Swear and Shake, fronted by the guitar wielding Kari Spieler and the guitar and banjo playing Adam McHeffey, the two expertly blend their vocals, melodies, and confessional lyrics. Rounding out the quartet are old friends Ben Goldstein on drums and Shaun Savage on bass guitar. The band was named “Band of the Month” of December by The Blue Indian.com who cheer: “I’ve only seen a few artists bring a room to a hush, only to have their audience hooping and hollering moments later, and these four talented Yankees have joyfully mastered their ability to do so. By the end of the first song, we were out of our seats and upfront. Strangers instantly became neighbors as the entire venue was swept up in the action.”
We caught up with the band before they hit the North Ave stage tomorrow at Shaky Knees! Check out what they had to say!
How did you come up with the band name, Swear & Shake?
Kari Spieler: Adam and I came up with the band name while looking through old song lyrics. We took “Swear and Shake” out of context from one of Adam’s old tunes, “Shake Me Endlessly.”
Who are some of your biggest musical inspirations?
Adam McHeffey: I get most of my song ideas from the bands and artists we meet on the road. Those ideas are the most fresh and easiest to steal.
What is your dream gig?
Ben Goldstein: I like to think we play our dream gig regularly. Usually, within the first few notes of our set, it’s easy to tell if the audience and we have a crush on each other. If we do, spending that night together enjoying music is a dream come true.
What bands/artists have you been listening to lately?
Shaun Savage: Bob Dylan, old Motown records, and The Band are always staples in the tour van and never get old. Other than that I’ve come across some gems recently that have been getting a lot of play time: The Mynabirds, Houndmouth, and Modest Midas to name a few.
What makes you most excited about playing at the Shaky Knees Festival?
Kari Spieler: I’ve developed a real love for Atlanta from past tours so I’m excited to get back there. This festival has such an impressive line-up. Between both days it’s hosting so many of my favorite bands, Delta Spirit, Dr. Dog and The Joy Formidable to name a few.
If you had to describe your music in one word, what would it be?
Adam McHeffey: Bricolage
What are your plans for the remainder of the year?
Shaun Savage: We’re really looking forward to taking part in this summer’s festival season by performing at Summercamp and Taste of Randolph in Illinois, Governor’s Ball and Mountain Jam in New York, and Summer Set in Wisconsin. We’ll also be hitting the road pretty hard trying to visit as many cities as we can around the country. We’ve recently cut some tracks in the studio that we’re dying to release along with a couple music videos. Should be a good year.
Catch Swear and Shake playing the Shaky Knees Festival THIS Sunday (5/5) at 12:30 pm at the North Ave. Stage!
