Through the glories of
the Internet, Jonny Magus has managed to conduct an interview with the awesome
Cincinnati combo, Thee Shams. Thanks to Zachary Gabbard for taking the time
to answer our questions. Dig the interview, then buy the records, you won't
be disappointed.
Here are Thee Shams
Zachary Gabbard - vocals/guitar
Andrew Gabbard - vocals/guitar
Max Bender - bass/harp
Keith Fox - drums
Joey Sebaali - keys/bass
How long have Thee Shams been together?
Since May 1999
How would you describe your sound?
Swamp R&B
What kind of influences are Thee Shams inspired by?
All kinds. From Moby Grape & Blue Cheer to the Dillards & Grateful
Dead
What are your opinions on recording/production?
As real as you can get it. All our recordings have been mostly done live with
few overdubs.
Are there any other bands that you can recommend signed or unsigned to our
readers?
The Greenhornes (Telstar), The Priests (Get Hip), The Dexateens (Estrus)
I believe Thee Shams have two long players available. 'Take Off' through Orange
Recordings and 'Please Yourself' on Fat Possum. Have you any other releases
available?
We have several 45rpm and a couple of Fat Possum comps including the Junior
Kimbough Tribute
What are your thoughts on your debut 'Take Off'?
I think it was done well for we had no money to record with. We did it mostly
in a friend's basement. It still sells well and I've never seen a dime of
the Money.
'Please Yourself' has a great mix of style and influences. The piano ballad
is particularly interesting, a more melodic and expressive song, mixed in
with your rough and tumble vibe. Was this planned or did the album evolve
naturally through time and experimentation?
My brother and I both write the music. It wasn't planned, we recorded it in
two sessions in Mississippi. We just started writing different sounding songs
around that time. We wanted to show that we were more than a garage band,
that we have more to give. The piano ballad is a song my brother wrote and
gave to me a tape of songs. I couldn't stop listening to it. Bruce Watson
had the idea to record a piano song because we were always messing round on
it during mixing sessions. So he did it in one take. No overdubs.
Are there plans for getting more recordings out?
Our new record will be released in August.
Which is the best method to purchase Thee Shams music for those available
in the UK? For the band directly? Through a label? Are they available on Amazon
etc...?
You can get it through Fat Possum or Amazon. All releases are available on
our website.
Has the reaction been well in the UK?
The record has been selling well. We plan on coming in the fall.
Describe Thee Shams in three words
Sweaty, Hairy & Real.
http://flow.phpwebhosting.com/~theeshams/
