The Shacks: 2018

The Shacks are one of my favorite new bands, and they’re locals too!

Their 2016 self-titled EP was breath of fresh air, with a sound that fused together a cornucopia of styles — funk, psychedelia, soul, rock and more.  Sometimes that mix happens all within one song, which speaks to the craftsmanship of their innovative and fresh arrangements. The songs float even higher with the wonderfully dreamy vocals of Shannon Wise, like good news being whispered right into your ear.

Luckily, this fast-rising duo of Wise and Max Shrager had time to visit Studio A (with bandmates Evan Heinze and Ben Borchers) for a conversation and performance, because 2018 looks to be a big year for The Shacks. They were named an NPR Slingshot artist for 2018 and will release their debut album, Haze, on March 30. They'll also close this year's SXSW Public Radio Day Stage, which can be heard live on 90.7FM WFUV on Friday, March 16 from 1 to 7 p.m. EDT.

[recorded: 1/18/18]