Greg Slamen-bass and, David Swatzell-guitar and vocals, Michael Shackleford- drums and vocals, Duquette Johnston- guitar and vocals.
Influences
Superphonic is proud to release Etowah, the solo debut of Duquette Johnston. Recorded in Johnston's hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, the record is a blunt representation of the trials Duquette has faced over the last several years. Duquette's start came with the formation of his first band, Verbena. The band released their first record, Souls For Sale, on Merge and soon found themselves on the road with Superchunk, Jesus Lizard, and Foo Fighters, playing across America and Europe. Soon after signing a deal with Capitol Records, Johnston left Verbena to do his own thing. Forming the band CutGrass after the split, Duquette toured regionally for the next five years, gaining a strong following in the Southeast. CutGrass consisted of a revolving line up that has at times included Ned Oldham (Anomoanon, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy) and John Strohm (Blake Babies, Lemonheads). Johnston's friendship with Strohm led to a stint as the touring bassist for the reunited Blake Babies. After the end of the Blake Babies' tour, Duquette had to face the dissolution of his marriage and ended up serving time on drug related charges as a state inmate in the Etowah County Detention Center. These events would be the foundation for the songs that have ended up on Etowah. Etowah, named for the county where Johnston served his time, is a reflection on where life can take a wrong turn and the hard road to redemption. The sessions were recorded and produced by multi-instrumentalist Jody Nelson of Through the Sparks. Most of the tracks were recorded by Jody and Duquette over several months, after Duquette's release from jail. Duquette brought in the rest of Through the Sparks to add a greater dynamic to the sessions. The mix of their eclectic musical tastes and Johnston's straight ahead hooks resulted in a record that is both familiar and groundbreaking.
Sounds Like
Psychedelic Southern rock isn't done any more authentically than by Duquette Johnston. The Alabama native takes a personal look at a troubled road amidst loud guitars itching for a Drive-by Truckers session. Currently in the studio working on a follow-up to 2006's Etowah, Johnston and his recent "Nothing to Fear" demonstrate a digestion of Lucinda Williams. – Chase Hoffberger The Austin Chronicle
In the past Duquette Johnston was a founding member of such influential bands as Verbena and Cutgrass. Along the way sharing the stage with bands such as superchunk, pavement, foo fighters, jesus lizard, the strokes, ryan adams, bonnie prince billy and so many more.
For several years Duquette slipped into a dark place and found himself locked up in the Etowah County Detention center facing a very long prison sentence. By the grace of God he was given a second chance and released his first solo album Etowah, on Superphonic Records.
In the present Duquette is making a new record with The Rebel Kings to be released sometime next year.
Click here to purchase Etowah
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nashville scene
"duquette johnston's quivering tenor echoes of neil young"
Started out at the Creekside Lounge to see Duquette Johnston and the Rebel Kings at the Birmingham, Alabama showcase. I met Duquette when he was in Verbena many years ago (’96-ish) and we’ve traded a rare e-mail or two every couple of years up until the last two or so years where he’s shown up on MySpace. His live show was more rocking than his debut Etowah - kind of Neil Young / My Morning Jacket / Drive-By Truckers-ish. Good ol’ rock from the South. by Chip Midnight Atomic Ned
Duquette Johnston and The Rebel Kings's Friend Space (Top 20)
Duquette Johnston and The Rebel Kings has 4019 friends.
Hey! Long time, no talk :) Yeah...LA. I said good-bye to Ohio for good. But I kept my roots and will always be good ole' Mid-Western at heart. So...will you grace me with your prescence in LA at some point?
Awesome songs. Awesome sounds. Awesome show. Great to see you and Morgan again. Good luck with procurement of the E to the L thing, brother. K-Dizzle !!
Nice to drop in and hear new tunes, Salvation Mtn is lovely. Etowah stays in rotation. The ole man Vulcan must keep a good watch over you in B'ham! Peace.
Thanks for creating great music. Really enjoyed your set @ the Avett show at Sloss. My bro (really tall fellow - 6'8") and his pals talked to you afterwards. We'd love to have you play in memphis...
