Alabama Shakes

~ Boys and Girl ~Alabama Shakes combine myriad genres in their gritty, soulful rock

Originating in Athens, Alabama in 2009, Alabama Shakes was initially conceived by high school classmates singer-guitarist Brittany Howard and bassist Zac Cockrell. Soon the two joined forces with drummer Steve Johnson, guitarist Heath Fogg and keyboardist Ben Tanner, and earnestly began crafting their unique brand of gospel and blues-tinged garage rock.

“I don’t pay attention to what is popular at the moment, but I do think there is a yearning for something real after years of more processed music,” says Howard. “Our sound is influenced by so many different artists as we all listen to such a wide array of music it would probably shock you. I think that is what I like best about our band. But there is a common ground of bands with real energy and soul that have helped us sculpt our sound. You know, bands [and] artists like AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Otis Redding, Drive-By Truckers, Charles Bradley, Tina Turner, and many, many others.”

Hurtling from relative obscurity to being nominated for three Grammy Awards for their 2013 debut full-length release Boys & Girls has been both rewarding and disruptive for the tight-knit quintet. Not surprisingly the comfort and support they receive from their hometown crowd still grounds Alabama Shakes and keeps them connected to their roots.

“My favourite venue is a place called Egans in Tuscaloosa, Alabama,” says Howard. “It’s a hole in the wall bar, but it’s the best because everyone there just wants to have a good time. It’s tiny, sweaty, and dark, and one of the first places we ever played. Unfortunately, we don’t get to play places like that anymore, but last November we did a secret show at Egans under a different name! It was so fun... we may have to do that again.”

For Howard and company, wistful memories of days gone by are counter-balanced by the anticipation of adventures yet to come. Acutely aware of the dangers inherent in acquiring fame and fortune in rapid succession, Alabama Shakes is in no rush when it comes to pushing out their next album. Instead, the band that merges Janis Joplin’s crashing urgency with Otis Redding’s easy wisdom is prepared to shake up this summer’s festival circuit and give folk music fans a reason to hang loose.

“We just try and have fun, we give it our all, and when the audience gives it back to us then things really get going and can create this whole circular energy vibe. “We are a rock ’n’ roll band, but are honoured to be embraced in any scene that appreciates what we are doing. We tend to bring a lot emotion and electricity to the live show. If you give us some love we will return it and we promise a good time where you can forget about your worries for a short while.”

by Christine Leonard


Originally published July 25, 2013 in Fast Forward Magazine

Video: Alabama Shakes - Always Alright (Live on SNL)

Carpenter nails it!

The rural advantage 

Carpenter harvest punk-infused rock anthems

Published July 4, 2013 by Christine Leonard


Despite making waves in the Vancouver post-punk sensation All State Champion for over 15 years, Ontario-born singer and guitarist Dan Sioui admits that he’s never considered himself to be a true West Coaster. Secretly fostering a special place in his heart for the grit of blue-collared bards like Bruce Springsteen and John Cougar Mellencamp for decades, the talented singer and guitarist decided the timing was right for a reunion with his musical upbringing.

Eschewing his former hardcore haunts, Sioui linked up with guitarist Ryan Howlett of Speaking of Heroes, and then bassist Dana Edwards and drummer JJ Heath of Daggermouth. By 2005, Sioui and company were working up a sweat in the Hive Studios (Pride Tiger, Black Mountain), labouring under the humble name of Carpenter.

“It was sort of strange getting into the vibe of a purely rock ’n’ roll feel,” says Sioui. “Taking on the challenge of emulating a blue-collar classic like American Fool was a complete 180 from the angular post-punk music I had become accustomed to. I know it threw a lot of people off, but I’ve been at it for so many years now that the response has grown into something much more positive.”

Shepherding his forays into folk, pop and rock beyond Vancouver’s cloudy comforts, Sioui ventured back to Ontario’s countryside to compose Carpenter’s bucolic 2010 offering, Sea to Sky.

“I bought a farm in Ontario off the Internet, so I could be closer to where I grew up while I was writing. As cheesy as it sounds, there’s a certain breadth and airiness about being under wide-open skies that allows me to leave the space within our songs. A lot of bands are afraid to let space happen.”

Compelled by the plight of independent farmers, Carpenter swiftly became a conduit for political outrage, effectively funneling Sioui’s ire for the corporate-based Agribusiness into every passionate track.

“As a band, we put a lot of work into writing songs that are effective in communicating big ideas in a simple way,” he says. ”Starting out I never could have imagined a scenario where I would have any political stance whatsoever through music, but I’m not the kind of person who stands by and watches while the little guy is getting squeezed in all industries. We understand the value of supporting our local producers and businesses. I guess it’s a bit of our punk-rock influence fighting through.”

Tasked with striking a balance while styling striking ballads, Carpenter has temporarily moth-balled plans to re-enter the studio, instead opting to embark on a summer tour. Rolling into Calgary just in time for Stampede 101, the East-meets-West hybrid, which has shared the stage with the likes of NoMeansNo, Attack in Black and Minus the Bear, plans to flush the seawater from their veins and replace it with a warm draught of Albertan rye.

“My ideal would be to combine JCM with Hüsker Dü,” says Sioui. “I may draw on roots rock, but I like to play it at an insane volume and fling my body around like a man obsessed. We have a like-minded crowd that knows it’s not a political rally, it’s more of a feeling of connection between band and audience. Every show is a celebration. It’s something that goes back to our hardcore roots, and in a weird way it’s the thing I’m most proud of.”