3rd Alley
Encyclopedia
3rd Alley is an American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

 band that originated in Long Beach, California
Long Beach, California
Long Beach is a city situated in Los Angeles County in Southern California, on the Pacific coast of the United States. The city is the 36th-largest city in the nation and the seventh-largest in California. As of 2010, its population was 462,257...

. 3rd Alley formed in October 2004 after Zack Walters, then a solo artist, sent a four-track demo to Long Beach Records
Long Beach Records
Long Beach Records is a record label based out of Long Beach, California. LBR was made for the sole purpose to release Skunk Records recording artist's music...

, landing on Greg "Mudd" Lowther's ears (of Falling Idols fame and co-owner of Long Beach Records
Long Beach Records
Long Beach Records is a record label based out of Long Beach, California. LBR was made for the sole purpose to release Skunk Records recording artist's music...

). An epiphany by fellow-listener Tyson Parrish, lead to, "You gotta see if this guy needs a band!" Zack, Tyson and Mudd got together, started jamming, and 2 months later found themselves in front of sold out crowds supporting Long Beach Shortbus
Long Beach Shortbus
Long Beach Shortbus was a reggae-influenced punk band from Long Beach, California. The band consists of four regular members: RAS-1 , Trey Pangborn , Eric Wilson and Damion Ramirez...

 across America.

Career

Singer/songwriter and lead guitarist, Zack Walters, got his feet wet fronting the San Diego band, Handful, which received substantial regional radio play, as well as, touring America as a solo artist performing experimental songs and techniques in front of the most varied crowds. Zack credits his sound to a "balance of ‘real’ and ‘abstract’ songwriting styles," and his ability to connect to the audience to "the fact that all the songs I write are based on real events and personal experiences of the everyday rollercoaster."

Todd Forman, Sublime
Sublime (band)
Sublime was an American ska punk band from Long Beach, California, formed in 1988. The band's line-up, unchanged until their breakup, consisted of Bradley Nowell , Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh . Michael "Miguel" Happoldt also contributed on a few Sublime songs, such as "New Thrash." Lou Dog, Nowell's...

 saxophonist, joined 3rd Alley soon after hearing After School Special
After School Special (Album)
After School Special is the 2004 debut album by the Southern California reggae-rock band 3rd Alley. After School Special was completed with a budget of only $3000 and released in the U.S. by Long Beach Records...

, declaring himself the "Forrest Gump of music". "I was fortunate to be alive when Brad, Eric, and Bud came along. Now I feel as fortunate to be around with Zack and 3rd Alley." As a seasoned veteran of the Long Beach music scene, Todd characterizes the 3rd Alley vibe as laid back hard rock. "Zack has a wonderful and rare gift of melody. Few singer/songwriters can produce something that catches you the first time you hear it. Zack is a rare bird indeed."

3rd Alley toured the U.S. and Europe in support of their debut album, After School Special
After School Special (Album)
After School Special is the 2004 debut album by the Southern California reggae-rock band 3rd Alley. After School Special was completed with a budget of only $3000 and released in the U.S. by Long Beach Records...

.

The band toured in support of their 2nd album Shiny Shady People
Shiny Shady People
Shiny Shady People is the 2008 second album by the Southern California reggae-rock band 3rd Alley. Shiny Shady People was released on June 20, 2008 by Martian Church.-Track listing:#"Evil Lurks" – 3:14#"Battlewounds" – 2:30...

 with 3 months of touring the U.S. and a tour of Europe in the October of 2009. Out of the album came one music video for the song, "All My Friends are Flaky." Although other homemade videos have since been made as well, for "Evil Lurks" and "Galileo."

3rd Alley is completing their 3rd album tentatively titled "Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda" which will be released in 2011. The new album features guest artists such as Matt Brien formally of cult band Bargain Music and Simon Short from British punk band Captain Bud. In October 2010, a double single "Medicated & Bloodshot Eyes" was released digitally and available as hard copy on the band's online store. The full length album has a release date of June 28, 2011.

Studio Albums

  • After School Special
    After School Special (Album)
    After School Special is the 2004 debut album by the Southern California reggae-rock band 3rd Alley. After School Special was completed with a budget of only $3000 and released in the U.S. by Long Beach Records...

    (2005)
  • Shiny Shady People
    Shiny Shady People
    Shiny Shady People is the 2008 second album by the Southern California reggae-rock band 3rd Alley. Shiny Shady People was released on June 20, 2008 by Martian Church.-Track listing:#"Evil Lurks" – 3:14#"Battlewounds" – 2:30...

    (2008)
  • Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda (2011)

Compilation Albums

  • Long Beach Records - Martian Church "Fall Sampler" (2006) http://www.martianchurch.com
  • Kingrock Entertainment "Listen Up, Volume #1" (2008) http://www.interpunk.com/item.cfm?Item=69240&
  • The Pier Compilation - Volume 1" (2009) http://www.thepier.org/products-page/featured/the-pier-compilation-volume-1/
  • Sense Boardwear Comp - An Acoustic Collective" (2010) http://www.thepier.org/products-page/sense-boardwear/sense-boardwear-comp-an-acoustic-collective/
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