By Lisa Morgan
For the first time in my writing career I wished I was interviewing on radio or television so my audience could get to see, know and love for themselves these guys who collectively call themselves Spankshaft. Words fail to completely describe how entertaining this interview was. Their camaraderie and their freestyle personalities translate into easy likeability and is also a key element to what becomes a contagious surge of high energy, fun and fine-tuned musicianship in their concerts. I had the good sense to accept an invitation to see them from Brandon Henderson, the live music manager at The Hood Bar in Palm Desert. This six piece Ska/Punk Rock band kept the pulse of their music in near V-fib, never losing their sharpness and clarity as they moved around channeling their energy into the crowd. The performance left my musical senses thoroughly content and inspired.
Spankshaft consists of front man, Brandon Simpson on guitar and vocals, his brother Brent Simpson on bass, Russ Waldron on drums, Clint Stoker on tenor sax and Justin McCormick alto sax. On special occasions, they employ the talents of the widely renowned Scott “Drago” Kissinger, whom they swear has secretly sold his soul to the devil for his mad trombone skills. Since 2009, this band has pushed themselves to become better musicians, developing a rich and unique take on Punk Rock and Ska. Their early style, as they describe it, “featured a strong upbeat with melodic pop hooks that were sarcastic but heartfelt enough to still get by in the Indie/Punk Rock circles.” Now, they accurately assess, “Our music transcends many genres and styles, and really cannot be accurately filed under a single category.”
It was interesting to note that during the interview how the banter, ribbing, sarcasm and jokes which demonstrate their lack of self-conscious arrogance took on a sudden note of sober intensity as they began to share their deep seeded desire to make music their life, continuing to produce and be heard. It was not long, however, until they returned to their carefree style and insisted that they’re in it for the girls. Spankshaft has just recorded a new CD. While nothing could replace seeing them in person, the album captures the high energy and personality of their live performance. The music is fun and light hearted while the rhythms and arrangements are highly skilled, interesting and never repetitive. The vocals and clean harmonies stand out in front of a whole lot of really good music and the lyrics are relatable, catchy and always tell a story. With the majority of each of these players a product of high school band, they are likely to inspire today’s youth to think differently of the so called “band nerds”. As tenor sax player, Clint Stoker says, “I have come to realize that being a band nerd in high school means that you are in a band as an adult. Most football players in high school aren’t in the NFL, or even playing anymore. They have big beer bellies…role reversal for sure.”
Spankshaft will be opening for The Expendables along with Fortunate Youth at the Date Shed this Saturday, January 19th. For tickets, go to http://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/189149 or call (760) 775-6699. Tickets are $15 pre-sale.
For other upcoming shows follow Spankshaft on Facebook or check out their website http://spankshaft.fourfour.com/home. For booking, you are asked to call the “Spank Line” at (707) SHAFT-77
Now on our third year, Spankshaft is now a six piece, including a two piece horn section. Clint and Justin, playing the tenor and alto saxophones respectively have added another missing layer that has propelled our style to new heights. Drago can be heard on our latest single, Its Hilarious. With our lineup complete,
Currently, we are in the studio working on our first EP to be released independently. Also available is the original DIY demo cd that, together with our newer recordings, show the progression of the band. Give them a listen, and get hooked on the Spankshaft trip.
was nothing short of “Magically Skalicious”.
Fans: To keep connected with info on all the shows to come join our mailing list or hit us up on facebook. www.facebook.com/spankshaftband
Promoters: For booking, just call the SPANKLINE at (707)-SHAFT-77, or send an email to booking@spankshaft.com
Brandon Simpson – Guitar, Lead Vocals
Brent Simpson – Bass
Russel Waldron – Drums
Clint Stoker – Tenor Sax
Justin McCormick – Alto Sax
Scott “Drago” Kisinger c/o Warsaw Poland Bros. – Trombone
www.fb.com/spankshaftband
www.spankshaft.com
www.youtube.com/user/spankshaftband
EP: Great Job!
Do I Make You Sick?
Trazodone
Cardboard Chili
Write Your Congressman
Robots
It’s Hilarious
Jan 19th w/ Expendables @ Date Shed, Coachella
Feb 9th w/ California Celts @ Dickie O’Neal’s, Palm Springs
March 9th w/ Aubade @ Sailor Saloon, Victorville
Photo Credit:
spankshaft.marquis – Bianca Stoker
spankshaft.lighthouse – Henry Power
spankshaft.whisky – Zak Kupcha
