13ghosts was formed in 1990 under a different name, and lasted a few years before succumbing to the excesses of being 21. Though the members remained friends, they were spread across the country and didn't make music together again until the death of the original bass player in 1998.
The inception of 13ghosts was Brad Armstrong and Buzz Russell sitting in the basement with guitars and loose ties after the funeral, trying to write a record about their friend. Though this record was never released, it inspired them to put together a lasting project. Armstrong and Russell recruited their friend Andrew Vernon as recordist/sound-maker in 1999, and 13ghosts built a studio in the basement of Vernon's sprawling three story house on Birmingham's southside and began experimenting. What began as a studio project became a live project when Sammy Boggan joined on bass in 2000. 13ghosts called on every drummer in Birmingham for the next three years, scraping by gig after gig, growing used to the impromptu acoustic set as drummer after drummer cut or was cut.
Finally, in 2003, Jason Lucia joined permanently on drums and percussion. With this final lineup, 13ghosts has spent the last few years banging around the southeast, honing their live sound with acts such as the Blake Babies, Starlight Mints, Drive-by Truckers, James Hall, Verbena, the Woggles, and myriad others. During this time, 13ghosts recorded and self-released two albums and two EPs.
Cicada has received excellent reviews in such high profile publications as Pitchfork and Splendid Magazine. 13ghosts is currently at work on their next album.
The inception of 13ghosts was Brad Armstrong and Buzz Russell sitting in the basement with guitars and loose ties after the funeral, trying to write a record about their friend. Though this record was never released, it inspired them to put together a lasting project. Armstrong and Russell recruited their friend Andrew Vernon as recordist/sound-maker in 1999, and 13ghosts built a studio in the basement of Vernon's sprawling three story house on Birmingham's southside and began experimenting. What began as a studio project became a live project when Sammy Boggan joined on bass in 2000. 13ghosts called on every drummer in Birmingham for the next three years, scraping by gig after gig, growing used to the impromptu acoustic set as drummer after drummer cut or was cut.
Finally, in 2003, Jason Lucia joined permanently on drums and percussion. With this final lineup, 13ghosts has spent the last few years banging around the southeast, honing their live sound with acts such as the Blake Babies, Starlight Mints, Drive-by Truckers, James Hall, Verbena, the Woggles, and myriad others. During this time, 13ghosts recorded and self-released two albums and two EPs.
Cicada has received excellent reviews in such high profile publications as Pitchfork and Splendid Magazine. 13ghosts is currently at work on their next album.
