Nothing Less sets sights on California

Nothing Less, an Anchorage-based band comprised of two Wasilla High School graduates and an Anchorage man, are packing up and leaving Alaska, taking to California the pop-punk sound that has developed a solid fan base in Alaska.

Tommy Dowell, Henry Hartman and Tim Waters are relocating to Modesto, Calif., where they hope to follow the lead of former Alaska bands Anatomy of a Ghost and 36 Crazyfists -- bands that have enjoyed tremendous success once leaving Alaska.

After forming through an Internet ad in 2001, the band got busy in a hurry.

In 2002, the band released "Popskapunk," an EP that first got the band noticed. Nothing Less built on that success with the December, 2003 release of "Beyond Therapy," the band's first full-length album, on the Alcatraz label. The band also shot a video for "Record Store," a song off the "Beyond Therapy" album.

With the move to California, the band will be closer to Alcatraz' San Francisco headquarters. Plus, the move gives the band a chance for much more exposure.

"We're taking the next step in our musical careers," Waters said.

The band is leaving May 3 for Modesto, Calif., but not before one last blast -- Nothing Less will play April 30 at the University of Alaska Anchorage Den. Tickets are $5, and it is an all ages show. Unknown Citizens is opening for Nothing Less.

Don't expect the band to forget its Alaska roots, though.

"I will always come back to Alaska. It's where we grew up. It's where we belong," Waters said.