The Shelters perform in The Current studio
by Mary Lucia
November 07, 2016
The Shelters set the bar high for themselves. While making their debut full-length album, the Shelters' Chase Simpson says he and his bandmates wrote at least 35 songs, which were winnowed down to the 12 that made the final cut. "One of the biggest criteria for us has always been lyrics," Simpson says, "because if the lyrics ain't happening, then the song ain't happening."
Released in June 2016, the Shelters' self-titled album was co-produced by Tom Petty. In town to play a show at the Triple Rock Social Club in Minneapolis, the Shelters stopped at The Current's studio for a live session hosted by Mary Lucia.
Based in Santa Monica, Calif., the Shelters — singer/guitarist Simpson, lead guitarist Josh Jove, bassist Jacob Pillot and drummer Sebastian Harris — had been friends from other bands, and the rhythm section had actually befriended one another through surfing. Their friendship likely empowered them to cut their own path as a straight-up rocking band. "L.A.'s so big, that there's so many different areas that have music scenes, but we've never really felt attached to any of them," Simpson explains. "That's actually why I think our band, to me at least, is so special, because we kind of isolated ourselves from what's happening now and what's cool, and we just put ourselves in that studio and tried to write the best songs we could."
Their careful songcraft was applied to the making of the album as well. Working with Petty, the Shelters were cognizant of the running order and the listening experience. "We made the record like a real record — that was important to us, all the segues," Simpson says. "I think there's something special about how records used to be made, and we were trying to at least honor that."
Use the audio player above to listen to the complete session with The Shelters.
Songs Performed
"Rebel Heart"
"Liar"
"The Ghost Is Gone"
All songs from The Shelters' 2016 self-titled album, available on Warner Bros. Records.
Hosted by Mary Lucia
Produced by Derrick Stevens
Engineered by Michael DeMark and Jalen Russell
Visuals by Nate Ryan
Web feature by Luke Taylor
Resources
The Shelters - official site
