Alaska in Winter is a musical project lead by front man Brandon Bethancourt who had his musical roots start in Santa Fe, New Mexico where he taught himself how to produce, record, and mix music as well as teaching himself how to play every single instrument he could get ahold of with the aim of being able to utilize every instrument but the guitar on his recordings. Bethancourt recorded under the moniker Opion Somnium for many years (1999-2004/2005). Having later relocated to Albuquerque, New Mexico to enter art school, Bethancourt later dropped out for a period of time and ventured to Alaska where he lived for half a year and unintentionally began recording a project in a cabin out in the middle of the woods... in Alaska... during the winter- hence the name "Alaska in Winter" that became known as Bethancourts new project. Bethancourt eventually headed back to New Mexico to re-work and add layers to his new project with the help of Zach Condon of Beirut (then Real People), Heather Trost (A Hawk and a Hacksaw), and a whole slew of other New Mexicans. These original recordings are still unrealeased. In 2006 Bethancourt took a long journey through Eastern Europe in search of dance parties- when he came back to the states he recorded what came to be known as his "debut" "Dance Party in the Balkans" which also features Zach Condon of Beirut, Heather Trost, and a bunch of other nice folks from New Mexico (Rosina Roibal, Hari Ziznewski, Hilary Bethancourt, Stefanie Lamm, Naila Dixon, and Robots) Dance Party in the Balkans was released in it's 2nd version (the first being lost due to burglary) in 2007 on a small European label that has yet to pay Bethancourt a single cent. Over half a year later, the US finally catches on and the "debut" Dance Party... is released in it's 3rd version (with bonus tracks) by Milan Records…. now available in EUROPE on Alaska in WInter's own Record Label!!!! Alaska in Winter… • is aka Brandon Bethancourt • is originally from New Mexico • spent half a year in Alaska out in a cabin in the woods recording music during the winter of 2004… hence the name • later traveled Eastern Europe in search of dance parties • finally released its ‘debut’, “Dance Party in the Balkans “which featured a young Zach Condon (Beirut) in the summer of 2007 on a small European label that has yet to pay Bethancourt a single cent. • has many unreleased recordings prior to “Dance Party…” • over half a year later finally released a slightly different version of its 1st album in the US through Milan Records. • did first North American tour as support act for Beirut fall 2007 • did first headlining tour in Europe spring of 2008 • relocated to Berlin, Germany and recorded 2nd album “Holiday” summer 2008. • toured for 3 years all over the world with its “virtual video orchestra” while living out of a suitcase.