Indie rock band Amestory (pronounced am-uh-story) was formed in 2004 by singer and multi-instrumentalist Mike Russell (the bass player in Respira) and pianist Doug Prior, initially as a studio-only project. Signing to Portia Records, they recorded their first tracks, which became part of a CD called Split released in September 2004 that as its name implied, was split between them and Tim Wilson (also of Respira), each artist having three selections. Adding the rhythm section of JD Knotts (yet another member of Respira) on drums and bassist Derek Coburn (of the Eye the Ear and the Arm), they began recording a full-length album in December 2004. By the spring of 2005, they were also performing shows. As they completed the album, Status Recordings expressed interest in co-releasing it with national distribution. Amestory was issued in October 2005 as the band embarked on its first national tour. ~ William Ruhlmann