The Shalitas
New York City, New York, United States | INDIE
Music
Press
Here are just SOME of the great quotes from this full page op-ed piece about The Shalitas...
Published December 21, 2007 in the Brooklyn Courier:
Headline:
"The Shalitas: Walkin' down the street to a venue near you"
Clad in equal parts leather and rock and roll attitude, The Shalitas may be the coolest thing this side of the East River.
With influences ranging from The Shangri-La's, another alto trio, to classic 1950s doo-wop and R&B greats like Sam Cooke, their sound is a resulting mix of luscious harmonies and rock edge.
(See the photos section of our EPK for a look at this piece in the paper!!)
- Brooklyn Courier Press
Imagine the Debbie Harry of "Rapture" with more sass, imagine Sheena (of 'Sheena Is a Punk Rocker") in the Shangri-La's, imagine the Crystals meeting Sleater-Kinney. Ladies and gentlemen, meet the Shalitas.
Honestly, an all-girl doo wop trio in 2004? You'd think it would be retro but it's not, instead, it's something that actually sounds new and different while being derivative in the right way - taking everything they love and making it their own. The Shalitas also double as back-up singers for Philly rock and roll powerhouse Marah (who guest star on the single), and it's clear why they're kindred spirits — they've got the same r'n'b echoes in their soul.
It seems that everyone's covering this song lately, but Joey Himself (who, after all, worshipped at the altar of Ronnie Spector) would undoubtedly approve of their version of the Ramones' "Merry Christmas (I Don't Want To Fight Tonight)". Only complaint is that this cover, while sharply executed, doesn't showcase the Shalitas' energy strongly enough. The flip side (okay, it's a cd, but work with me here), "Christmas Don't Be Late" (which is actually a cover of, um, the Chipmunks - trust me, it works) is more like it, including some deadpan humor from the Bielanko brothers.
Right now, the only place to get the single is from the Shalitas web site (theshalitas.com) for $4, and you can download "Merry Christmas (I Don't Want To Fight Tonight)" from Reel To Reel Records for about a buck.
- jukeboxgraduate.com
On page 21, we ask music-magazine event organizers for their favorite new bands, so here's mine: The Shalitas manage to mix '50s girl-group harmonies with soul influences and schoolyard - style handclaps. They're hip enough to win over a group of teenagers or twentysomethings, and they have enough of a retro vibe to please an older crowd. Give a listen and look for live dates at www.theshalitas.com or www.myspace.com/theshalitas. They are worth checking out. Book this band before they get big! - BizBash Magazine - NYC
Discography
- EP - "Born A Shalita"
- Single - "Christmas Don't Be Late"
- Single - "Merry Christmas ( I Don't Want to Fight Tonight)
- "20,000 Streets Under The Sky" - Marah featuring The Shalitas
-"Christmas Kind of Town" - Marah featuring The Shalitas
-"Babylon" - The Royal Wylds featuring The Shalitas
All the above are available on itunes.
Photos
Bio
February 24, 2009 - The Shalitas have just been nominated for an Emmy Award for their 2008 commercial on WPIX for the New York Mets!!!
It began during a heatwave in the summer of 2003. The Shalitas, Kazual, Ahneeta, and Lowlita formed to sing backing vocals for famed Philadelphia band, Marah’s, fourth album, “20.000 Streets Under The Sky”.
From this collaboration, The Shalitas bright future was off and running! For most of 2003 into 2004, the girls recorded, performed, and worked on solidifying their backing vocal style of infectious harmonies, playground rhymes, chants, and handclaps.
With a taste for their own sound on their vocal palettes, The Shalitas moved into 2006 with a plan to “stand on their own six feet”. They put a band together and made their debut performance at “A Night of PHIdelity” concert in Brooklyn, NY at North Six, September 2006.
Since then, The Shalitas have been charming crowds with their mellifluous blend of playground soul and rock n’ roll. Facts to know:
- They have been seen in and around New York in such clubs as Irving Plaza, Southpaw, The Mercury Lounge, The Bowery Ballroom, just to name a few. As well as toured up and down the East coast.
- They have been invited to play opening slots for such amazing artists as Jill Cunniff of Luscious Jackson, Nicole Atkins & The Sea, Yo Magesty, Holly Golightly, Does It Offend You Yeah?, and the ever-rockin’ Detroit Cobras.
- They were selected to be the only non-European band to play the BScene Festival in Basil, Switzerland.
- One of their songs was selected for the New York Mets 2008 Promo Television spot on Channel WB11 in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
- “Take Me Home” is listed on author, Nick Hornby, blog as one of his favorite songs of 2007.
Their first original release, “Born A Shalita” was released in September of 2007 on PHIdelty Records, distributed by Red Eye Distribution.
The Shalitas write emotional lyrics that are seductive, soulful, and fierce. A lover’s kiss one moment, a cat scratch the next. The perfect companion to melodies that are simultaneously edgy, fluid and symphonic. The harmonies resonate long after you’ve turned off the song, or gone home after a show.
The Shalitas are the answer to the question: “Where has all the good music gone?”
There right here, Baby. Come and get em.
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