Jodie Schell : Lead Vocals, Acoustic guitar for photo shoots, T-Shirt Sales Manager
Chris Lee : Guitars, Back Up Vocals, Fashionable head wear, Photocopier Toner Distribution
Ron DiSilvestro : Studio Drums, Live east coast drums, Audio Production, Pork Chops
Tom Laskas : Studio Bass, Live east coast bass, Coffee
Brad Lee : Live west coast Bass, Space Cake Distribution, Motivational speaker
Nick Woods : Live west coast drums, knit caps, rad T's
Influences
Chuck Berry
Jimi Hendrix
The Coasters
Aerosmith
The Knife
Led Zeppelin
Foo Fighters
Fiona Apple
Queens of the Stone Age
The Smashing Pumpkins
John Mayer Trio
Michael Jackson
Tina Turner
Mama Cass
Live
Marvellettes
The Shakers started as a licensing project between long-time friends and musical partners, Chris Lee (of Stillicide) and Ron DiSilvestro (formerly of Head. as well as other local bands). Ron approached Chris with the idea of writing and recording songs of all genres, utilizing Ron's RDStudios (partnered with Phil Nicolo). Tom Laskas of MilkBoy Records quickly took notice of the early demos, and became the 3rd piece to the puzzle.
Tom Laskas brought with him a wealth of experience, including having managed Sharon Little's tour with Robert Plant and Allison Krauss and Johnny Lange. It wasn't long before the trio went into Philly's own MilkBoy Recording studio to get started on their first record.
The first demos created a loud buzz in the Philly scene. It became clear that this licensing project was meant to transform itself into a show-stopping live performance monster, ready to rock the greatest local scene in any city.
Having laid down the foundation for the record, The Shakers set out to find the perfect "front man" for the project.
In January of 2009, with the help of Mike Lowe Music, LLC (Fat City Reprise, Naeemah and the Celebrities), Chris Lee made a 3-month trek to Los Angeles to continue the search. The search didn't take long – the "front man" he found happened to be a power house female vocalist with an incredibly sexy style and a jaw-dropping vocal range.
Jodie Schell fit the group to perfection! Jodie, thanks to her experiences in the Automatic Music Explosion (produced by Mike Chapman), brought connections to every major club and venue in LA to the table. She and Chris Lee melded immediately and began preparing for their LA debut.
The Shakers premiered (with the help of their west coast rhythm section, Jeff Covey, bass, and Drew Skinner, drums) on Hollywood's famous Sunset Strip to a capacity-crowd at The House of Blues. Five days later, the group released their first single from MilkBoy Recording Studios and RDStudios entitled, "Distress Signal." They crossed to the east coast to be welcomed home to Philadelphia with a sold-out showcase for 93.3 WMMR's Local Shots Live Cinco De Mayo Bash at Doc Watson's. The next day, 93.3 WMMR put their single on regular rotation; "Distress Signal" is currently also being sent for circulation nationwide!
The Shakers incorporate a wide range of styles and musical experiences. They live for high-energy shows and passionate song writing. The Shakers gain their inspiration from their supportive friends and family, and their incredibly loyal fanbase. The Shakers aim to put your teeth on the curb while you shake your ass to the ground.
Wonderful to see the Shakers as always! I see you will be playing again on the 16th, in which I have another show at the Airliner that night. I wanted to envite you out on the 19th at the TRIP if your free. You could get a better understanding of what this gig is ALL ABOUT. By the way I loved the show at Bordners. Tell everyone I said Hi! Paul
Likewise Jodes! The silent project actually had to get pushed aside. Our actor's got really busy with other projects that actually paid. Chris started doing Hamlet, Elizabeth got a new manager that's been sending her out a lot, and I had to do an improv comedy feature while trying to promote Blackandbluemovie.com (which just got picked up for distribution). Meanwhile, we picked up a new Director of Photography and are going to start it up again when it warms up. I'll keep you posted! Great show! The Shaker's always deliver! Remind me if I heard correctly, the shaker's will be playing a regular gig at Canter's on Wednesdays?
i was gunna hang around to say hi, but i had to work early so i scooted out. but after seeing A Fine Frenzy at World Cafe on friday, i'm going to shimmy on over to see you lot, then after i'll be sure to say hello!! and i'm gunna get your cd this time too!
"DJ Monkey …soul-stirring, excitingly edgy music…just disturbing (read ‘mind-f**king’) enough to demand attention. There is a whole spice rack of auditory flavors here, served up like fractured poetry on a collection of intensely listenable Hallmark cards from Hell." Bill Margold, Cinema Seen, L.A. X..Press
I don't know if you have heard of the place DiPiazza's, but its a bar/restaurant that puts on shows. I am starting to book shows there and am always looking for bands to play.
hey chris thanx for the add and the compliment i had alot of help with my beats but i did the lyrics. i love your music man i gotta come see u guys perform!! and i obviously love deh vocals too!!! she sounds awesome gives me a lot of motivation!!!!!! hope to see u again!
Im Flanagan.
How are you?
Check out the songs and let me know what you think.
:)