Shade

All questions answered by Bradley Kiefer (Bassist)

How, when, why, and where did Shade begin?

SHADE formed in 1997 in Pittsburgh.


If you didn’t mention it above, how did you all come together and meet?

The band was formed before we even knew how to play instruments. We're all childhood friends.


What were the early days of the band like? Was it mainly playing gigs or practicing like mad in a studio?

Making noise everyday, which is basically the same today.


How would you say your home environment influences your music, if it does at all?

Environment is always influencing our sound, it makes us who we are, and it’s why we made the decision to stay in Pittsburgh.


What drew you guys to shoegaze music?

Sonic blend of sounds.


What is the song-writing process like for SHADE? Are songs usually manufactured by one person or is it a group effort?

100% group effort.


What was recording like for you guys? How do things get run in the studio?

Recording this new record (which will be released this fall) was fantastic. This was the first time that we had the access to write in the studio...the same studio where we ended up tracking at. Plus we recorded to tape, which was also a first for us. We did as much "live" tracking as possible with minimal overdubs, if any at all.


Specifically, what was recording the "Forever" single like?

That was actually recorded as a demo. Bracken Records, liked it so much that they wanted to release it. Anyways, so recording the "Forever" single was very relaxing and laid back. We did it at a friends studio/rehearsal space.


Which do you like more (and why) playing live or recording?

It’s a mixed bag, for us you cant have one with out the other.


In general, which way (live or recording) do you favor listening to any music?

Depends on your mood at that time. 50/50.


Could you describe a typical SHADE performance?

We know that we are going to have fun, and we like it when that feeling transfers to the crowd as well.


I’ve noticed the two most recent releases by SHADE were to the UK, is this because of a stronger fan base there?

We’d like to think so. There was no plan to focus on the UK, it just happened that way.


Have you done much touring outside the US?

We've played a few times in Toronto and Hamilton, Ontario in Canada, plus a short UK tour back in March of this year in support of the recent UK single release of "Forever".


Do you have anything in the works now that we can look forward to?

Indeed, we just finished tracking 14 new songs. our new album has yet to be titled, but should be out by early Fall, 2006 if all goes as planned.


Why did you all start playing together?

We started playing music together because it was our way of having a good time.


Where do you see SHADE going in the future?

Into the future.


Would you still want to be doing this 20, 30, or 40 years from now?

As long as were having a good time.


What has been the best/worst/funniest experience for Shade?

Best: UK tour. Worst: 3 tire blowouts in 1 day. Funniest: too many to tell!


Has it all been worth it up until now?

Absolutely!



More information about Shade can be found at http://www.shaderocks.com/

(Published at LosingToday.com)