King Shelter

Orange County quartet King Shelter’s self-described “salad rock” tosses ingredients from a couple eras of guitar-rock into an alt-rock bowl and dresses them with direct, earnest messages. The band — Taylor Hecocks, David Noble, Adam Nienow and John Harzan — debuted last fall with the “Failure” EP, and last week they followed up with a new single, “Preoccupy.” It’s a song, Hecocks says, that takes a dim view of the hedonistic party life that finds a generation “intentionally hurting other individuals for a temporary preoccupation.” Produced by Adam Castilla of the Colourist, the song exemplifies King Shelter’s penchant for good ol’ loud/soft dynamics and lyrics intended to challenge. Interestingly, Hecocks told Substream, where the song premiered: “We’re very normal human beings just trying to make music for other normal human beings. The goal of the band is not necessarily to make the best song in the world, but to make songs that will make people think about something or open their eyes to something new. Culture’s more important than a Top 40 hit, you know?” We say, why not aim for the stars? - BuzzbandsLA

Nothing beats a great night out, but I would be lying if I said I didn’t think there was anything wrong with nightlife culture. Whether it’s the overpriced drinks found at every bar in every city of any size, or the fact people in groups tend to find someone or some other group to mock in order to be entertained, a lot of what you find when exploring the streets after dark is actually quite appalling. The key to enjoying yourself and allowing others to do the same is found in keeping an eye on your moral compass regardless of what the night may bring. That is far easier said than done, of course, but as King Shelter explain on their new single, it’s immensely important that we do not lose ourselves or our values for the sake of a momentary good time.

Today we are thrilled to share the world premiere of King Shelter’s latest single, “Preoccupy.” The song, as teased above, posits questions about nightlife culture (specifically that of those living in Los Angeles) and why we allow it to exist as it does today. That may sound like rather heavy subject matter for what many would describe as a driving, alternative rock song, but the band finds a way to convey their message without coming across as if they are trying to force change upon the listener. Like everything King Shelter does, “Preoccupy” is a far more creative effort, offering just enough insight and questions to leave one with thoughts that go beyond a simplistic decision of whether or not they liked the music. Take a listen for yourself: - Substream Magazine

Why do we like this?

I've recently learned why we love music. Long story, but repetition and familiarity are two words found a whole lot in the explanation. The element of surprise, however, is another element involved in that explanation that plays a major part of it all, as well.

As soon as "Preoccupy," by King Shelter starts you will hear something distantly familiar. Actually, you will hear various elements throughout the progression of this jam that will also feel the same. Like something you have heard before, but can't necessarily pinpoint right here and now.

The lyrics are written to a classic vocal arrangement, and are executed by a cool male vocal that also sounds a bit like something you have heard somewhere else, before. The mix on those vocals, too. It works.

What you begin to hear are several familiar pieces of different styles of songs that you've heard before mixed into one song that makes sonic love and produces a pleasantly audible baby.

It's what the world should be like. A place where definitions don't matter because they're constantly being crossed-over to get redefined.

King Shelter refer to this sound as "salad rock." I'm not so sure how I feel about that term, but it pretty much sums up the listen.

Oh, and the surprises come in that they piece all these other pieces with transitions you don't quite expect. There's a certain level of erratic-ness here, that just works.

Enjoy. - Indie Shuffle