The instant Lavoy began their first song my skin erupted with excited chills. The gathered crowd was small and intimate, but Lavoy produced a driving beat and melodic rhythms that could have filled a packed stadium. Set in the dining area of Cafe Sophia the show began with overwhelming presence and power that intensified throughout the performance. 

Lavoy is a local Alaska band composed of five members. The smooth vocals of Tyrell Tompkins resonate as the group’s lead singer. Sean Riley’s grooving lead guitar is joined by his brother, Kip Riley, who drives a steady beat on the drums. Ryan Monson strums a solid heart beat on bass guitar, while Ivan Brik, the band’s newest member, asserts himself with graceful force on the keyboard. Altogether they create stellar music that fits the genre of alternative pop, indie rock, and electronic verve. 

When choosing the name of their band, Lavoy wanted a significant title, yet one with classic simplicity that would be easy to say and remember. Tyrell told us how in 2006, when Lavoy was formed, other bands tended to have tongue twisters and riddles that distracted from the actual music. Music, the common denominator for all musicians sometimes gets lost in trendy monikers and other means of self-promotion. Lavoy named themselves as a tribute to Tyrell’s grandfather who passed away the year they started the band. They later came to find out that “Lavoy” in French translates to “the way”. I researched the name and found a couple other meanings-- “I go, I am going,” and “Dwellers on the main highway.” Each translation has the common theme of travel, and going somewhere, which aligns itself with the plans Lavoy has in store for the future. 

The show at Sophia’s was my first time hearing Lavoy perform live, and I was happy to finally put faces to the talented instrumentalists. They played old and new songs; songs that have been produced on one of their three albums, along with songs that have not yet gone to the recording studio. Tyrell informed the crowd of Lavoy’s prolific activity over the last year writing over thirty songs. Their newest compositions follow the dynamic character of their previous works while maintaining a sound that can be identified as non other than Lavoy’s. 

It is frustrating as a writer trying to figure out ways to express the way music sounds. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well...try putting into words a description of your favorite band who produces song after song of sensational melodies that will someday undoubtedly hit mainstream and worldwide popularity. That would explain the hardship I’ve gone through trying to express the impact Lavoy’s music has made on me. 

The gathered crowd was small and intimate, but Lavoy produced a driving beat and melodic rhythms that could have filled a packed stadium.

The only bias I have towards Lavoy is that their music fits the alternative-pop, indie rock, genre that has always been my favorite. What sets them apart from the other bands I listen to is they can do a show with a twenty song set list where I lose track of how many times I say “Oh yeah, that’s my favorite … that’s going to be their hit.” 

It was thoroughly entertaining watching the members interact with each other throughout each song. Instead of remaining engrossed with their own instrument the band continually exchanged smiles or knowing nods. Their wordless communication has been made possible through years of playing together, improving themselves and developing an almost telepathic camaraderie. Having never been a part of a band I can only equate the communication to that of a basketball team; when a sideways glance or subtle movement of the body tells your teammate to wait for a screen, take it all the way, or give me the ball cause I’m going to teach this guy a lesson. Lavoy taught their audience a lesson about what can be accomplished through a lasting and healthy friendship where each member contributes their talents to the overall success of the group. Tyrell told us how each song is a compilation of each member’s input. One person will get the ball rolling; whether it’s a guitar riff from Sean, or a drum beat from Kip, they all constantly send each other recordings of their ideas until they all come together for practice and transform each idea into a complete song. The song may sound nothing like what they first started with, but like the metaphor of a seed, each song comes alive and calls for an audience to admire it.  

How do they do it? The mainstream musicians, bands, and vocalists. How do they go from a small audience of friends, family, and a handful of fans to international fame, where anyone with a radio, television, or computer will be familiar with their music? The progression from local sensation to staggering popularity reminds me of the evolution of a conversation. Most people can’t keep track of each change of topic. Ever stop and wonder, “How did we go from the weather to ice fishing,” or ask, “Why are we talking about our favorite toothpaste?” The randomness and seemingly untraceable entrance of your favorite band is so similar. There are few bands I listen to where I can trace the first time I ever heard them. All of a sudden they’re just there. On the radio, a commercial, soundtrack, or on a friends playlist. They’ve usually already made it and I’m finally getting up to date with what’s popular after millions have already discovered the latest buzz. All this to say ... here is your chance. If you’ve ever wished you could follow a band through their journey of being loved by hundreds to their emergence in the spotlight of millions, then pursue Lavoy. Become their fan now. It won’t be long before they have the audience they deserve. A faithful mass who appreciates their talent and unique contribution to alternative pop and mainstream music.