Growing up in the 90’s I had the benefit of getting several different musical styles thrown at me. Whether it was going to get a hair cut and listening to oldies and classic rock (not that the two were mutually exclusive, but it always seemed to be on), or hanging out with my schoolyard chums with Green Day, Pearl Jam, and Weezer in the ears, I had something good going. One of the bands that didn’t seem to escape the 90’s (but did), seemed to speak to me during my formative years and has made it as our Artist of the Week. Get in touch with your 90’s with Everclear.
Everclear started in Oregon in 1992 as Art Alexakis, Craig Montoya, and Scott Cuthbert, but the band have mainly been driven by Art himself. The lineup, though having changed over the years, has remained constant in Art and his personally driven music. The story of Alexakis has not been one of an easy life and the band draws its name from the struggles endured by Alexakis (and the alcohol).
As a boy aban
doned by his father and lacking money (as told in “Father of Mine”), Alexakis and his mother had to move to the slums of Los Angeles. Later, Alexakis moved around the country, living with various family members and was eventually driven to heavy drug use. After an overdose with cocaine and his girlfriend’s suicide, Art was moved to clean up his habits and reform. The name Everclear, though the “pure, white evil” alcohol, was also a statement that he’d been cleansed of his addiction.
Life experiences heavily influence Everclear’s music. Often the themes found in Alexakis’ lyrics are those of past hardships, drug abuse, dysfunctional family dynamics, and life struggles. With lyrics demonstrating the angst and personal struggles of teens everywhere, teamed with heavy guitars Everclear provided a voice for kids who couldn’t express their frustrations and anger at the lives that they desperately needed comfort in.
Though the popularity of Everclear ranged mainly in the mid-90’s, Art Alexakis continues to create music and currently has nine albums under his belt and a tenth being worked on as we speak (uh…typed and read). Though band members have changed, the feeling and the frontman have remained the same. Should you be looking to rekindle your love of the 90’s and were waiting for that push to go back and listen to Everclear, follow the links below (if not, then forget this piece). And should you want to see them, they’re on tour and will be cruising around LA in early September, so check ‘em out and go and have your nostalgic moment.
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