Aleka's Attic

Infobox musical artist 2
Name = Aleka's Attic
Img_capt =
Background = group_or_band
Genre = Rock and Roll, folk, progressive, garage
Origin = Flagicon|USA United States
Years_active = 1988—1993
Label = Island Records
URL = [http://www.myspace.com/alekasatticzero Alekas Attic at Myspace]
Associated_acts = Macha, papercranes
Current_members =
Past_members =River Phoenix
Rain Phoenix
Tim Hankins
Josh Greenbaum
Josh McKay
Sasa Raphael

Aleka's Attic were an alternative folk/rock band from Gainesville, Florida formed by River Phoenix and his sister Rain.

History

The original line up of Aleka's Attic included River as lead singer and played guitar; his younger sister Rain sang, but, contrary to many incorrect reports, did not play keyboards in the band (although she did play various percussion, such as tambourine); Josh McKay was the bass player and performed lead and background vocals, as well as wrote and co-wrote many songs from the earlier material; Josh Greenbaum, a friend of River’s from Florida, was the drummer and sang, and Tim Hankins played the viola. Tim Hankins was the first member to leave the band, for many of his own personal reasons. Josh Mckay left the band due to not wanting to leave Florida at that time, having recently moved his mother from Texas to be with her during her fight with cancer. River had decided to take the band to Los Angeles to record some new demos, while filming "Sneakers", so that he wouldn't have to put the band on hold again, yet could accept a role in a film with such an all-star cast. Later Hankins and McKay formed the band Emperor Moth. Sasa Raphael then joined the band playing the bass.

River had a two year development deal with Island Records to develop the band and record a marketable album, which was not accomplished in the time allotted due to River's ongoing film work schedule. So Island (led by A&R person Kim Buie), retaining the option to continue or not, opted out of the deal based on the non-marketability of River's newer material. River then decided to record an album independently for the band.

The group disbanded due to River Phoenix's death on October 31, 1993 from a drug overdose. At his funeral, he wore a t-shirt of the band while resting in his casket.

The unreleased album

The release of the album, with the proposed titles "Never Odd Or Even" and "Zero" was postponed due to River's death. Though Rain spent two years weeding through unfinished tracks and mixing what was a slew of performances, the album got "shelved". The reason is that two former-members, Tim Hankins and Sasa Raphael, wouldn't release their performances on the album. Josh Greenbaum and Josh Mckay had readily signed a release form allowing their tracks to be used, hence the early enthusiasm about the potential release of the record. A quote from Greenbaum, "The reason River signed with Island in the first place was because he obviously wanted to get his music out to the world. I just want to see that happen, even if I never see a penny from it. That would make the investment of five years of my life worth it."

In 1997 Phoenix's friend, Michael Stipe of R.E.M., bought over the rights to all of Aleka's Attic's material from Island Records. [cite web|url=http://www.angel-river.moonfruit.com/alekasattic/4520928533|title=Phoenix's fan site|work=River Phoenix fan site|accessdate=2007-03-16]

Released Tracks

The band released two songs:

'Across The Way', which was written by River and Josh McKay, was included on the 1989 PETA benefit album - 'Tame Yourself.'

'Note To A Friend', featuring River's friend Michael "Flea" Balzary of the Red Hot Chili Peppers on bass, was released on the 1996 compilation 'In Defense Of Animals: Volume II' The song "Too Many Colors", was featured on the un-released soundtrack of "My Own Private Idaho", a 1991 film starring Phoenix and directed by Gus Van Sant.

Trivia

Dan Aykroyd can be seen wearing the bands t-shirt in the movie "Sneakers"

References

External links

* [http://www.myriverphoenixcollection.org/aleka.html Aleka's Attic at My River Phoenix Collection]
*musicbrainz artist|id=e423d2df-ad70-4c7a-9803-5b2843457ca6|name=Aleka's Attic
* [http://www.myspace.com/alekasatticzero Aleka's Attic Music at Myspace]