Alabama Shakes

Alabama Shakes

Alabama Shakes is an American rock band from Athens, United States, formed in 2009. The group’s line-up includes Brittany Howard, Heath Fogg, Zac Cockrell and Steve Johnson. Its sound is identified with blues rock, rock, soul and southern rock.

Formation and early development

The band begins with Brittany Howard and Zac Cockrell meeting in a high school psychology class in Athens and starting to write songs together after school. Howard and Cockrell later bring in drummer Steve Johnson, who works at a local music store. The trio records some material in a studio in Decatur, Alabama before adding guitarist Heath Fogg, who returns to Athens from college in Tuscaloosa.

The group first performs under the name The Shakes, then changes its name to Alabama Shakes to distinguish itself from other acts using the same name.

Releases and label

Alabama Shakes gains wider attention after releasing a self-titled four-song EP in 2011. It is then signed by Island in the United States and Rough Trade Records in the United Kingdom. The single Hold On is issued from the debut album Boys & Girls.