The Back Alley Band, a vibrant and energetic indie rock group from Oak Park, Illinois, has made a significant splash on the music scene in just a couple of years. With their upbeat melodies and contagious enthusiasm, they’re quickly becoming known for their high-energy live performances and unique blend of musical influences. The five members—Jaden Cone (guitar), Ralph Porter (lead vocals), Ben Kremer (drums), Sal Defilippis (guitar), and Hunter Olshefske (bass)—have navigated the ups and downs of building a band from the ground up, and they’re on a trajectory that promises much more.
The formation of The Back Alley Band wasn’t the result of a grand plan or a long, drawn-out process. Instead, it was more of a serendipitous coming together of like-minded musicians at the right time. "It all felt kind of random, but it was just the right time for everything to fall into place," explains Jaden Cone, one of the band’s founding members.
The spark for the band’s creation began when Jaden stumbled across music that Ralph Porter, the band’s lead singer, was making on his own. Inspired by Ralph’s solo work, Jaden reached out to ask if Ralph had a band. Ralph didn’t, but he was already on the lookout for fellow musicians to collaborate with. After connecting with Sal and Hunter, The Back Alley Band was born.
The name itself is also a nod to Ralph’s previous solo project. When they were starting out, they played many of Ralph’s older songs live, and the name "The Back Alley" was a tribute to the final EP Ralph released before transitioning into the full band. The name resonated not only because it had history but also because it captured the raw, gritty feel of their music.
Starting a band in the fast-paced world of indie rock is never easy, and for The Back Alley Band, one of the initial hurdles was the pressure to produce music quickly. Despite booking some excellent gigs early on, they didn’t have much material ready for their shows. “We got these awesome gigs but barely had a live set or any presence online,” recalls Jaden. In response, the band scrambled to write and record original songs to fill out their setlist.
Though it may have been a hectic time, the challenge of quickly creating music pushed the band to come together even more tightly. They wrote songs on the fly, recorded them in short bursts, and released them just in time for their shows. "We were able to get some super awesome shows right off the bat which was super lucky, and we were extremely grateful for,"
As they’ve grown as a band, The Back Alley Band has become more comfortable and confident in their direction. “We’ve only been a band for about two years, so I wouldn’t say there’s been too much explicit personal growth,” says Jaden. However, the band members have certainly gotten closer, both as musicians and friends. “We’ve gotten much closer and comfortable with each other, which is great for writing or long trips together for shows,” he adds. Nowadays, the bandmates find themselves laughing more than ever, making the journey feel even more rewarding.
Sal and Hunter, who also play in another band called Ax and The Hatchetmen, balance their time between both groups. Juggling two successful bands can be difficult, but both musicians are passionate about their projects, and they’ve managed to find a balance.
The band's music blends multiple genres, drawing from their diverse musical influences. When asked how they would describe their sound to someone unfamiliar with their work, the band members all agree on one thing: “Upbeat indie rock.” Their style might have roots in indie rock, but they aren’t afraid to explore other genres as well. They’ll jam anything from blues and jazz to funk and country. “We just have fun playing,” says Jaden.
While they draw inspiration from various artists, the band isn’t trying to copy anyone. They mention bands like Pinegrove, Whitney, and Racoma as favorites, though they don’t necessarily mimic their sounds. Instead, they’re focused on crafting their own voice. “We’re open to anything and love experimenting with new sounds,” Jaden explains. Lately, they’ve been particularly drawn to artists like Peach Pit, The Strokes, and Sabrina Carpenter.
When it comes to writing new songs, The Back Alley Band adopts a collaborative approach. There’s no one leader—every member pitches in, sharing ideas for melodies, lyrics, and arrangements. Even when someone takes the lead on a particular song, the rest of the band is there to support and refine the idea. "We all pitch in every aspect," says Jaden, emphasizing that everyone’s input is valued.
One of the most exciting aspects of The Back Alley Band is their live performances. Known for their high-energy shows, the band aims to create an atmosphere where the audience feels included in the experience. "We just want to have as much fun as we can on stage so that the crowd can do so too," says Jaden. The members don’t take themselves too seriously—jokes, random riffs, and impromptu jams are part of the charm. "We’re often exchanging ideas for all instruments, not just our own,” he adds.
One memorable moment from their live shows occurred at The Fitzgerald’s American Music Festival. During one song, Sal broke a string on his guitar. Instead of letting the moment ruin the performance, the rest of the band started jamming a random riff, and it turned into a fun, spontaneous jam session that energized both the band and the crowd. "It was so natural and random," Jaden recalls.
Building a strong connection with their audience is one of the band’s top priorities. Over time, they’ve learned how to engage with the crowd, cracking jokes during the performance and interacting with fans after the show. “Without the audience who comes to see us live, we would have nothing,” says Jaden. He even mentioned giving away free T-shirts at shows as a way to connect with fans (though, he jokes, "I should probably stop doing that if we ever want to make any money").
The Back Alley Band’s journey is far from over. The members are hard at work on new material, with plans to release a new single, “Let Me Know,” in March. Following that, they intend to release three more singles over the next few months. In addition, they’re hitting the road with Easy Honey and Ax and The Hatchetmen for shows in Madison and Minneapolis in February.
Looking to the future, the band is eager to continue creating new music, playing live shows, and growing their fanbase. “In five years, I hope we’re still together, doing what we love,” says Jaden. "I see us playing shows and festivals year-round, releasing music to the world."
While they’re excited about what’s next, the band is also conscious of their place in the ever-evolving music industry. "We’re constantly exploring new directions and sounds," Jaden says. “We’re not locked down to any type of sound or creative direction.” Whether they’re embracing new genres or pushing boundaries, one thing is clear: The Back Alley Band is ready to leave their mark. The Back Alley Band’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and a genuine love for making music. In just a short time, they’ve built a name for themselves through their unique sound and electric live shows. With a growing fanbase and an exciting future ahead, The Back Alley Band is a group to watch in the indie rock scene. Keep an eye on their social media for upcoming releases, tour dates, and more as they continue to make waves in the music world.
Written by Mckenzie Blasi
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