Based in New York City, the A.K.A.s delivered high-energy dance-punk built around vocalist Mike Ski, previously the frontman of Pennsylvania hardcore act Brother's Keeper. While that band remained active he shifted from Erie to N.Y.C.; although Brother's Keeper still managed one final album and extensive international touring, the separation eventually dissolved the group. Ski, who maintains a parallel career in graphic design, then linked up with guitarist Lukas Previn and bassist Chad Bowser, formerly of the Heartdrops. After cycling through several drummers the lineup stabilized once Ski’s ex-Brother’s Keeper colleague Bob Williams relocated to handle the kit. The quartet recorded its first songs together, yet a casual studio visit by friend Nina Aron turned permanent when her impromptu Farfisa organ parts earned her a full-time role.
Drawing on the raw drive of the New York Dolls and MC5, the A.K.A.s generated early attention in 2002 via their self-released three-track EP The A.K.A.s Are Everywhere. That release secured a showcase at the 2003 SXSW festival, where Fueled by Ramen offered the band a deal and sent them into the studio with producer Tim O’Heir. Their debut full-length, White Doves and Smoking Guns, appeared in September 2003 and received favorable notices. Aron exited in early 2004; another Brother’s Keeper veteran, Chris Bazan, took her place. The group maintained an active touring schedule that included the 2004 Rock Against Bush package with Anti-Flag, Midtown and others, plus dates alongside Lost City Angels, T.S.O.L. and the Kinison. Further personnel changes left the band, by late 2006, consisting of vocalist Ski, guitarist Bazan, keyboardist Josie Outlaw, bassist Justin Perry and drummer Chachi Darin.
