It’s that time again, when our man on the ground Desh Kapur Editor/Photographer All Music Magazine UK spotlights a bands or artists he thinks are going to have a big 2023 ; bands and artists we think you should check out to stay ahead of the curve
So welcome to LOUIS & THE SHAKES
These boys are rock and roll, sonically gargantuan, big burly percussion a four on the floor guitar band, Full of the blues in the best possible way. and they write arena sized anthems,
You need to check them out !!
CHECK OUT THE VIDEO FOR THIER NEW SINGLE BLACKOUT 9.0 BELOW
1/ What first got you into music? or Who inspired you to make music?
When I was in Secondary school, my mate had a band going and he was pretty cool. I already had basic knowledge of guitar but I then decided at 13 or 14 that I was gonna take it seriously. Got myself lessons, and I now I shred those bar chords like the true guitar slayer I was born to be.
2/ Tell me about your music journey
I (Louis) first met Will many moons ago when I was flying solo, performing with just my acoustic. He said, ‘This would be great with a full band’ and I was already keen to form one, so I drafted him in on bass. He knew Manny through smoking weed, and Jamie was on his course at uni. Once we all came together, it was biblical, like a bolt of lightning hit us and we formed. 5 years on, we plough on making music of the Gods.
4/ How would you describe the music that you typically create?
Its changed a lot since we first began, but I suppose the core of it has always been riff heavy, beat focussed indie alt rock.
5/ What is your creative process like?
Usually I (Louis) write the spine, the skeleton, of the song and bring it to the guys so everyone can add their own personal touches. Everyone comes with so many different ideas and influences, it all comes together in this amalgamation, defining Louis and The Shakes. Once we get the song into a place we’re all happy, we then present it to our producer who helps mould it all together. He’s very philosophical and methodical, like Yoda with a vape, like Gandhi but 8 pints of Guinness deep. (He’s Irish, hence the love of Guinness).
6/ If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
ABBA.
7/ What is one message you would give to your fans?
“Help is on the way dear.”
8/ What is the most useless talent you have?
Something we all share in the band is the love for a pun and a quick quip. This is useless and often unnecessary when someone is in the middle of recording and trying to get the perfect take.
9/ Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
I sing all of our songs, on repeat, every day.
10/ What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
Will would probably pick up his Fortune Telling Roadshow he had when I first met him. Manny, Brighton’s Arm Wrestling Champion and Jamie would be a penis model. (TBF I would be if I was blessed like him). I would like to continue my career in Rhythmic Gymnastics, the one with the ribbons.
11/ Where have you performed? What are your favourite and least favourite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
We have a show coming up in Reading at Brewdog with our good friends Third Lung. Then we have a special end of year show in December which we’ll be announcing very soon. We hope for another big headline show next year.
12/ What is your favourite song to perform?
When I’m Cleaning Windows by George Formby, we whack that fuzz pedal on and go to town.
13/ Which famous musicians do you admire?
It was LIZZO until she got cancelled, so we’d probably say Taylor Swift.
14/ What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
Getting caught answering these questions whilst at work.
15/ What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Don’t judge a book by its cover.
16/ What’s next for you?
We have two more singles in the pipeline, and possibly a third, to complete this EP called ‘Everything That Glitters Isn’t Gold’. We’re excited to get it out there as it feels like a true representation of ourselves and a more
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My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago