration. TJ and Hobbs have each put their own touch on my repertoire, resulting in an even more intense and energetic live performance than you hear on the new record.


IAE: Tell us about your latest project and what fans can expect to hear on the album?

alchalant: The new self titled record alchalant is a collection of songs written in the past 10 years. The songs were chosen to highlight different punk rock sub genres. It can be described as a roller coaster of rock n roll, showing the different colors of the punk spectrum. Our first single, Better Off Dead, is a driving pop punk track with low crisp vocals. Nightmares follows in the upbeat vein of our single. Control and National Blues are both re constructed Nonchalant tracks representing our hardcore side. Binary and Dawn are mellow, alternative rock songs. One of my favorites, Loko Land, is a catchy jingle written for my alcoholic beverage of choice. The record also includes a self-reflective acoustic song called Bronchitis. The song however, is not about the illness it was named for. It is a juxtaposition of illness and identity crisis. The record was my first production. Written, recorded, produced, marketed, and distributed (with the help of iTunes of course) by myself in my home project studio. Although my band was not featured on the record, it symbolizes a critical juncture, a foundation from which we have built our live sound.


IAE: What has been the toughest part about establishing yourselves amongst all the millions of artists out there on the internet?

alchalant: It has been tough developing brand image and awareness for the new incarnation of alchalant. Although I have used the moniker for 10 years, it has never been my band’s name. Many people are not aware of the new band, and still think it is my solo project. We have gone to great extent using social networking tactics, and marketing through press to build awareness on both regional and national level. As DIY artists, we undertake extraneous management and marketing responsibilities that many artists outsource to third parties. As a Wayne State music school graduate, and current MBA student, I have implemented many techniques to strengthen our brand awareness. Viewing the band as a professional organization we have leverage on a different level. Nationwide press has played an integral role in our continuous and rapid culmination. Our recent trip to California, appearing at the 1st annual Indie Music Channel Awards hosted by Hollywood’s House of Blues, and performing during a private reception at the legendary Sunset Gower Studios in Hollywood is a brand new height for alchalant, to which we expect to exceed in the future.



Twitter: @alchalant
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/alchalant
Website: http://www.alchalant.com
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/alchalant














- I Am Entertainment

Artist: alchalant
Title: Better off Dead single
Review by G. W. Hill

Taking this punk rock tune strictly based on its musical merits, it’s a cool tune. It has a lot of energy and is quite angry, yet has a catchy hook. It’s really important to understand the process involved in the creation of the song to truly appreciate it, though. As much as the piece feels organic and natural, it was actually created by re-writing the lyrics to an older love song. The newer angrier lyrics were written while keeping the syllables and melody unchanged. That’s a pretty impressive feat in itself, earning this some kudos from a technical stand-point before it even spins.

Drums start the track and give way to a motif that feels a bit like some of the more modern pop punk. When it hits the chorus, though, there’s more of a sneering growl to the vocals. This track is definitely angry. It has a lot of energy and the bass line is quite interesting for such a raw, punk tune. There’s a cool growling scream. The guitar solo section that follows has an almost cheesy sound, but it lends some real character to the piece. One thing that’s unusual for a lot of punk is the fact that it includes synthesizer. Even more interesting is the fact that the synthesizer, along with the drums, were created by an iPad and designed to emulate classic hardware.

While the technical aspects are impressive and the song itself is entertaining, it’s not without its flaws. The main one is that the vocals are often a bit hard to take. That lends some charm when it comes to a punk rock song, but it also means this is likely to turn more than a few people away from it. Of course, the demographic that is most likely to really enjoy this understands that it’s more about the anger and passion of punk rock vocals than it is musicality.

Rating: 3.5 Stars (out of 5)
- Review You

Artist: alchalant
Title: alchalant
Genre: Punk
Release Date: 2011
Label: NXC Records
Product Link: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/alchalant/from/muzikman
Website: http://www.alchalant.com
Source Link: http://www.muzikreviews.com/reviews.php?ID=2108

What is more punk rock than drinking all night and then getting into a major crash on your bicycle? That’s exactly what happened to Alex Matijow. Notwithstanding the blinding pain of a broken nose, five cracked teeth, and an upper lip split up to his nose, Matijow walked away from this near-death experience. He didn’t walk away empty handed. Matijow had a brand-new vision of what was important in life…his music.
Matijow currently holds a bachelor’s degree in music production and jazz guitar from Wayne State University, where he is now pursuing an MBA. Matijow is responsible for composing, recording, arranging, mixing and mastering the first 8 tracks of this album – all alone. The second half of the album is Alex Matijow (vocals, guitar), Lyle Hayman (guitar, vocals), Bryan Reed (drums, vocals) and Diana Oppenheim (bass).

alchalant’s live lineup is Alex Matijow (vocals, guitar), Todd “TJ” Errion (bass, vocals) and Chris Hobbs (drums).

alchalant is teeming with clever lyrics, unexpected beats and some quirky twists here and there. The first track, “Better Off Dead” (the anti-love song) I would call a kind of techno punk. It’s punk with pop synth sounds. “How did it taste when you ate my soul I’m sure as hell that you didn’t get full because I’m empty,” is just a sample of some of the modern poetry you can find on alchalant.
My favorite track on the album, “Binary” is a geeky love song about how love should be, “as simple as binary, just ones and zeroes.” While listening to it I wax nostalgic for my old Dead Milkmen records.
A lot of CDs give you an extra track hidden at the end of the album after a bit of silence, but alchalant out does them all by giving you an entire album of hidden tracks. The hidden album is made up of recordings that Matijow recorded earlier. “National Blues 2011” is an updated version of one of those tracks. It was originally written after 9/11 and this updated version is a bit heavier and adds some great guitar leads that are noticeably missing from the previous version.
alchalant is quite an entertaining little album. It drags punk songs through the mud of several other genres just enough to give each one a unique flavor. alchalant has received 7 nominations at the 1st annual Indie Music Channel Awards. Hurry and listen to it before the masses discover it. Caution: repeated listening will make you want to sport your old Mohawk.
Note: Tracks 09-19 are each 4 seconds of silence separating the record from the bonus tracks. Bonus tracks include alchalant’s entire first record with the band Nonchalant from 2002.
4/5 Stars
Key Tracks: Binary, National Blues, Bronchitis
Kirk Bullough – Muzikreviews.com Staff
April 1, 2012
- www.MuzikReviews.com

Artist: alchalant
Title: alchalant

Overall Rating: 3.5 (out of 4)
Lyrics - 3.25 || Musicianship - 3.75 || Vocals - 3.5
Web: www.alchalant.com
Location: Detroit, MI
Genre: Garage/Punk/Alternative Rock
Key Tracks: National Blues

Rock & Roll has a new home! Nominated for 7 Indie Music Channel Awards, alchalant is
a band that clearly has established itself as a serious force on the frontlines of today's
DIY movement. The Detroit rockers have a very cool sound that encompasses elements
of every lane in rock music, keeping them from being placed in that all too present "box"
in the minds of average listeners.

The song "National Blues" is a thrashtastic voyage that will make your head spin. The
gnarly way they played this particular tune is worthy of praise, not to mention the fact that
they kept the sound very organic with the acoustics giving off that true garage band feel.
The lead vocal is a serious work of art bringing out the "rage against the man" message
that lives within the song's violent musical space. This is a winner in my book and I dug
this tune the most out of all of alchalant's music.

There are so many gems on the band's self-titled 8 song project that any fan of this
genre should find it well worth buying. For just $10 you can own the project today.

MUSICAL GOAL: "My ultimate goal in music is to be heard, known, and appreciated on a
large scope. After formal training in music production and jazz guitar at Wayne State
University receiving a Bachelor of Music, I began pursuing an MBA to further my skills in
marketing and advertisement to showcase my craft. This is my first record in which I had
no outside help or guidance. I was the songwriter, I was the musicians, I was the
producer, I was the engineer. Now I am the marketer and distributor...with some help
from iTunes of course.
My band has played an integral part in the development of our brand. You can not
ask for more dedicated and enthusiastic musicians as Todd Errion and Chris Hobbs.

Review by: Senseitional - I Am Entertainment

The new self titled alchalant album is now available via digital distribution channels as well as on physical media. - CDbaby

The new self titled alchalant album is now available via digital distribution channels as well as on physical media. - CDbaby

The single Better Off Dead is now available via digital distribution channels. - CDbaby

The single Better Off Dead is now available via digital distribution channels. - CDbaby

alchalant will be featured in the May/June issue of I Am Entertainment magazine. An extensive online advertisement campaign begins next week. - I Am Entertainment

The IMC Awards will be Sunday April 29th at the House of Blues Hollywood.

alchalant - alchalant (album): Best Alternative Album

alchalant - Better Off Dead (single) - Writer, Alex Matijow - Best Alternative Song

alchalant - Better Off Dead (single) - Vocalist, Alex Matijow - Best Alternative Male Performance

alchalant - Better Off Dead (single) - Best Alternative Record

alchalant - Better Off Dead (single) - Best Alternative Band

alchalant - Better Off Dead (single) - Best Alternative Recording

alchalant - Better Off Dead (single) - Best Rock Record.
- Indie Music Channel

"Non-Chalant, a group of local teenage punk rockers, will release their debut CD, "Break the Lamp, " on Sunday at popular all-ages venue the Wired Frog in Eastpoin te. Inspired by punk rock greats of the '70s and '80s such as the Clash and GBH along with modern day punkers Rancid and NOFX, the group's eight-song debut blends the best of punk rock angst with melody-driven hooks. It's young stuff from young kids. Joining the group on the bill are punk rock partners in crime No Excuse, Zero Dependence, One Hump Chump, No Alternative and Forever Ending. Non-Chalant hits the stage at 10 p.m. 21145 Gratiot, Eastpointe. 586-498-9500. For more go to: www.reverbnation.com/alchalant"
- Rachel May, Nonchalant CD Release 2002 (Sep 27, 2002) - Detroit Free Press

01 - Artist Name & Location = alchalant. Detroit MI
02 - How did the project come into existence? = The tale of alchalant's culmination is a long one. I will try to summarize efficiently.
I (Alex Matijow) started a punk rock band called Nonchalant at the young age of 15 with local Detroit musicians Bryan Reed and Lyle Hayman. By the end of the good 3 year run I acquired the moniker 'alchalant' from our peers. The name started as heckling. From a few punk rock traditionalists in the local scene that did not appreciate our blend of melodic punk.
Since, I have embraced the name, and used it as the title of my debut solo acoustic record in 2004. I've also gone by the stage name in other bands I've been featured in since, including a metal band called Glutton For Punishment (2005-2006) featuring Bryan Reed of my first band Nonchalant on drums. It was in this group that I played alongside Todd Errion (of the current alchalant lineup) on dual lead guitarists.
Upon achieving my Bachelor of Music from Wayne State University I began recording my catalog of music in my home studio with plans to release a 21 song full length record. Production started in the summer of 2010.
In fall of 2011 I caught up with Chris Hobbs, a drummer I knew from my childhood at the famous Telway Hamburger System, a staple of our hometown, Madison Heights MI. He had just returned to the Detroit area from Minnesota, had heard my music on the internet and was interesting in playing for me.
With a drummer in hand for the first time in years, I contacted Todd Errion to fulfill bass guitar duties. They quickly learned my repertoire from home recordings. It was then, that I decided to postpone the release of a full length record and quickly finished eight songs, promising my fans the record would be released before the end of 2011. We delivered the record on December 16th 2011. The Phoenix Cafe of Hazel Park MI hosted our release party. The eight songs included on the record represent a different times in my life, each sounds completely different than the next. I would describe each of the songs as a different color of the rock music spectrum. Each song floats around the genre of punk rock, but includes elements of metal, hardcore, popular music, and singer/songwriter.
03 - Who are the members of the band if any and please tell us about it? = alchalant

Alex Matijow: Vocals Guitar
Todd Errion: Bass Vocals
Chris Hobbs: Drums

04 - How would you describe your sound/genre? = Our record is a rock and roll roller coaster. No 2 songs have the same style. It is primarily punk rock influenced but incorporates many other elements of metal, jazz, popular rock music, etc.
05 - What formal training or previous experience do any of the members have? = I (Alex Matijow) studied modern guitar with mentor/producer Eric DiBerardo from 1999-2004.
I achieved a Bachelor of Music (with concentration in music production and jazz guitar) from Wayne State University in 2010 under the counsel of Tom Court, Dennis Tini, and Steve Carryer... To name a few.

Todd Errion has played guitar basically his entire life as well. He has played in many hard rock and metal bands including Glutton For Punishment where we first met from 2005-2006.

Chris Hobbs has played drum kit ever since he saw the movie That Thing You Do. He idolized the drummer in that film portrayed by Tom Everett Scott.
06 - Are you working w/ a producer on your upcoming album? = I (Alex Matijow) wrote, recorded, mixed, and mastered all eight songs on the new self titled record. The record features 7 bonus tracks recorded by my first band Nonchalant in 2002 by producer Eric DiBerardo. These tracks were never officially pressed and are included as an homage to my songwriting roots.
07 - Who would you say has been the biggest influence on the bands sound or that you have used as inspiration for your music? = THE biggest influence cannot be defined.
I can however describe the moment I knew I wanted to be become a professional performer. It was upon hearing Blink 182s live record 'The Mark Tom and Travis Show' for the first time. It was a band that I did not particularly like until hearing their live performance. There will always be a place in my heart for that band, and how they sparked my ambition to become a performer and songwriter.

I've been surrounded by music since I can remember. As a child I owned the Disney Soundtracks of Lion King and Aladdin. I knew all the words. I loved catchy melodies. At the young age of 8, I remember my father introducing me to The Clash, and my mother introducing me to Nine Inch Nails. I cite Joe Strummer and Trent Reznor as probably the two biggest musical influences in my life as I have been familiar with them since such a young age.

Also. The first rock song I remember hearing is The Ballad of Dwight Fry by legendary Detroit rocker Alice Cooper. I still have the cassette of his record Love It Death, stole it from my Dad a long time ago. My parents brought me to see Alice Cooper live at the age of 3. I do not remember the show. I do however remember meeting him at Harmony House for a signing earlier that day. Dad has told me that they wrote about me in the newspaper, quoting Alice 'you better wear earplugs kid!'.
08 - What advice would you give to others starting out? = Never give up. If your band quits on you (as my first band Nonchalant had) keep going. Try to become friends with as many local musicians as possible. Play open mic nights to develop contacts. Try to befriend the press.
Your chops will get you no where if you do not have well developed business and social skills.
09 - Where can people go to learn more about you and hear your music? = Check out our homepage at www.alchalant.com

We have links to our Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube accounts.
(We would appreciate a quick click on the corresponding 'Like', 'Follow', and 'Subscribe' buttons!)

There are also links to our distribution outlets for purchasing the new record, iTunes, CDbaby, etc.

There are a few songs available for streaming audio on the homesite.

We offer a free download of our single 'Control' upon registering for our mailing list!
10 - If you could play anywhere in the world or with anyone you wanted where and who would it be with? = I would love to play at the legendary Cobo Hall in Detroit jamming with the spirits of Lennon, Cobain, and Joe Strummer.
11 - What has been your greatest experience so far either individually or as a whole? = The greatest experience has been getting the new band together and playing rock shows once again after so long. There is nothing like the natural high of performing for screaming youngsters.
12 - Do you have any upcoming events or news you would like to tell our readers about? = The new self titled record 'alchalant' is now available for download on iTunes, and physical purchase on CDbaby.


We are headlining Paycheck's Lounge in Hamtramck MI on 1/28/12.
We are headlining The Phoenix Cafe in Hazel Park MI on 2/4/12.
We are headlining The Ritz in Warren MI on 3/3/12.
We are currently planning a summer midwest tour.
We are planning an early fall trip to NYC.
More details on upcoming shows at www.alchalant.com




13 - Where do you see yourselves or hope to be in about 5 years? = We will have successfully resurrected Detroit ROCK City. We will be traveling the world playing our music. We will still be drinking. We will still be rocking. We will still be playing everyones favorite songs. - AJ and DBs

Alchalant
featured Richie Frieman

I feel like it’s been a while since we’ve featured an act from Detroit Rock City… but this new one couldn’t be more appropriate! Detroit natives Alchalant (Alex Matijow, Todd Errion and Chris Hobbs) are taking it to the local scene in fitting punk rock fashion – just dropping a new record last month. If you’re from Michigan and think that you’re familiar with Alchalant… you need make sure you’re paying attention. The current lineup isn’t much older than this new album! Alchalant was actually a solo project that Matijow has been focusing on for over a decade… and Errion and Hobbs are finally rounding it out, coming on board in September. No joke – their first live show together was the CD release party!

You should know a thing or two about Alchalant’s sound as you learn more about the band – their “rock and roll roller coaster” according to Matijow. He continues on about the new record: “There is not a song that sounds the same. Every track has a different style. I am very proud of the record as the sole person responsible from inception all the up handing it off for manufacturing. I think of each of the songs as a different color in the spectrum of Rock music. It takes you different places. It's very spatial… designed to push the boundaries with elements of dance/pop, hardcore, metal, jazz, soft rock, and alternative.” Definitely check it out and look into a show when you’re up north. There’s much more to get into, so keep reading for all the answers to the XXQ’s.

XXQs: Alchalant - Alex Matijow


PensEyeView.com (PEV): How would you describe your sound and what do you feel makes you stand out over the others in your genre?



Our sound floats in and around the punk rock genre. Our record was designed to push the boundaries with elements of dance/pop, hardcore, metal, jazz, soft rock, and alternative. Our record was designed to be accessible to many listeners.

When we play live we definitely sound different than the recordings. Our live show is very intense and lively. More of a hard rock / grunge feel.



PEV: Calling Detroit, Michigan home, what kind of music where the members of the band into growing up? Do you remember your first concert?



My first concert was Alice Cooper. The king of Detroit rock. I was 3 years old, and met him at harmony house for a signing with my father. My pops still has the newspaper article that quoted Alice telling a young boy's father that 'he better bring earplugs!'. I've always loved music. As a child I owned the soundtracks to Disney's Lion King and Aladdin. I was introduced to The Clash and new the words to all the songs on London Calling at age 8. When I started playing and writing music as a teenager I was into punk rock like Blink 182, Rancid, Green Day.

Todd is more of a metal fan. His favorite bands include Slayer, Metallica, and the like. We share common interests in The Misfits and Butthole Surfers.

Our drummer Chris started playing drums shortly after seeing the film 'That Thing You Do' for the first time. He idolized the character Tom Everett Scott portrayed. Chris is also a very big fan of Sublime.



PEV: What was it like trying to break into the music scene when you first started out as a band? What was your first show like together as a band?



We are still…. breaking out onto the scene as the new 'alchalant'. alchalant has actually been my moniker for 10 years. I got the name from my peers in my first band Nonchalant at age 15. The kids would call mealchalant because of my intense live performance, ambition, and took the lead. It was kind of a sarcastic poke at the young kid acting like a rock star, but I embraced the name and turned it into something I am now very proud of.

The new alchalant record was just released December 16th 2011, and the new lineup has only been together a short while. It was a solo project that I have developed into a real band. The recordings were all done by myself in the home studio. From writing, to laying down tracks, to mixing and mastering.



PEV: What can fans expect from a live Alchalant show?



alchalant has intense stage energy. We love to interact with the crowd. It's like a party. Because of our diverse repertoire we can play a 30-45 minute set at different themed bars. However we prefer to headline and play our entire 2 hour set. As I've been a songwriter for more than 10 years, we take requests from my repertoire, and many times our fans ask us to play a song twice, three times. And we do it for them. The crowd favorite I'm speaking of is of course 'National Blues', my first venture into political writing, a direct response to the terrorist attacks on 9/11/02. The song has been re recorded and is featured on our new record.



PEV: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you step on stage?



Getting the crowd motivated. We don't like to play for bar flies. Getting the crowd in front of me is the first and most important thing. Almost as important as tuning my guitar.



PEV: What do you think of mainstream music today – as in what’s being played on the radio?



I don't listen to the radio much. When I do listen to the radio it's usually classic channels, or channels that play 90's music. One of my favorite recent records though is My Chemical Romance's Danger Days. It is a solid record from start to finish. There are few bands today that can deliver a solid record with no filler.



PEV: What was the underlining inspiration for your music? Where do get your best ideas for songs?



My inspiration comes from many places. Love, hardship, hope, world events. When I write it is usually accidental. I will be in a particular mood, and hear somebody say a phrase. Ask them to repeat. And run with it. Our song Loko Land (a jingle for the alcoholic beverage) was written this way. A colleague of mine coined the phrase. I also like mixing elements that are unfamiliar to each other, like in our song Binary. It is a love song for geeks. I use mathematical language to express the feelings of love. 'And I've said it 'n' times before. Love's the only thing worth fighting for. Love is simple, yes you know. It's like binary, its just 1's and 0's'.



PEV: Thinking back to when you first started out do you ever look back at your career and think about your earlier days and how you’ve arrived where you are today?



I think of the journey all the time. It's been a long hard road. I actually took a good 5 year hiatus to get my Bachelor of Music (with concentration in music production and jazz guitar) from Wayne State University. It was something I needed to do for my future career though. It wasn't until I graduated in 2010 that I started recording the record in the home studio. And it wasn't until the record was near completion that I touched base with my old friends Todd and Chris to get the band together.

PEV: What’s one thing we’d be surprised to hear about the members of Alchalant?

I could not think of anything in particularly surprising about the band as a whole. Perhaps how we ended up together. I new Todd since 2005 when we played in a metal band together. We were introduced to each other by the drummer of my first band Nonchalant. I have know Chris since grade school but lost touch for a long time as he moved away from Detroit for a long while. It's just kind of strange how I had working relationships with the band before I recruited them, and how everything seemed to fall into place so quickly. We have only been rehearsing since September 2011. Our first live performance was the CD Release Show.



PEV: Was there a certain point in your life when you knew that music was going to be a goal for you?



Music was always part of my life. I don't know how to answer this question.



PEV: Tell us about your latest release. What can fans expect from this album?



It is a rock and roll roller coaster. There is not a song that sounds the same. Every track has a different style. I am very proud of the record as the sole person responsible from inception all the up handing it off for manufacturing. I think of each of the songs as a different color in the spectrum of Rock music. It takes you different places. It's very spatial. ALSO. It includes 7 bonus tracks that are not listed on the sleeve. My entire first record with the band Nonchalant is included as an homage to my songwriting roots.



PEV: What is the feeling you get after a song is complete and you can sit back and listen to it being played the way you envisioned?



Pure enjoyment. I was working on the record for so long that I never got to feel this until the entire record was completed. By then I was burned out on the tunes. When I sent it in for pressing I thought I would never want to hear them again after so many hours of fine tuning the mixes. But then,,,, I got anxious for the discs to arrive,,, Putting the record in the stereo for the first time was excellent. That was the moment, the culmination of all the hard work. A natural high.



PEV: With all your traveling is there one area you wish you could travel around and play that you have not yet?



We actually have not traveled. We are planning a Midwest tour for this July though.As well, a weekend trip to NYC in September.



PEV: What can we find each of you doing in your spare time, aside from playing/writing music?



When I'm not playing music I am in grad school pursuing an MBA.



PEV: Name one present and past artist or group that would be your dream collaboration? Why?



Past collaboration with Pete Townshend of The Who. He is an excellent songwriter and visionary. I would really love to pick his brain.

Present collaboration with Dave Grohl as the drummer! Not the guitarist lol. I think it would be great to jam with him, he has some fantastic energy.



PEV: If playing music wasn’t your life (or life’s goal) what do you think each of you would be your career?



When they asked me in 1st grade what I wanted to be when I grow up I said 'an astronaut'. The teacher asked me if there was anything else I would like to be and I replied 'a rockstar'.



PEV: So, what is next for Alchalant?



We are currently promoting the hell out of new release. Planning a summer tour. Trying to get as much press as we can. We are planning to have a new track done by May. - Pens Eye View.

Artist: alchalant
Title: "alchalant"

The history of alchalant dates back over 10 years to the band Nonchalant, the first punk rock band helmed by guitarist/vocalist Alex Matijow. Nonchalant had some minor success before going dormant and coming back to life as alchalant. The new name derives from a combination of Matijow's first name and the word nonchalant.

The band plays a diverse brand of poppy punk rock that fairly bounces off the walls with energy and spirit. The major drawback to alchalant's material is that it has all been done before many, many times. One doesn't need doses of space rock, polka, bagpipes and dubstep to make punk rock work, but a little innovation wouldn't hurt.

The first eight tracks here comprise alchalant's new material for 2011-2012, while the generous helping of 7 bonus tracks is actually the first Nonchalant record released back in 2002. The newer material is smoother sounding and a bit more melodic, but there's no real drastic difference between the old and new material.

"Better Off Dead" is quirky pop punk with the emphasis on the pop instead of the punk and some odd touches of electronics around the fringes. "Control" has a leaner, sparser sound with more punk energy and very strong hooks. It sounds like its being played by an altogether angrier band than "Better Off Dead" and these more aggressive songs are really where alchalant shines. The album's diversity becomes apparent on the next track "LL", which is almost a ska/cowpunk mixture and very brief in duration.

The remainder of the "new" material flies all over the map. "Binary" and "Bronchities" are very snotty, melodic punk with rather trite and overdone vocals from Alex. He sounds much more natural and less forced on the thrashy rager "National Blues 2011" and bouncy "Nightmares". Then "Dawn" is a stripped down, smoky cut with appealing melody

After 12 CD tracks of silence, the older Nonchalant material shows a rawer version of alchalant that is not quite so diverse but perhaps more appealing to the straight up punk because of that. "Bandaids", "Fee For Free" and the earlier version of "National Blues" are all fast, rough and ready, sounding like a band that just wants to plug in and rock out.

It's all delivered efficiently and with a lot of passion, but so many bands are already treading the same territory as alchalant, it's going to be hard for these guys to really make a mark.

Review by Mike Korn

Rating: 3 Stars (out of 5)
- Review You

Artist: alchalant
Album: alchalant

alchalant has released a disc that’s really two discs in one. The first half of the album consists of new recordings by the artist known as “alchalant.” After some silence mid-disc, a second album, a recording of the band Nonchalant (with alchalant as lead singer) is presented. Where the first half seems to be very DIY in terms of production (and sometimes sound) the second half is more classic punk rock.

After a short rhythm section intro, “Better Off Dead” powers out into a hard rocking, punk cut. Although the central song structure is set in an old school punk motif, there are some bits of keyboards that lend a different sound and a guitar solo movement is almost art-rock in style.

While the arrangement on “Control” seems more stripped down and DIY in terms of production, the anger and power of the cut stands above the previous number. There’s a real crazed feeling with some of the spoken vocals later. It feels very psychotic in some ways. There’s a killer instrumental section later, too.

“LL” is the title of the third track and it stands for “Loko Land.” It’s a fun and very short piece. It’s less punk rock and more just weird. “Binary” follows and has a real indie rock texture to it. It still retains some of the odd charm of the previous number, but is more accessible. It’s also a lot longer. There are even bits of space rock in the arrangement.

“National Blues 2011” is like hardcore punk. It’s a real screamer both in terms of the vocals and the pace. “Nightmares” is closer to an emo sound. It would be easy to imagine this getting airplay. The bass line is killer in the way it wanders around in the backdrop and this one feels more polished than a lot of the other stuff.

The bass guitar is really out front and impressive on sections of “Dawn.” Although a lot of the album is set in a punk rock motif, this tune feels almost like a progressive rock number. It’s got some intriguing keyboard sounds and fairly complex arrangement. Acoustic guitar meets a real punk rock sensibility on “Bronchitis.”

Now, “Lyle’s Song” is more like old school punk rock. There’s a short little intro jam and then they launch into some smoking hot punk from there. It definitely has more of a “professional” mix. That makes sense because it’s the first piece from the Nonchalant album.

“Bandaids” is one of the coolest tracks on the set. It pounds in with an alternative rock kind of jam before launching into an angry punk rock arrangement. It’s high energy and extremely tasty. “Our Dreams” continues in the same basic vein, but it doesn’t have the same energy or charm. Still, it has a more accessible, nearly emo, chorus.

The next cut is here is the original version of “National Blues.” It still has all the hardcore punk energy and oomph and it’s a great. “No Fight No Win” has a real punk sound, but it also leans towards emo. It’s certainly not up to the same level as the previous tune. It does have a cool, more melodic, instrumental section.

The fast paced vocals on “Neglect the Heartbreak” are particularly noteworthy. The song has a solid punk rock sound that’s not as high energy as some of the others stuff, but is still strong. It’s got some seriously melodic elements to make up for any lack of energy and an interesting vocal arrangement. “Fee for Free” is full of punk fury to close this thing in style. It includes both an almost Black Sabbath-like grind and a tasty melodic interlude.

Punk rock can be a limited musical endeavor in terms of scope. The music here stretches the limits beyond punk, but still manages to remain consistent. Certainly fans of punk rock and emo are the most likely target audience for this set, but alternative rock fans could find a lot to like here, too. If there’s a problem, it’s with the production on the first half. Then again, with this kind of music, that can be a plus, adding charm and credibility.

Review by G. W. Hill
Rating: 3.5 Stars (out of 5)
- Review You

Hard Rock Cafe Detroit Hosts Hard Rock Rising

Global Battle of the Bands Competition Gives metro Detroit Up-and-Coming Bands the Chance to
Take the Stage at Hard Rock Calling 2012

Hard Rock is on the hunt for musicians on the rise to take the stage at the 2012 Hard Rock Calling music festival in London's Hyde Park. Hard Rock Rising, the global battle of the bands, will give one local band from this international competition the chance of a lifetime – to be on the bill with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band and additional headlining performers at one of the world's most-anticipated concert events.

Beginning on Thursday, March 8, 2012, the area's greatest undiscovered bands, as chosen by Hard Rock Cafe Detroit's Facebook fans, will take the stage at Hard Rock Cafe Detroit and battle it out live at multiple qualifying events. Bands performing include Something Utopic, Clay Adams Band, Fusion Records Entertainment, alchalant, Tone and Niche, Armour the Lion, Stealing Betty, Nathan Roberts and Essential Side Project. Each round will be hosted by Gynp, mid-day on-air host at 93.9 The River, and bands will be judged by a panel of local industry experts. including Kirk Rukenbrod of MOTORCITYBLOG, Robert Enell of Hell City Records, Todd Glass and Tony DeNardo of the Muggs, BJ Hammerstein of Detroit Free Press, Travis Wright of WDET, Mark Kurlyandchik, of HOUR Detroit and Casey Schwochow, originator and owner of Rock and Rummage and Ambervillain Films and participating bands' representatives. A final round featuring each of the preliminary winners will be held on Thursday, March 29, 2012, with one winner being selected to move on.

Hard Rock Cafe Detroit's local winners will then be pitted against eighty-six other Hard Rock Cafe local winners from across the globe. These local winners will be narrowed down to the top ten bands worldwide via fan voting on participating Hard Rock Facebook pages. A panel of celebrity judges and music industry professionals will select the top three winners.

The first place winner will be flown to London for the ultimate rock star treatment, including a spot on the bill at Hard Rock Calling 2012. Second and third prize winners will receive $5,000 and $2,500, respectively, in ReverbNation PROMOTE IT credits, a revolutionary tool that creates targeted, highly effective Facebook advertising campaigns for musicians and venues promoting songs, Facebook pages and concerts. For full rules and a list of participating locations visit www.hardrock.com. - Motor City Blogs

"Released on June 8, 2004, nocturnal is alchalant's debut release, 16 original mind blowing acoustic tracks of intense, creative, emotional, personal music."
- Interpunk, alchalant: nocturnal CD Release (Jun 08, 2004) - Interpunk

"11/22/2002 Wired Frog: For teens, Easpointe's Wired Frog is the place to be. Say Uncle, Neighborhood Watch, the Answer to Everything, No Excuse and Non-Chalant keep the young punk scene alive and kicking. 21145 Gratiot, Eastpointe. 586-498-9500. $7."
- Rachel May, Nonchalant: Detroit Free Press (Nov 22, 2002) - Detroit Free Press

"alchalant's 1st performance in 5 years, at Wayne State University, for WAYN Radio. February 2010"
- WAYN Radio, alchalant returns! - WAYN Radio