By now The Shams Band is a name most active Chicago show goers will recognize- we know what you’re thinking, “Its only because they’re so darn sophisticated!” Well, while these four are a couple of the classiest guys on the block, they also happen to be immensely talented and much more than a bunch of pretty faces. From their 2009 debut with a self-titled EP to last year’s full-length Champagne, the boys from The Shams Band have been using their talents to woo the hearts of one and all with their garage-band-from-Georgia combination of indie-folk and no frills rock n’ roll. The four-piece will be sharing those talents with folks this Thursday, January 27th at Lincoln Hall as part of the Chicago Roots Collective’s One Year Anniversary Showcase along with Derek Nelson & The Musicians and Cole DeGenova & The Peoples Republic. Show starts at 8pm, is 18+ and will cost you a measly $8.
One of The Shams Band’s two guitarists, Donnie Biggins, took the time to chit-chat with Reviewsic about the band’s past, present and future and to tell you just why you ought to make an appearance at the band’s show tomorrow night.
Reviewsic: Can you give us a quick recap of what the band has been up to lately?
Donnie Biggins: We’ve been getting back into the studio for our next record. No time limit on this one, but we are really excited to be recording again.
Reviewsic: What is the back-story on how The Shams Band came to be what it is today?
Donnie Biggins: We started as a group of friends drinking beer and playing guitars. Now we are a group of best friends drinking whiskey and playing all sorts of instruments.
Reviewsic: What are your top three musical influences?
Donnie Biggins: Adam Hitchell, Dan Price and Pete Falknor
Reviewsic: What does each member bring to the table to make The Shams Band what it is?
Donnie Biggins: Everyone brings a unique personality. Paul is our conductor. Brian is our backbone. Doug is the handsome man that keeps us in line. Ben is the the banjo king. I don’t do much besides try to make everyone my best friend
Reviewsic: What are the last three albums or bands you listened to?
Donnie Biggins: Nelken, Nathan Xander, and Josh Ritter
Reviewsic: If you could work with one person in the music industry (musician, label, producer etc), who would it be and why?
Donnie Biggins: It’d be wonderful to have Jeff Tweedy produce an album for us. I met him once at a coffee shop, but he wouldn’t remember… unless he is reading this right now. Remember at the Buzz Cafe Jeff?
Reviewsic: If you could book a tour with any 3 bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Donnie Biggins: The Avett Brothers – love their songwriting and energy. The Band – we would get along musically and backstage. Jay Z – I think he’d be impressed with Pauls hip hop addiction
Reviewsic: Lately we’ve been on this kick of revisiting bands we didn’t pay as much attention to in the past and wondering, “Why didn’t I listen to this 10 years ago?”- If you could go back in time and push 3 bands/records on your younger self, who/what would they be and why?
Donnie Biggins: Woody Guthrie – he teaches you how to live. I started listening to him when I was 20.
The Platters – Some of the best. Check out “The Great Pretender” and you will understand why
Gram Parsons – I am in love with his music and never even knew about him until I met my good friend, Robert McShane
Reviewsic: Tell us about Champagne- what was the process of making this record like? Did you set out with the specific intention to make the kind of record you did?
Donnie Biggins: It was very enjoyable. We worked with our good friend Mitchell Cepaitis for some recording at Kilo Studios. Mitch also mix and mastered Champagne. He is like the sixth Sham. Paul did the majority of the engineering in our basement studio. It was a very organic experience and great learning experience working on our first first record.
Reviewsic: How would you compare yourselves as musicians at this point as opposed to when you first began playing together?
Donnie Biggins: When we first began, we were like raw chicken. Now we have added the seasoning and are ready to go into the oven!
Reviewsic: What are some of your favorite cities/venues to play? Any places you haven’t gotten to that you’re dying to play at?
Donnie Biggins: We would love to be at the House of Blues sometimes… but their drinks are just too expensive. We’ve had great shows at Double Door and Schubas. We are really looking forward to a great show at Lincoln Hall. We know it will sound amazing, thanks to the great staff at Lincoln Hall!
Reviewsic: What are the best and worst band moments so far in your career?
Donnie Biggins: The most fun we’ve had was going on tour with Rachele Eve in Michigan. The two bands meshed together and we really enjoyed ourselves. Opening for Edward Sharpe was a thrilling experience. We’ve never seen so many faces before. I haven’t had a band moment yet in my career. Every mistake is a learning experience. It is important to not dwell on it. If a mistake happens, you just need to work harder.
Reviewsic: What would you say to convince anyone who was on the fence about coming to Lincoln Hall on the 27th to come out?
Donnie Biggins: I would say that the lineup is full of young handsome men and women that are ready to perform. Cole DeGenova is sexy as hell and his band is amazing. He is extremely energetic, and his piano playing is unreal. Derek Nelson has surrounded himself with a hell of a group of musicians. The bands emotion is breathtaking and beautiful. Not only is Derek handsome himself, but the whole band is like model showcase. As for the Shams, we are ready to pour our souls out into the room. It is very important to us that everyone that comes leaves with a smile on their face.
Reviewsic: What are your plans for your music in the next year?
Donnie Biggins: Improve, record, and travel. We hope to be playing big shows in every midwest market next year. It is true that hard work pays off. Never expect someone to do something for you.
Tags: anniversaries, Chicago, Interview, Local Music, Upcoming Show
One Response to “Donnie Biggins Tells Us Why The Shams Band Ought to Tour with Jay-Z”