That was the first thing that struck me about the Skinny Shamans. These kids have fight and are eager to be heard. On a moment’s notice the Skinny Shamans offered to fill in on a vacant slot and I found myself in the audience to the second performance the group gave that evening.
They apologized for appearing tired but once the music started know one in the crowd could have guessed this band was anything less than full energy.
The only strange thing about the performance was the number of people onstage. Half the band didn’t play instruments and would clap at different points in different songs but they really seem to belong to the band. Soon I discovered that the band is not of legal drinking age nor is the majority of their fan base. Upon arriving at the bar with fans in tow, they learned the event was not all-ages. Suddenly the troupe was transformed into a true ensemble with hand-clappers galore.
That’s the adaptability I like to see. Leave the fans outside in the rain? No! Expand the band. Turn down a show in front of a room full of strangers at a place you’ve never been just because you have a show scheduled immediately beforehand?? Never!
The fire of youth burns bright in these impassioned players. Even in their wearied state they caught the crowd’s attention and got them clapping. Add that to the clapping on stage and it was a ruckus scene.
Although both spirited and talented, the Skinny Shamans stand in need of cultivation. That’s no surprise considering the group has only been playing together a few months now and none have what could be considered an “established” history quite yet.
But I, for one, am excited to see what the Skinny Shamans have in store for us. With some early demo tracks available online, you can get a feel for what the band “sounds” like but nothing compares to the live show so make sure to get out to one right away.
Too many musicians seem to think that talent should yield its own reward when in truth one needs to cultivate talent. In this industry if success is going to be had you gotta put some fight into it. Now I don’t mean get competitive, that’s not what we’re about here. I mean you have to put yourself out there. Let people know you’re out there making music.
