Shamra

“I think we are obsessed with ourselves and our music. So, when you hear a Shamra song at least you know that at some point someone actually cared.“ ~ ~ Carrie Bolger

Female-fronted pop/rock outfit SHAMRA are an original amalgamation of everything they hold near and dear, most importantly, excellent music, regardless of style. Great songs transcend genre. The song, the song, the song is all that matters to SHAMRA. Great songs and new classics are what you’ll find on a SHAMRA record. It is their effervescent melodies and solicitous lyrics that have gained them a devout following over the years. After hearing the music, the SHAMRA flag stakes its claim proudly in the listener’s head.

A true musical melting pot, SHAMRA’s sound is a mishmash hotchpotch of influences like Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Suzanne Vega, Elliot Smith, Mickey Baker, Paolo Conte, Dave Van Ronk (who incidentally once borrowed SHAMRA vocalist Carrie Bolger’s guitar during an impromptu performance), Garbage, Nirvana, Steve Cropper, The Jam, Velvet Underground, The Ramones, Jimi Hendrix, Queen, and Eddie Cochran.

SHAMRA made noise immediately following the release of their first demos in 1999. The CD caught the attention of a Columbia Records A&R scout who wanted to sign the band to a development deal. The terms were all wrong however, and refusing to compromise, the band said “no way. “ Instead, SHAMRA took the classic route of making a name for themselves by building a local fan base while honing their sound. The band’s longevity and integrity can be greatly attributed to these formative and patient years.

In 2002, after recording an EP, SHAMRA had a brief stay with popular NJ boutique label Gig Records, home to Miles Hunt, frontman of The Wonder Stuff and former MTV Europe VJ, as well as legendary London punk rockers The Vibrators. Gig has become a place of refuge for former major label darlings, including UK heroes Ned’s Atomic Dustbin (Sony) and Love in Reverse (Reprise). Soon after their amicable departure from Gig, the band hooked up with producer Bill Klatt (Garbage, Sneaker Pimps, Queens of the Stone Age, The Sugarcubes) to make new demos. The sessions inspired the band so much that they decided to make a full album.

In 2003 the band released its first full length release Whatever Fits on Fum Records, whose roster includes art rockers The Dancing Bears, and the timbral debauchery of Dr. Tropical. The track “Paper Umbrella” from the album found its way to Sony Pictures Television, who placed SHAMRA in the final season of pop culture sensation” Dawson’s Creek.” Tracks from Whatever Fits also found their way into several indie films, including a Sun Dance Film Festival offering by Boston’s own Wicked Pizza Productions. In June 2003 SHAMRA was one of only 10 artists selected to take part in the ASCAP Songwriter’s Panel.

In November 2003 SHAMRA acquired a new fan in revered tastemaker Gary Savelson, whose A&R skills have received mentions in Billboard, Spin, and The New York Times. Savelson’s coverage of SHAMRA resulted in phone calls to the band from every major label. November also found SHAMRA named one of AOL’s hottest new bands. In addition, Mike Savage of the respected L.A. based company A&R Worldwide has come on board in support of the group. With buzz abound, all eyes are on SHAMRA as they prepare for the release of their sophomore effort Frieze this summer 2004.

“The answer.” ~ ~ The Aquarian

“I don’t let many people rub my head, but for these guys I’ll make an exception.”~ ~ Matt Pinfield (MTV, Columbia Records)

“Shamra’s track Cutest is a hit!” ~ ~ Joe Nicolo (Urge Overkill, The Fugees)