Hiya Shanakee, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. Grab a brew and take a seat.
Thanks for joining us today… Tell us a bit about where you are from and how you got into music?
We are a band based between London and Lancing and met through Instagram, I (Niall) was interested in starting a new band and contacted Jacob about artwork which ultimately led him to joining and us starting Shanakee. – N
What’s the live music scene like in London right now? Anyone we should be looking out for (bar you, of course)?
The Elephants Head has been a great new local spot and putting the live music scene back into North-West London! Dan the drummer in the band is in his own band called the Flitz who are great and also Brighton based band Shady Baby are ones to look out for, They also played the Elephants Head not so long ago. Great to see bands outside of London hitting up the venue. – N
Do you think it’s easy to become a victim of our surroundings sometimes?
100% especially when everyone’s off doing their own thing but you just gotta make the most of what you got and see how that can help your music in the long run. – N
What’s your favourite social media platform to use and why?
Instagram, It’s the most engaging and you know you can use it as a band to get discovered when the time is right. – N
We believe it’s essential to have a presence on Facebook, Instagram and X to introduce yourself to all the different types of audiences out there, what’s your thoughts on that?
I think it’s great to get the word out there for sure it’s hard to always balance all the different platforms but luckily facebook and Instagram are fairly well connected. – N
What’s your view on the Music industry today?
It’s tough for sure and a lot has changed. I think the use of social media has been great but also It’s finding an effective way to use it as a young band and get the industry attention that’s needed to break into the industry. Contacts are a big thing and a band like us who are starting fresh really need to prove that we are the next best band coming out of the UK, eventually getting the right people involved. Wherever that’s from emailing the right people, getting the right gigs or putting out great music. As long as we believe in ourselves I’m sure the industry will eventually follow. – N
What’s the biggest thing you have learned recently as you progress with your music?
You just have to be very patient with it all, not everything is gonna happen over night and that’s alright. You can find fulfillment in other areas of life, It doesn’t have to be all about the music! – N
I’d definitely echo that, it’s so easy to get caught up in your own head and rush things because you think it needs to happen now, and actually taking a step back really helps, i find – J
What’s currently in your ears and on rotation at the moment?
Djo of course after watching Stranger Things, Enya, Eagles and Coldplay have been on a recent rotation for myself. – N
For me, bands like: Pain of Truth, SPEED, Joshua Burnside, Killswitch Engage, Radiohead, Gorillaz – J
What was your worst experience on stage? Any funny stories to share?
Luckily I haven’t had any bad experiences on stage – N
I’ve had my fair share to be honest (laughs) I’ve been bottled off stage before in Manchester and I got electrocuted in London, it was a real rush. – J
Got any fun, funny stories from life on the road?
From previous bands, yes. I was about 21 and it was the maddest experience, a real rollercoaster of a time and I would do anything to get back on the road. Bands/Bookers if you’re reading let’s get a tour in the books. – N
I’ve had so many great memories when on tour in the past with Sports Team, there was a DJ Set after party in Bristol and Henry (guitarist) was dancing and rested his head on me which caused me to lose balance and knocking over all the drinks onto the decks which meant we had to leave very quickly out of the venue. – J
I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it?
Yes our debut single – This Town, It’s all about being young and the pressures that society puts on you, working jobs that suck the life out of you to make a living, that kinda thing. – N
What was the recording process like?
Really good, I’ve been lucky to work with Producer Michael Smith and we went to Woodworm Studios and recorded a few songs over three days. Makes the world of difference by getting away and layering down tracks in the countryside.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
I wouldn’t. – N
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