Alessi’s Ark is anchored in West London. It is the musical project of eighteen year old Alessi Laurent-Marke who was brought up in a music loving but non-playing family.
At secondary school Alessi began playing music by taking up the drums (inspired by Meg White) and joining the school band. She also started putting together a zine called Brain Bulletin* about her favourite books, films, art and music. Through an appreciation of Jake
Gyllenhaal’s performance in Donnie Darko, Alessi looked up his recommendations which led to her discovery of Bright Eyes, Rilo Kiley and the rest of the S ...read more
Alessi’s Ark is anchored in West London. It is the musical project of eighteen year old Alessi Laurent-Marke who was brought up in a music loving but non-playing family.
At secondary school Alessi began playing music by taking up the drums (inspired by Meg White) and joining the school band. She also started putting together a zine called Brain Bulletin* about her favourite books, films, art and music. Through an appreciation of Jake
Gyllenhaal’s performance in Donnie Darko, Alessi looked up his recommendations which led to her discovery of Bright Eyes, Rilo Kiley and the rest of the Saddle Creek stable.
As GCSE’s approached, Alessi was asked to compose a song for the school band. She taught herself a few chords on her sister’s discarded guitar and started writing.
The next stage in the journey were a few solo appearances where she attracted the eyes and ears of Heavenly/EMI and eventually ended up at Virgin Records. When faced with the prospect of going into the studio she approached one of her zine heroes, Mike Mogis (producer of Rilo Kiley and member of Bright Eyes) and after listening to her bedroom demos*, Mike agreed to steer the ark.
The resulting album ‘Notes from the Tree House’* was recorded at Mike and Conor Oberst’s studio in Omaha, Nebraska and features many musicians that have played on Alessi’s favourite records. The album is a peculiar English take on Americana and hopefully it will keep you good company.
all power to you and all aboard! « hide
