Tour winds back to the Burg
By Susan Pugh on Feb. 14, 2008
By Nanci Dodson, The Burg
Indie is a word that’s thrown around a lot these days.The independent style has become popular for newer, and even some older artists releasing music, as it allows them to maintain some personal level of creativity, sans major record labels. Shapiro, of Harrisonburg, have taken the indie route with their first full-length record, set to drop early this year.
“Bands don’t need a major label in order to release an album,” says bassist Carl Shapiro. “While it’s easier with a label backing you, it’s more of a possibility without one now as well.”
“It’s becoming easier for smaller bands to get heard,” drummer John Granofsky adds.
The do-it-yourself tactic seems to have worked for Granofsky and Shapiro, who along with Granofsky’s brother Nathan and Jeremy Tucker, make up the band. They have been busy since we last saw the guys in Lynchburg; over two years ago, Shapiro was a common name in the local music scene.
After touring and recording, then touring and recording some more, the band will be back in the Hill City to perform Feb. 23 at Living Word.
The band is admittedly indie pop, but claims to cater to an assortment of audiences.
“We definitely play pop music; there’s no getting around that,” says John Granofsky. “I know there’s a negative connotation there, but I think our music is acceptable to a wide variety of ages and backgrounds.”
With influences that range from Bowie and Queen to Of Montreal and The Flaming Lips, Shapiro has compiled enough inspiration to generate a sound of their own.
“We want to present memorable songs,” John Granofsky says. “Everyone has those songs that automatically take them back, and (they) remember that part of their lives.
I hope our songs will get to that point.”
If You’re Going:
WHAT: Shapiro with Guilty By Design, Steal the Prize, The Pilgrims Regress
WHEN: 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 23
WHERE: Living Word, 4130 Waterlick Road
TICKETS: $6
INFO: Check Shapiro out at http://www.shapiropeople.com
Dodson is a local journalism student.
COMMENTS
what a bunch o’ q-t’s…especially jeremy tucker