shotty

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl_kIBMu02U
We made a video using the audio from Kate Delaney's national radio show. - America Tonight

It's been a whirlwind week for Juanita-based rock heroes Shotty, who won the 2006 Classic Rockathon at Redmond's Old Fire House Teen Center and were recently featured at Seafair's Rock & Roll Marathon and Bite of Seattle.

From July 22-25, the members of Shotty were the stars of a summer project at The Art Institute of Seattle called Studio 101. More than 140 students from across the country, working in 10 different departments of the Art Institute, spent eight hours a day, over the four-day period, creating marketing, promotional and performance materials for the band.

And on the evening of July 21, Shotty had the privilege of entertaining medically fragile children and teens at Camp Korey at Carnation Farm. As one of Paul Newman's "Hole in the Wall Camps," it gives kids with serious illnesses a chance to relax, play — and simply be kids for a while.

Eva Dankanics, public relations coordinator for Camp Korey explained, "As our 170-plus campers sent in their applications for Summer 2009, a frequent answer to the question, 'What would you like to see at camp?' was 'live music!' With the prevalence of phenomena like 'High School Musical' and 'Camp Rock,' kids of all ages, campers 7-17, are more excited about being involved with music than ever before. Camp Korey tries to fill camper sessions with tons of fun and unusual activities — like hot-air balloon rides, improv comedy and talent shows — so hosting live teen bands seemed like a perfect fit."

Because of their health restrictions, many of these children and teens can't go to a concert or festival for a mainstream audience.

Camp Korey recruiter Yolanda Arias had a connection with Ken Wong, City of Redmond teen programs director and asked him to recruit some young bands from the Old Fire House roster to brighten the campers' summer.

"It was an amazing night to see all the campers there, dancing, playing instruments and getting autographs from the band," said Wong. "I felt that this show was one of the most worthwhile events that we have done because of the lives that we were able to touch, who may not have an opportunity like this. As you know, the campers have medical conditions that limit or even exclude them from some activities that we take for granted. The smiles, thanks and happiness that evening were very rewarding. ... Shotty was very interactive and did a great job engaging the campers and including the campers in their show."

The band's manager, Redmond resident Robin Fairbanks, explained that in addition to a number of original songs, Shotty carefully chose some cover tunes that all the campers would be sure to know. "I have to say, 'Ghost Busters' was a huge hit," she remarked.

Fairbanks added, "We're thankful to Ken Wong for feeling Shotty embodied the spirit of the event. ...(The night) wasn't about ticket sales ... it was about joy and it was spontaneous and heartfelt. I know it forever changed each band member in some way."

Garrett Radke, keyboard player and vocalist for Shotty, called the Camp Korey show "a unique and heartwarming experience. ...I didn't know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised to see the campers enthusiastically dance around to our music. All the campers and staff were wonderful. They had a blast and so did we!"

Said drummer Miles Frank, "I was in awe of how beautiful the place was. The view and scenery were magnificent. Playing our music for the kids and counselors was a hundred times more fun and exciting than I expected."

Lead singer/guitarist Pat Moon agreed, "Those kids know how to have fun. I felt like I was part of a big family. I would definitely love to go back and play again."

The Old Fire House Teen Center will also send bands to Camp Korey on Aug. 11 (to be announced) and Aug. 18 (People With Faces, led by Jeff Stillwell.)

Shotty plans a West Coast tour in September, before going back into the studio to record a follow-up to their EP "Ah, Here We Go." Before they leave town, you can catch them as part of the International Pop Overthrow (IPO) Festival, at 9:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21 at Mars Bar - Kirkland Reporter

Musicians and fans of all ages flocked to the Music Aid Northwest (MAN) concert at the Old Fire House Teen Center May 22.

Former Arkansas governor/presidential wanna-be Mike Huckabee, Yes drummer Alan White and MAN board members sought signatures and funds for a “Music Plates” license plate campaign to augment music education in Washington state schools.

Huckabee, a bass guitarist who performed a few tunes including “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” told the crowd, “I’m proof positive that when you can’t make it as a professional musician, you are forced to run for office.”

Everyone laughed — although frankly, when it came to Huckabee’s “stage presence,” let’s just say it was the thought that counted.

But he clearly was passionate about giving young people opportunities to express themselves through music and other arts. Those programs are often the first to be cut when schools trim their budgets, in spite of the fact that they are the reasons why many kids stay in school.

“The urge to sing, draw or act ... is imbedded in us from the moment we are created,” said Huckabee. “The educational system has beat the living daylights out of creativity,” he lamented.

White added, “This is serious. The music of Yes sounds very complicated, but it’s all math. Music makes you better at math.”

Musically speaking, the night’s standouts were local high school/college rockers Shotty with sizzling-hot renditions of “Radar Love” and “Soul Sacrifice” and the worldly women of Shelly and the Curves, who channeled Tina Turner and the Ikettes on “Proud Mary.”

MAN president Bob Tomberg stated, “Music crosses generations, ages, (all of) society — we want to make music a renewable resource. ... In tough economic times, music gets overlooked. MUSIC MATTERS.”

If you agree, or want to know more about the Music Plates campaign to save school music programs, visit www.musicaidnorthwest.org or www.musicplates.org.
- The Redmond Reporter

On a frigid Friday night, Jan. 2, Kirkland-based teen band Shotty turned up the heat at Oddfellow’s Grill, 7979 Leary Way NE in Redmond.

Oddfellow’s features live music seven nights a week and admits patrons of all ages until 11 p.m.

On this particular night, Shotty was going to play earlier, but due to a schedule change, didn’t begin their set until 10:30 p.m.

The band’s loyal fans, who call themselves “The Soldiers of Love,” had been lined up since 8 p.m. and were disappointed when they were told they had to exit the building just half an hour into Shotty’s performance.

But the dedicated fans braved the cold weather to stand outside of the restaurant and watch the rest of Shotty’s set through the window.

According to Shotty’s manager, Robin Fairbanks, “Shotty gave them their all for their loyalty. Throughout the night and in-between almost every song, a lone tween would call out, ‘Radar Love!’ Whatever happened to ‘Free Bird?’ Each time he called it out, it would elicit laughter ... but apparently, persistence pays off, for right before the last song, that fan got his wish. Shotty then closed with a rousing, heartfelt cover of Santana’s ‘Soul Sacrifice’ that brought down the house.”

Fairbanks added that Shotty is working with Seattle producer Martin Feveyear of Jupiter Studios and will release singles in late February or early March.

- Redmond Reporter

Two weeks of semifinals down and two bands out of eight have advanced in EMP's annual Sound Off! competition: New Faces and last weekend's winners, the Nextdoor Neighbors. This weekend's third round will send one last band to the finals on March 1, where they'll compete with New Faces and the Nextdoor Neighbors for a grand prize that includes a performance at Bumbershoot along with some gear and studio time.

This week's lineup: Deer City, Kusikia, Shotty, and Man Down Medic.

Deer City is a name you may already be familiar with, as the Issaquah kid's gotten a couple mentions in The Stranger lately. Deer City's Jeff Stillwell is a talented, one-man, teenaged band armed with a gamut of keyboards, drum machines, and other noisy toys. His thoughtful electro-pop tunes have the honesty of a young Bright Eyes minus all the debilitating depression.

Man Down Medic from Seattle share Deer City's electronic inclinations (in that they also have keyboards), but instead of lo-fi bedroom lullabies, Man Down Medic play power pop dripping with oversized emotions. They've got the kind of explosive, anthemic choruses that Reggie and the Full Effect rock, but Man Down Medic add dreamy male vocals, bright female harmonies, and subtract the lyrics about midgets and fictional Swedish metal bands.

If you're a fan of more traditional alternative rock, then Kirkland's Shotty's the band you'll be rooting for. Their influences include Loudermilk, the Smashing Pumpkins, and "loose women and broken hearts." They're perhaps the most straightforward rock band in this year's Sound Off!—though sometimes they throw in a little pop ("Blue Bom") or some dirty guitars ("Deep Fried") to keep ya guessing.

Finally, from Tacoma, is a duo called Kusikia. They do experimental jazz-meets-blues stuff by way of drums and guitar—it's not all instrumental, but there are very few vocals. Their sometimes-psychedelic songs really sound more like sessions—a couple of musicians jamming after listening to some Hendrix records. It'll be interesting to see how their loose compositions stand up to, say, Man Down Medic's pop outbursts.

We'll find out Saturday, February 23, at 8:00 p.m. at Level 3 of EMP. Then next weekend, on Saturday, March 1, all three finalists, the best of the best, the cream of the Sound Off! crop, will play at the EMP Sky Church, and Sound Off! 2008's champion will be declared.

- The Stranger

Local teen band Shotty is one of 12 underage bands out of 84 entries selected by a professional panel of judges to compete in this year’s Sound Off competition at Experience Music Project (EMP) in the Seattle Center.
Four bands compete in three rounds and the winners from those rounds play in the final round with an appearance at Bumbershoot and other prizes at stake. Shotty will play their round on Saturday, Feb. 23 at 8 p.m. Tickets are available by calling the EMP box office at (206) 770-7702. Students are $7 and adults are $10.

Shotty won 2007’s Classic Rock-a-Thon at the Old Fire House Teen Center in Redmond. The band’s current lineup includes Redmond High School senior Jeff Fairbanks (formerly of The Solid Hypnotic) on bass guitar and four musicians from Kirkland — Garrett Radke on keyboards, saxophone and vocals; Miles Frank on drums; Pat Birney on guitar and lead vocals; and Guy Keltner on guitar and vocals.

On Tuesday, Feb. 19 from 10-11 p.m., Shotty will appear on the local Alt Music Radio show “Kevin McDonald Presents” on KKNW, 1150-AM and streaming live on HYPERLINK http://www.1150kknw.com.

For more information about Shotty, visit www.myspace.com/shotty.
- The Redmond Reporter

I like these guys, a lot. It takes a lot of guts to even attempt to cover Santana’s ‘Soul Sacrifice’, and to successfully pull it off demonstrates the talent inherent in this band. They put on a great 45-minute set last Sunday at the Sunset Tavern in Ballard, and they have a bunch of shows coming up in the Puget Sound area in the next two months. You should at least check one of them out, if only to make your own classification of their musical style, which I can’t do, and you don’t have to either, so check them out if only to groove!

In all seriousness, it’s hard for me to compare Shotty’s sound to any other band I’ve heard, which makes it all the more fun to review them because I can be as creative as I want! However, their performance style is influenced by the bubble-gum pop/rock bands of the 70’s. With the lead singer Pat’s Peter Frampton style hairdo, and their shiny, butterfly-collard button-down shirts and vests, this is a band that definitely took some style tips from the Osmonds. But hey, if that’s what it takes to give an entertaining performance with solid skills on their instruments, I’m all for it.

Sunday was the first time I’d seen (or even heard) Shotty, so I wasn’t familiar with any of the songs – I didn’t get a chance to check out their Myspace page beforehand. The songs are very beat driven, with simple lyrics to back them up that almost reminded me of The Kinks (hey, that’s a good comparison!). The songs gave each band member ample opportunity to showcase their talent on respective solos, and even to show off their dancing skills! Garrett, the keyboardist in particular had an interesting style of balancing himself on a bucket while he played. I didn’t really get how it influenced his playing, but it did get my attention.

The band move through their performance effortlessly, culminating with a solid cover of ‘Soul Sacrifice’, which being a favorite instrumental of mine was the perfect way to wrap up a good set. Check out their Myspace page for upcoming shows – one in particular is on March 8 at the Columbia City Theatre, where they will be opening for VerleeRose.

Share and Enjoy: - Seattle Subsonic

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Indie Rock Band Shotty Elicits Fun


Kirkland, Wash.-This city east of Seattle is not a well-known exporter of indie rock bands, but over the past several years, it’s been a home base for a genre-bending rock outfit called Shotty.

“I don’t try to write to one genre,” says lead singer/guitarist, Pat Birney. “It’d be hard to write with that much consistency. I like to listen to songs on the radio, pull them apart, and perfect them.”

Birney, 21, is joined by guitarist/vocalist Guy Keltner; multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Garrett Radke; drummer/vocalist Miles Frank, and Richie Meyer on bass. Richie is the newest addition.

On February 23, 2008, the band advanced to the semi-finals of Sound Off, a Seattle-based Battle of the Bands for those under 21. The band received Sub Pop Records’ Audience Response award, falling short of the $10,000 recording prize and a chance to perform at Bumbershoot. Despite not winning the grand prize, the band was able to master its onstage presence by debuting what is jokingly referred to as “The Uniform.”

So, what is “The Uniform,” you ask. Well, much like what was popular among 1960s bands to wear matching outfits, Shotty is bringing back the fad. Birney says he felt gravitated to a purple shirt from the thrift store. Frank selected blue; Radke selected orange; and Keltner missed the memo and ended up with red, which he says he totally loves. I belive Richie is into Green.

“I’m a social person,” Keltner says. “I admit I have A.D.D. and I don’t treat it. I deal with it.”

To complete the outfits, Birney wears a white vest, while the other three all wear matching black vests. They all wear white pants.
One evening after a show at Third Place Books in Seattle, Keltner was approached by a man making fun of the fact that the band was wearing white women’s pants.

“And I said, ‘Well, I get paid to wear girl pants,’” Keltner says. The group that evening received $300 for a half-hour show.

Within the past year, the group has enlisted the help of Robin Fairbanks, an independent music manager.

“When people watch these guys, they actually move and get up and dance,” she says. “Shotty elicits fun. In my opinion, these guys are a new phenomenon.”

Frank, probably the quietest of the members, is a dynamo on the drums and very versatile.
“We try to grab everybody’s senses at our shows,” he says.

Birney says he doesn’t listen to many bands consistently, but two he does listen to frequently are the Smashing Pumpkins and Queen. And much like Queen, there is certainly something theatrical about Shotty.

On a new track, “Are You There Yet?” Radke pounds out a disco beat on the organ, something the Bee Gees would kill to write.

“This is infectious pop,” says Keltner.

Fairbanks says she wants to bring Shotty to the next level. She’s grooming them for radio and feels strongly that their two newest singles, “The Breakdown,” and “Are You There Yet?” could be their keys to the castle.

“The work ethic these guys have is incredible,” she says. “They practice three hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Special Note: This was written by me a time a go. The latest and greatest is that these guys will be producing a debut album in April, produced by famed Seattle producer Martin Feveyear of Jupiter Studios. More to come on all that. Stay Tuned!!!
Posted by Andrew Fickes at 5:58 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Bee Gees, Indie music, Kirkland, Queen, Seattle, Shotty, Smashing Pumpkins, Sub Pop Records, Third Place Books - Northwest Indie Music

I like these guys, a lot. It takes a lot of guts to even attempt to cover Santana’s ‘Soul Sacrifice’, and to successfully pull it off demonstrates the talent inherent in this band. They put on a great 45-minute set last Sunday at the Sunset Tavern in Ballard, and they have a bunch of shows coming up in the Puget Sound area in the next two months. You should at least check one of them out, if only to make your own classification of their musical style, which I can’t do, and you don’t have to either, so check them out if only to groove!

In all seriousness, it’s hard for me to compare Shotty’s sound to any other band I’ve heard, which makes it all the more fun to review them because I can be as creative as I want! However, their performance style is influenced by the bubble-gum pop/rock bands of the 70’s. With the lead singer Pat’s Peter Frampton style hairdo, and their shiny, butterfly-collard button-down shirts and vests, this is a band that definitely took some style tips from the Osmonds. But hey, if that’s what it takes to give an entertaining performance with solid skills on their instruments, I’m all for it.

Sunday was the first time I’d seen (or even heard) Shotty, so I wasn’t familiar with any of the songs – I didn’t get a chance to check out their Myspace page beforehand. The songs are very beat driven, with simple lyrics to back them up that almost reminded me of The Kinks (hey, that’s a good comparison!). The songs gave each band member ample opportunity to showcase their talent on respective solos, and even to show off their dancing skills! Garrett, the keyboardist in particular had an interesting style of balancing himself on a bucket while he played. I didn’t really get how it influenced his playing, but it did get my attention.

The band move through their performance effortlessly, culminating with a solid cover of ‘Soul Sacrifice’, which being a favorite instrumental of mine was the perfect way to wrap up a good set. Check out their Myspace page for upcoming shows – one in particular is on March 8 at the Columbia City Theatre, where they will be opening for VerleeRose.

Share and Enjoy: - Seattle Subsonic