It chose us. In 1995 Bobby Shiflett, the guitarist and principle writer, was looking for a name to use to create an email account. He was trying to type another word and accidentally made that one instead. He liked it and has been using it to promote his creative work. In 2000 we decided to use it for the band's name as well.

Yes, we play live. Right now we are mostly playing in Alabama, the South Eastern region and the East coast.

It gives some of us the opportunity to emphasize the "music" over the "industry" aspect, for one thing. It also is responsible for creating a huge independent renaissance, not just in music, but also in publishing, art and all media.

Not really interested.

Alamantra began performing around Birmingham, Alabama as an indie-DIY band in 2000. Though the name was new, the members had been playing together in other various projects since 1993. The name was taken from the online handle that guitarist-singer-songwriter Bobby Shiflett adopted in 1995 as the result of an amusing typographical error. Over time, he let the rest of his work reside under that strange umbrella. In addition to playing music as Alamantra, Bobby has written on a variety of subjects under that moniker.

The other members of the current lineup feature longtime associates Kenny Shiflett: Drums and Steve Casteel: Guitar, as well as Alamantra's newest member, Leland Eaton on bass.

Alamantra draws from a genre bending wealth of original and interpretations of classic standards that touches on everything from psychedelic, progressive, jazz, retro-rock, surf-guitar, punk, alternative, folk, blues and avant garde. The band's chemistry is seasoned with a deep, loving familiarity with the Great Spirits of Rock, Blues and Jazz. At one moment the listener might hear something that recalls King Crimson, Neil Young or Led Zeppelin, and at another moment, one may be equally reminded of a passage from Sonic Youth, The Damned, Dick Dale or Sun Ra. There is an organic and comfortably relaxed proficiency that sets the music apart from everything else you'll find to listen to. Alamantra's music is retrospective, sophisticated and original without losing a sense of wonder or familiarity. Welcome Home.

Alamantra considers a wide range of influences including (but not limited to): John Lennon and the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The 13th Floor Elevators, Sonic Youth, Rush, The Damned, King Crimson, early Fleetwood Mac, Col. Bruce Hampton, Sun Ra, The Dukes of Stratosphear a.k.a. XTC

Chattanooga, New Orleans, Athens Georgia just to name the first three that come to mind.

Reverend Guitars, Fender Telecaster, Fender Amplifiers, Boss GT-8 multi-effects processor, Premier Drums