Shannon Wise and Max Shrager of The Shacks were born in the late ‘90s, but their misty blend of psychedelic soul is rooted in a deep knowledge of R&B going back decades. Shrager has spent years immersed in the world of Daptone Records, while Wise’s whispery vocals evoke Mazzy Star and Brigitte Bardot. If “This Strange Effect” sounds familiar, you may know it from that iPhone ad.
The Shacks equal parts Max Shrager and Shannon Wise singing in her soft whispered voice — sound like they’re playing alone with nobody watching. This dreamy, voyeuristic sound was born in a Queens, NY studio in 2014. And while they describe themselves as a rock band, don’t expect the conventional kind.
The story goes that Max brought Shannon to the studio. Max was playing guitar on a track produced by Leon Michels — the producer and co-founder of Big Crown Records — and Michels needed a vocalist. They put Shannon in the booth to try it out. It was her first time ever recording. Then, in one take, the song “Strange Boy” had a singer who completed the vibe. The Shacks were born.
The Shacks – This Strange Effect Recorded Live: 12/11/2017 – Paste Studios – New York, NY
The Shacks – Audrey (Spending All My Time With You) Recorded Live: 12/11/2017 – Paste Studios – New York, NY
The Fat Angel Sings 