The story of the Alabama Shakes began in a high school psychology class in Athens, Alabama when Brittany Howard approached classmate/bassist Zac Cockrell and asked him if he wanted to try making music together. Drummer Steve Johnson worked at the only music store in town and after mingling with the crew at a party, he was asked to join in. With an interesting mix — Brittany and Zac’s rootsy, prog-rock combo and Steve’s edgy punk-metal drumming — the trio set off to record in Decatur. Heath Fogg, the lead guitarist of what Brittany calls ‘the best band in our high school’ got his hands on a proto-demo and asked the band to open a show for him, on the condition that he could play with them. The response was immediate: “That first show was really explosive,” says Brittany.
[ I could then say "The Rest Is History" -- but where's the fun in that? ] (more…)
