Alabama has always been a unique fixture in the music scene. From Muscle Shoals, the recording haven of Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan and Lynyrd Skynyrd, to the Creole influence of Mobile — the state has always had a way of fostering unique, honest music without the corporate-sounding fervency of compromise. These days, Alabama's music scene is as vibrant as ever. These two artists illustrate Alabama's unique style perfectly:

Alabama Shakes

Brittany Howard, the band’s lead singer, was born and raised in Athens, Alabama, a city in the northern part of the state. Her music pays homage to traditionally southern genres — R&B, soul, country and rock. But there’s something transcendental about the band's most recent album, "Sound & Color." It’s a unique, mysterious, almost space-age take on the pattern and rhythm of traditional blues and rock.

(Read Pitchfork’s review of the album here.)

Favorite Songs:

"Sound & Color" (Music Video)

"Future People" (Live)

St. Paul and the Broken Bones

Paul Janeway and his sextet gained an instant following in the Birmingham, Alabama, area when they formed in 2011. Drawing inspiration from gospel, jazz and blues, the group's sound can just as easily be described as garage rock as it can neo-soul. Their live shows combine the style of James Brown, the intensity of the Rolling Stones, and the raw sound and talent of Lake Street Dive. Since the release of their sophomore album, the group has become a popular poster-child for the neo-soul movement, playing a variety of shows from Lollapalooza to David Letterman.

Favorite Songs:

"Broken Bones and Pocket Change" (NPR Tiny Desk Concert)

"Call Me" (Music Video)