The group originally started with the name "After All", but we quickly discovered that it was far from original. Since originality is a paramount consideration in what we do, it was changed to After Alms, allowing us to keep the double-A logo. Loosely translated, it becomes "After Giving." We're frequently asked if it has religious connotations and the answer is no, it just allowed us to keep the cool logo!

We frequently play live in the Cincinnati regional area. Cincinnati is not overly friendly to original acts and although we play a few covers in our live shows, it's not what we're about. Recordings are always a snapshot in time of a particular song, so seeing us live is our preferred way to get the music to you.

Once upon a time, artists would sell their souls for that piece of acetate. The Beatles were turned down time and again by record companies that "knew" what people wanted. How wrong they were. The Internet and digital delivery makes it easier for us and countless others to share our work with the world, but it's not without its down sides - for example, our debut LP is slightly different on CD than it is in downloadable MP3 form. On Superstone, the most dramatic difference is between songs: No Matter/Ashes and Dust are performed as a two-fer live and were recorded the same way, and on CD Girls In Bars crossfades into the title track in a way that is not possible with MP3s. Plus, there's just something special about having a physical product in your hands that MP3s and the Internet will never deliver.

Major labels have played (and will continue to play) an important role in the music business, and we would never be averse to signing if the contract was appropriate. For most acts, the financial backing is the reason for signing, as well as the distribution channels. The real question is, how much creative control do you have to relinquish over your work when you sign the dotted line? And is it something you can live with?

In January 2008, over a night of beer and music -on vinyl! - Derrick and Mark decided to launch the project called After Alms and set about finding the cast and crew to make it reality. Derrick and Mark have been friends for several years and songwriting partners for almost as long. Derrick is also a member of Cincinnati rockers The Layers, but in his words "the Layers is more my artistic playground." After Alms may be new to the scene, but the players are not and bring years of experience to the stage and studio.

From Metallica to Heart and so many others, our backgrounds and tastes are diverse and we draw from all of it. Crucial records in our pasts have come from Dire Straits, Rush, the Hooters, Neil Young, The Power Station, Heart, and so many more that it wouldn't be fair to call only a few out. There are none we would put above another.

You can hear the diversity in our songs. Girls In Bars is a straight up shot from the 80s, originally inspired by Journey. 6:23 is driving "pop punk" that demands to be turned up and speaks to the basic need for human beings to move. Behave is a funk anthem with balls and attitude, bucking authority. Superstone, a mini-epic, somehow seems longer than its running time and has its roots in anthemic rock. There's Americana, hard rock, and hair guitar all rolled into one unique sound that is distinctly After Alms.

In the guitar department, we range from Gretsch, Gibson and Fender guitars, and there is a vintage J45 that can be heard on some of our recordings (Superstone opens with it). Fender basses, specifically a Geddy Lee Signature Jazz and an older P bass take care of the low end. Keyboards are Yamaha and Casio models, providing glue to the other parts. When it comes to the drums, we use whatever is loud and ballsy - the brand isn't really important, the rhythm is. Mark relies on a Sansamp Bass Driver for his tone both live and on record.