American Aquarium

American Aquarium began releasing albums in 2006, drawing influence from bands like Whiskeytown and the Drive-By Truckers in the process. Formed in Raleigh, NC — the unofficial headquarters of alt-country — the band focused on the songwriting of B.J. Barham, who fleshed out his lineup with pianist Zack Brown, bassist Bill Corbin, guitarist Ryan Johnson, drummer Kevin McClain, and pedal steel player Whit Wright. Despite an active touring schedule, the group also visited the recording studio regularly, and released a pair of independent albums before partnering with Last Chance Records for 2009’s Dances for the Lonely. Fellow North Carolinian (and former dB’s frontman) Chris Stamey produced the record, which also featured guest vocals from Whiskeytown alumna Caitlin Cary. One year later, American Aquarium returned with Small Town Hymns.