Diet December

Many bands start as a dream, but Diet December literally was one.  While front man Shannon Thompson was playing in various bands and projects as a drummer, he dreamt one night that he was at a venue watching a band. He was amazed when he saw that the lead singer was himself, and looking at the bass drum, he saw the words 'Diet December'. Having always been inspired by drummers turned front man like Phil Collins and Dave Grohl as well as other drummers like Don Henley, Neil Peart, and Levon Helm, Shannon decided it was time for a change and he started seriously working and developing his own songs. In the winter of 2011 he recorded a series of home demos under the name 'Diet December' and sent them to anyone who would listen. This stirred interest with a couple of studio engineers who were willing to record his music for free.  Shannon recorded one demo in the studio before reaching out to former band mate and bassist Steven Manderson in the spring of 2012. Playing as a duo for about a year around metro Atlanta and recording a few demo tracks in the studio, they decided to start seriously looking for a drummer to complete the sound.  Joe Smothers joined the band as Diet December's drummer in the summer of 2013.  After rehearsing extensively for months, and with their initial show being canceled and rescheduled due to winter storms, Diet December finally played their first show on March 26th 2014 at Smith's Olde bar in Atlanta. With a good turnout and response they continue to perform at Smith's regularly.

Diet December released their long awaited debut EP on March 14th 2015.  This four track EP is in your face, turning sorrow into satire served with a side of humble pie and ending with a man who never cared to lose anything. Cover art was designed by comic book artist Hashim Clark. Hashim represents Diet December as the underdogs they are, and like other comic book characters we like to believe they could save the world.  However, the rest of the band states that the real hero is their drummer Joe Smothers who served in the Iraq war.

Blending Punk, Folk, and Blues to an eclectic mix  Alternative Garage Rock the trio Diet December are making their way around the Atlanta circuit playing at venues like Red Clay Theater, Blasthouse, The Loft & Vinyl @Centerstage and The Masquerade. They also perform for the Song's for Kids foundation's local tour stops each year.