Alpha Rev is an Americanalternative rock band from Austin, Texas, fronted by Casey McPherson. McPherson remains the group's only consistent member, although historically the core members have also included Zak Loy on lead guitar, Brian Batch on violin and backing vocals, and Dave Wiley on cello.
History
Casey McPherson started Alpha Rev in 2005 after the breakup of his previous band Endochine. Alpha Rev released their debut album The Greatest Thing I've Ever Learned on March 1, 2007. After releasing "The Greatest Thing" locally, the band signed an agreement with Austin startup Flyer Records and recorded an album with Dwight Baker at Matchbox Studios. This album has not been released, and the rights were purchased by Hollywood Records. In 2007 the Myspace.com charts ranked Alpha Rev as the #1 indie band from Texas, and the #16 indie band nationwide. Alpha Rev was selected by Austin Monthly Magazine as one of the local bands most likely to succeed in 2008. In August 2008 Alpha Rev signed their first major label record deal with Hollywood Records. Their international debut album was recorded at Avatar Studios in New York City. The album, entitled New Morning was produced by David Kahne, engineered by Joe Barresi and mixed by Michael Brauer. In 2010 Alpha Rev topped the charts with New Morning reaching #3 on radio, and their video was in the top 10 rotation on VH1. They were also featured as one of VH1's "You Oughta Know, Artist on the Rise." On December 5, 2012 Alpha Rev published a lyric video for their soon-to-be-released single, "Sing Loud". On January 3, 2013 the single was made available on iTunes, and a full video was released March 11, 2013. Their third albumBloom was released March 19, 2013 on Kirtland Records. Alpha Rev again achieved radio chart success with the single "Sing Loud" reaching #10. Casey McPherson also fronts the successful Prog-Rock supergroupFlying Colors. Other members include Mike Portnoy, Dave LaRue, Neal Morse and Steve Morse.
Awards
Alpha Rev's song "Colder Months" won Sonicbids 2007 Snocap/American Songwriter contest. Casey McPherson was featured in the Nov/Dec 2007 issue of American Songwriter Magazine as one of the best new and upcoming songwriters.
Casey McPherson was selected as a featured artist to perform at the 10th annual Jeff Buckley tribute at Uncommon Ground in Chicago in November 2007.
In 2009 and 2010, Alpha Rev was recognized by the Austin Chronicle at the Austin Music Awards during SXSW as one of Austin's best performing rock bands. Also receiving individual performance honors in both years was bassist, Alex Dunlap.
In May 2009, Alpha Rev was named Austin's best rock band by Rare Magazine in their annual "Rarest of them All" issue.
In April 2010, Alpha Rev was named VH1's newest "You Oughtta Know" Artist
On May 1, 2010, Alpha Rev's video for "New Morning" debuted on the VH1 Top 20 Video Countdown. In all, "New Morning" spent 11 weeks on the countdown, peaking at the #7 position.
