Local Artist Spotlight: Shucks

Every week, KEXP features a new local artist with an interview and suggested tracks for where to start. This week, we are featuring artists performing during FolkLife, this Memorial Day weekend at the Seattle Center.

Not familiar with Shucks? Maybe you know them as Potion. Haven't heard of Potion? Maybe you've heard of Camp. The bands' name has changed a few times so far, but what's remained consistent is their wild brand of fuzz-pop with blaring guitars and giant pop hooks. As Shucks, the band has yet to release any recordings, currently working on their debut LP, Love (American Style). But that's also part of what makes the band so exciting. How rare is it that you can experience a band for the first time live without tracking down everything you need to know in a Google search? But for those who want a little primer before the band's set on KEXP's stage at FolkLife, we caught up with the band to learn more about their sound, approach, and what to expect from their upcoming record.Before you were Potion, you were Camp. What inspired the change?

We've had trouble finding a name that fit our vibe, and wasn't being used somewhere. Shucks is a name I've always identified with, and we are excited to move forward with it.

At least with your Camp material, it sounds like you all have an affection for fuzz and slow burning rhythms. What drew you all to this style?

Slow burning fuzz grooves are kinda our bread and butter, without being able to show you our record I can tell you it's been heavily influenced by 70's pop songwriting, and melodic guitar leads. We try and sit somewhere between Thin Lizzy and Hall & Oates.

Your debut LP, Love (American Style), is set to come out this summer. Could you give us a hint of what to expect? When did you start working on this record?

Our debut full length 'Love (American Style)' is 11 songs about, pretty much that. I've never been clever enough to write about anything else, so i stick to love songs. We've been writing this record for over a year now and are rearing to bring some heart achin' rock to Seattle.

On your Facebook page, your about section simply says "heartbreak and hot licks". What are some of your favorite heartbreaking songs and what are the hottest licks you've ever heard?

We all tend to lean towards heartbroken songs from the 60's and 70's and it shows in our songs. ELO is collectively one of our favorite groups, that song "Bluebird is Dead" will bring me to tears on the sunniest day, in terms of hot licks it's hard to beat Thin Lizzy... "Sha La La" off of their album "Nightlife" is pretty filthy to name just one.

Outside of Potion and Camp, have any of you performed in other Seattle bands? What are some of your favorite local acts right now?

Our keyboard player Sam Peterson is currently playing guitar and synth with Hibou. Other local bands that get us excited are Sloucher and our friends in Great Grandpa. I also saw Helms Alee play recently and almost couldn't walk out of there I was so blown away.

What can newcomers to your music expect from your FolkLife set?

Anyone who wants to check us out at Folklife can expect some heavy 70's fuzz-pop songs... and a bunch of guitar solos.

Be sure to catch Shucks, performing in the KEXP Gathering Space at FolkLife on May 28th at 5 PM.