They’re not out for glamour; millions of dollars, an Olympic-sized pool in the backyard, and a private jet are not the eThe artists and musicians profiled in ALARM 36 represent a variety of distinct personalities from today’s irrepressible cultural underground. nd rewards. Rather, they make music for music’s sake, pursuing new ideas and sounds to help soothe an unyielding thirst for more. If they’re especially lucky, they find kinship and inspiration in people whose stories may differ, but who are motivated by the same driving force to live life and create art according to their own rules. Music can be the impetus to connect with the past as well as be used as a tool to lay the groundwork for new traditions in the future. A jazz musician dedicates an album to the city where she was born, raised, and first discovered her creative voice. A British electronic producer crosses continents to establish new roots and organic melodies in South America. A growing number of rock bands on near-indefinite tour cycles find so many likeminded spirits across the country that it can be hard to relate to music groups with less humble origins. The flow of creativity is often multi-dimensional. Bands comprised of Florida tattoo artists, Baltimore graphic designers, and bi-coastal filmmakers have found that the balance of these divergent interests and has helped add fuel to all.