Nine Black Alps was formed in 2003 in Manchester, UK, by Sam Forrest, David Jones, Martin Cohen and James Galley. After a just handful of local shows the band were caught up in a frenzy of media and record label interest and in 2004 they signed to Island Recods. After a debut single 'Cosmopolitan', Nine Black Alps spent 2004 touring the UK and went on to record their debut album 'Everything Is' in Los Angeles with producer Rob Schnapf. During 2005 the album was released and the band enjoyed touring extensively around the world, including the US, Europe and Japan. 'Everything Is' was particularly successful in the UK, with Nine Black Alps playing several large tours and building a dedicated fanbase.
After a final and highly successful 'Everything Is' UK Tour in February 2006, the band spent the majority of the next 12 months in the US, touring and working on their second studio album, 'Love/Hate'. This was also recorded in Los Angeles with producer David Sardy, and saw the band experimenting with a more varied sound with a greater range of instrumentation. However, following several set-backs and delays in releasing the album which eventually came out in October 2007, 'Love/Hate' proved to be less successful than its predecessor and the band struggled to return to their previous heights. Inevitably, Island Records went on to release the band from their contract. Nine Black Alps, however, were unfazed and continued to tour the UK, their last outing in February 2008 which proved to be a successful and enjoyable way to wrap up a difficult and sometimes frustrating year for the band.
Following this, the band-members took some time out to pursue other interests, but by summer Nine Black Alps had regrouped in Manchester and begun work on their as yet untitled third album - to be recorded later this year for release in 2009.
