C. SHIROCK

This emotive, "Progressive Pop" band gets its name from powerful singer/guitarist/writer Chuck Shirock. The band's music is driving yet creatively layered, with strong hooks and honest lyrics, which go perfectly with Shirock's soaring, earnest vocals. The band is fresh off a successful college radio push and, showing ambition outside of the music realm, they spend their down-time working on their fashion line, IROCK Clothing, and the non-profit, Everything Burns, which (among other things), most recently helped raise money for supplies for a beleaguered town in Kenya.

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Keane with guitars, a still-hungry U2, Remy Zero - Cincinnati, City Beat

This emotive, "Progressive Pop" band gets its name from powerful singer/guitarist/writer Chuck Shirock. The band's music is driving yet creatively layered, with strong hooks and honest lyrics, which go perfectly with Shirock's soaring, earnest vocals. The band is fresh off a successful college radio push and, showing ambition outside of the music realm, they spend their down-time working on their fashion line, IROCK Clothing, and the non-profit, Everything Burns, which (among other things), most recently helped raise money for supplies for a beleaguered town in Kenya.

Dig it:
Keane with guitars, a still-hungry U2, Remy Zero - Cincinnati, City Beat

Shirock's Everything Burns is an ambitious record. That's the easiest way to describe it because like Muse does, Shirock goes for a massive, arena pop-rock sound that ebbs and flows with emotion, pulls the listener in and explodes with passion. So yeah, ambitious is a good word to describe it.

At times its the lyrics. Words of living life for what matters (and a not for profit organization to support those ideals) seep through every song. They are songs with tinges of hope and sincerity, songs of love and songs of inspiration. Then you see there's more than just the lyrics. At times its the way the lyrics are sung. The mixture of both male and female vocals of the same intensity and passion cement that sensation and add an extra layer not found in many of the band's contemporaries. Then there's the musicianship. The lush, slickly produced sound that builds on itself with different effects, piano and keyboards. It's what The Killers try to do, but Shirock actually does it.
- thepunksite.com / by Bobby Gorman

Shirock's Everything Burns is an ambitious record. That's the easiest way to describe it because like Muse does, Shirock goes for a massive, arena pop-rock sound that ebbs and flows with emotion, pulls the listener in and explodes with passion. So yeah, ambitious is a good word to describe it.

At times its the lyrics. Words of living life for what matters (and a not for profit organization to support those ideals) seep through every song. They are songs with tinges of hope and sincerity, songs of love and songs of inspiration. Then you see there's more than just the lyrics. At times its the way the lyrics are sung. The mixture of both male and female vocals of the same intensity and passion cement that sensation and add an extra layer not found in many of the band's contemporaries. Then there's the musicianship. The lush, slickly produced sound that builds on itself with different effects, piano and keyboards. It's what The Killers try to do, but Shirock actually does it.
- thepunksite.com / by Bobby Gorman

It’s not every day that a band’s debut album shares its name with their very own charity partnership organization. Amazingly enough, 100% of the proceeds from SHIROCK’s Everything Burns Tour will go directly to charity. The pop/alt-rock quintet’s fresh record is inspirationally reflective of their powerful, passionate and articulate mission statement. - www.stereosubversion.com

It’s not every day that a band’s debut album shares its name with their very own charity partnership organization. Amazingly enough, 100% of the proceeds from SHIROCK’s Everything Burns Tour will go directly to charity. The pop/alt-rock quintet’s fresh record is inspirationally reflective of their powerful, passionate and articulate mission statement. - www.stereosubversion.com

Literally, the complete package. Quality songs, vocals, and instrumentation. Imagine a filled-out rock band going after Jack's Mannequin hooks. - HM Magazine

Literally, the complete package. Quality songs, vocals, and instrumentation. Imagine a filled-out rock band going after Jack's Mannequin hooks. - HM Magazine

Shirock might have only just released their first full-length album, but some might say the band has already started on the track to stardom. Following the trend of other bands that have permitted placement of their songs in popular television shows, Shirock has already had a certain amount of exposure due to a number of their songs being used in shows such as ER and MTV’s The Hills. Additionally, almost half the songs on the album have been available as an EP on iTunes and extensive touring has helped the band build a strong fanbase. - blog.revolt-media.com

Shirock might have only just released their first full-length album, but some might say the band has already started on the track to stardom. Following the trend of other bands that have permitted placement of their songs in popular television shows, Shirock has already had a certain amount of exposure due to a number of their songs being used in shows such as ER and MTV’s The Hills. Additionally, almost half the songs on the album have been available as an EP on iTunes and extensive touring has helped the band build a strong fanbase. - blog.revolt-media.com

From the wide open arena worthy jam of "Still Young" to the anthemic "Calm Inside the Storm," I couldn't help but respect the artistry that is Everything Burns.

From piano laced harmonies on "Time Goes By" to the piano fueled "Man In Side," the band does a nice job of accenting each track. Even the trade off on male vs. female lead and harmony vocals offers something to be desired. Ultimately, these dichotomies are the backbone of this record.

- www.popularunderground.com / by Adam Zak

This pop rock 5-piece from Nashville, TN. are churning out some quality pop rocks gems. The melodic integration of guitars, bass and drums, moistened with catchy piano riffs and aural vocal harmonies come alive in this 12-song record. Shirock has taken the formulas from great pop rock bands and has cleverly fused them in their arrangements and compositions. Everything Burns has the appeal of any pop rock record to come out this year complete with hooks and catchy songs.

“Drag You Down” explodes in a four-minute jaunt that will have the listener rockin’ out with the CD in no time. Both lead singers have a wide range in their vocal abilities and why not? With both being Vocal Performance Majors in their own respect, the two can blend harmonies and melodies like canaries at the break of sunlight. Piano-driven “Silver” reminds me of the Cranberries for some reason but this song displays the flexibility of the band and it’s full potential. That same song has Pap’s vocal abilities front and center as well with great vocal harmonies from Chuck.
- frantikmag.com / By: Gian Erguiza

From the wide open arena worthy jam of "Still Young" to the anthemic "Calm Inside the Storm," I couldn't help but respect the artistry that is Everything Burns.

From piano laced harmonies on "Time Goes By" to the piano fueled "Man In Side," the band does a nice job of accenting each track. Even the trade off on male vs. female lead and harmony vocals offers something to be desired. Ultimately, these dichotomies are the backbone of this record.

- www.popularunderground.com / by Adam Zak

I’m not entirely sure why, but lately it has seemed that the newer, unsigned pop rock acts have been of much higher quality than the newer, major label signed ones. This may be due to the fact that the labels have, as usual, continued to try and sign more trend oriented bands while the unsigned acts have gone in their own direction without being pressured. This is true for Nashville based Shirock, who came together in 2005 and immediately set about working on their debut. Nearly four years later and with a five piece lineup firmly in place, the group has self released Everything Burns and established themselves as one of the better newcomers on the market.

Shirock may be an American band, but there’s definitely a British influence in much of their music. The group’s sweeping, sometimes piano driven melodies throughout the course of Everything Burns bring contemporary American and British acts to mind, with early Coldplay seeming to be a driving influence on the instrumentalists. But, unlike some of their peers and even some of the bands that they have taken inspiration from, Shirock has been able to dodge the common problem of repetition by ensuring that each track has its own identity. While many of the songs share a common element, each one explores slightly different elements of the pop rock genre to ensure that listeners won’t quickly become bored with their material.

While this group does feature the very melodic and soulful male singing that the genre has seen so many times before, Shirock also makes use of a female vocalist throughout the course of Everything Burns. And while there would have been nothing wrong with just using the male singer’s (Chuck) melodies throughout the course of the album, adding in Pap’s voice helps to set the band apart from everyone else. In a time where everyone is trying to emulate the singing styles of bands such as Coldplay and Rookie Of The Year, Shirock has enough different elements to stand apart even if their vocalists share some similar pitches.

Everything Burns is an impressive album that seems to have been given a lot of love and care throughout its conception. And though Shirock shares some common elements of the pop rock genre, they also have enough unique aspects to help them stand out from all of the artists that the major labels are continuing to push at listeners right now. Look for this band to break into the scene in a very big way, as with a polished and catchy debut such as Everything Burns it seems unlikely that this group will stay unsigned or simply self release their material for too much longer.

- cosmosgaming.com / By: Chris Dahlberg

I’m not entirely sure why, but lately it has seemed that the newer, unsigned pop rock acts have been of much higher quality than the newer, major label signed ones. This may be due to the fact that the labels have, as usual, continued to try and sign more trend oriented bands while the unsigned acts have gone in their own direction without being pressured. This is true for Nashville based Shirock, who came together in 2005 and immediately set about working on their debut. Nearly four years later and with a five piece lineup firmly in place, the group has self released Everything Burns and established themselves as one of the better newcomers on the market.

Shirock may be an American band, but there’s definitely a British influence in much of their music. The group’s sweeping, sometimes piano driven melodies throughout the course of Everything Burns bring contemporary American and British acts to mind, with early Coldplay seeming to be a driving influence on the instrumentalists. But, unlike some of their peers and even some of the bands that they have taken inspiration from, Shirock has been able to dodge the common problem of repetition by ensuring that each track has its own identity. While many of the songs share a common element, each one explores slightly different elements of the pop rock genre to ensure that listeners won’t quickly become bored with their material.

While this group does feature the very melodic and soulful male singing that the genre has seen so many times before, Shirock also makes use of a female vocalist throughout the course of Everything Burns. And while there would have been nothing wrong with just using the male singer’s (Chuck) melodies throughout the course of the album, adding in Pap’s voice helps to set the band apart from everyone else. In a time where everyone is trying to emulate the singing styles of bands such as Coldplay and Rookie Of The Year, Shirock has enough different elements to stand apart even if their vocalists share some similar pitches.

Everything Burns is an impressive album that seems to have been given a lot of love and care throughout its conception. And though Shirock shares some common elements of the pop rock genre, they also have enough unique aspects to help them stand out from all of the artists that the major labels are continuing to push at listeners right now. Look for this band to break into the scene in a very big way, as with a polished and catchy debut such as Everything Burns it seems unlikely that this group will stay unsigned or simply self release their material for too much longer.

- cosmosgaming.com / By: Chris Dahlberg

SHIROCK is a band full of big ideas. Over the last five years, the Nashville outfit has released three full-length albums, played hundreds of shows, started a clothing line, and launched a non-profit organization (www.everythingburns.org). In many ways, the band exhibits the same wide-eyed idealism that propelled progressive groups such as U2 into superstardom.

Characterized by layered guitars, ethereal keyboards and a driving rhythm section, SHIROCK’s songs have a tendency to build into crashing, epic refrains. Stylistically, the band recalls the big sounds of acts like Smashing Pumpkins and early Radiohead. But it’s a mistake to pin SHIROCK to a single genre – it’s typical sets include both contemplative ballads and rallying cries.

- CIN WEEKLY / By: Curt Whitacre

SHIROCK is a band full of big ideas. Over the last five years, the Nashville outfit has released three full-length albums, played hundreds of shows, started a clothing line, and launched a non-profit organization (www.everythingburns.org). In many ways, the band exhibits the same wide-eyed idealism that propelled progressive groups such as U2 into superstardom.

Characterized by layered guitars, ethereal keyboards and a driving rhythm section, SHIROCK’s songs have a tendency to build into crashing, epic refrains. Stylistically, the band recalls the big sounds of acts like Smashing Pumpkins and early Radiohead. But it’s a mistake to pin SHIROCK to a single genre – it’s typical sets include both contemplative ballads and rallying cries.

- CIN WEEKLY / By: Curt Whitacre

Becoming quite the sensation since being featured on “The Hills” soundtrack, SHIROCK was the final band to rock Genitti’s, and they went out with a bang. Even if they’d only provided their light show, the set would have been great. Chuck Shirock’s vocals, backed by keyboardist Pap Shirock seemed unbelievable to even longtime fans. In a rare occurrence for these days of studio voice alteration, their live performance quite clearly, sounded exactly as they do on their album. Hands down, SHIROCK was the best act of the night. - College Paper / By: Kathy Hansen

Becoming quite the sensation since being featured on “The Hills” soundtrack, SHIROCK was the final band to rock Genitti’s, and they went out with a bang. Even if they’d only provided their light show, the set would have been great. Chuck Shirock’s vocals, backed by keyboardist Pap Shirock seemed unbelievable to even longtime fans. In a rare occurrence for these days of studio voice alteration, their live performance quite clearly, sounded exactly as they do on their album. Hands down, SHIROCK was the best act of the night. - College Paper / By: Kathy Hansen

By all accounts, Chuck Shirock is starting over. After the close of an 11 year chapter, critically acclaimed band Shirock has transformed to C. Shirock, Chuck’s newest project. “It felt like this was the right time in some ways to evolve and transfer [my music] into something new, but still holding onto some of what was created before.”

The first song that C. Shirock released for the new project was “Water to Sea,” a track about how we’re always moving towards where we are supposed to be. Chuck explains, “There’s times in life when you hit hard times and there’s also easy times, just as water moves through mountains and valleys on its way to the sea.” Chuck chose “Water to Sea” as his first single because he felt that it perfectly portrayed the new sound and production style that he was going for. He compares his new sound to “A modern version of old Peter Gabriel or Phil Collins.”

C. Shirock’s new EP, 11, will be available for download on November 11th of this year. The number 11 has a special meaning to Chuck Shirock. “The album being called 11 is really because these songs were written mostly out of the end of a relationship and the end of a season of my life. To me, it was an 11 year journey through that. It’s kind of talking about the 11th year and to me, that was very representative of coming back to life and about a new beginning in some ways.”

The EP will feature five singles, along with some remixes and alternative versions of songs. The EP also features some collaborations that Chuck is excited about, including some key collaborations with his brother, Nashville based producer and drummer Scott Shirock. “There’s always so much that you bring into that dynamic when you’re working with a family member. It really provided an atmosphere that we really captured on the recordings,” Chuck said. Another notable collaboration was with Erin McCarley on the song, “Any Minute Now,” which will be released within the next couple of weeks.

What’s next for C. Shirock? He’s beginning to work on music videos for each of the five singles on the upcoming release. He says that “the idea is to have different directors tell one continuous story through all five songs.” We’re excited to see how the music videos turn out.

You can catch up with C Shirock on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. - Big City Thoughts

C. Shirock is no stranger to the music industry, as he comes from a musically inclined background. But, being in a band with other members versus doing it all on your own are two very different conquests. Nonetheless, music has always occupied a huge place in his life, and we think it’s time you knew more about him.

Chuck – yes, that’s what the “C” stands for – is the oldest of four siblings. At an early age, music began to fill the lives of all four siblings, due in giant part to his parents.

“I think I was around 3 or 4 years old when I first started…and of course growing up, there were many times we all hated it!” Chuck admits.

But, it wasn’t until his teenage years when his father gifted him his first guitar that he really began to hone in on his musical talents. Shortly after, he began his first band.

Song writing is what separates the artists from everyone else. Chuck’s songwriting process is both methodical and intense.

“Some songs happen in an instant… other songs are more labor intensive,” Chuck says. “It could be sparked by a simple melody you hear out of nowhere, a word or an idea…and all of sudden it’s a race to get to a piano or guitar, grab my notebook and record a voice memo on my phone. In those moments I try to get as much of the idea down as possible.”

But, not every song comes that easy. Chuck compares these songs to “running a marathon”.

“They can start with a simple lyric or melody, and you can sit on it for years…I have a number of these that I periodically go back to, trying to see if it make sense in some new way. You have to wrestle with it, and continue refining it until you have something that you believe in and can stand upon. These songs can be the most frustrating, but also the most rewarding. ”

Along with the songwriting process, discovering ones sound is one of the most difficult, yet uplifting, aspects of chasing musical dreams. Being able to create your own sound based on the artistry that inspires you is one of Chuck’s favorite things about continuing to find his sound.

Chuck says he’s been able to construct his sound, based on artists he’s grown to be inspired by, such as Depeche Mode, U2, Sia and Adele to name a few.

“It’s taken me a long time to continue honing my sound, and peeling back the layers of influences and imitation,” Chuck says. “I think that’s often how great art begins – imitating those you admire, and over time you make it your own, and you become a sum of all the things that you let influence you.”

C. Shirock’s latest single, Water to Sea is just the beginning of his latest musical journey called 11, which is set to release on November 11th. This project is unlike anything else Chuck has ever released, solely because of the different sides of him you’ll hear.

“Each song will have remixes from different DJ’s, piano/acoustic versions, and I’m working with different music video directors for each song also,” Chuck says.

“I’m really excited about this project, and can’t wait to see it all come together, and share it with you. I’ve done my best to be vulnerable and open with this new music…to lay it all on the line. I hope this new work finds a home with you, and resonates with wherever your journey has brought you.” - Stage Right Secrets

Chuck Shirock has been around the block… and then some.

Born in the United States, he was swiftly uprooted at the age of three when he moved to the other side of the globe, settling in the Philippines with his missionary family.

From there he moved to Aberdeen, Scotland and finally, at the dawn of his teenage years, full circle back to the United States, taking up residence in Detroit Rock City. With all his worldly experience in tow, and a passion for popular music, he relocated to Nashville, Tennessee to study music at the prestigious Belmont University.


(Photo: C. SHIROCK)
His cultural background is somewhat of a jambalaya, but in C’s case, that lent itself well to cultivating his musical referents and his own personal style. Nashville, with its eclectic mix of styles and traditions, is the perfect home base for a worldly talent like Chuck.

Having previously performed in an internationally acclaimed band that also bore his last name, C. Shirock is now honing his sound as a solo artist. His new single “Water to Sea” is at the same time expansive as it is intimate. It is concert-hall and radio ready, but also tender enough to snuggle up to in headphones.

C. Shirock will be hitting the road this winter to tour his new material. Until then, here’s an exclusive illuminating interview to peruse as you stream the new single.


(Photo: C. SHIROCK)
Konbini: You were born in the U.S., spent your childhood in the Philippines, then moved on to Scotland and eventually back to the Motor City in the U.S. What was it like growing up with such a whirlwind of new hometowns?

It was definitely a whirlwind. Growing up there were times it was really difficult moving around so much, but the older I become, the more I appreciate the experience of having been able to soak in such differing cultures, and rub shoulders with people from all walks of life. I think out of the places I grew up, I feel most attached to Aberdeen, Scotland. The landscapes, the weather, the air – feels like home there.

You call Nashville, Tennessee home now. What’s it like working as a musician in one of the cradles of American popular music?

I am mostly based in Nashville, but split time between there and Los Angeles. Nashville is an incredible place – it has a unique community of people that really make it what it is. There is an energy and a creativity in the city right now that is contagious.

Having been there for a while, it’s amazing to see long-time friends making beautiful music and art, and launch inspiring projects. I feel honored to be a part of it, and to call these brilliant artists and musicians some of my closest friends.


(Photo: C. SHIROCK)
Insofar as Nashville is now home to all styles of music (Miley Cyrus, Kings of Leon, Blake Shelton, Lady Antebellum, Ke$ha), I don’t really hear any traces of that signature Nashville “country twang” in your style – is that a conscious choice?

It’s definitely a result of my international roots – this new music is the first time that I feel I’m embracing more of where I came from, and the music that inspires me. I love the songwriting culture that Nashville thrives on. There are a lot of amazing writers in the city, and it pushes me to continue chasing down and refining lyrics and melodies. Though the music doesn’t outwardly show it, I’ve learned so much being in Nashville.

“Water to Sea” is your new single. It definitely has an updated, contemporary feel to it, but on some level I’m sensing a late 80’s power ballad influence, something like a sprawling Peter Gabriel anthem.

I love that you mention Peter Gabriel he’s one of my favorite artists and a very big influence on my new work. A lot of my favorite artists find ways to marry “pop” elements mixed with authentic artistry and creativity. Peter Gabriel is a master at that. I also love an incredible melody, delivered with power and vulnerability, like Gabriel, U2, Springsteen…

water-to-sea
(Photo: C. SHIROCK)
“Water to Sea” sounds at first like you’re singing to a love interest, a single person you care deeply about. But it could also be interpreted as having a more subdued, philosophical aim. Who – if anyone – do you write for?

My songwriting process comes more from my own experiences or those of people I’m close to and walking through life with. I’ve never been the kind of writer that can easily get into another character’s story and write from there… Everything is always very personal and as a result, leaves me feeling very vulnerable when it’s out there. It’s my life and story put to music.


(Photo: C. SHIROCK)
Your influences seem very heavily skewed towards the 80’s (Springsteen, Prince, Madonna, Michael Jackson). What is it about the 80’s that we love to channel into the present so much? What’s your take on the fascination with the 80’s? Does it simply boil down to nostalgia?

I think the 80s represent a time in music and art where there were no rules. You have artists like Prince re-writing the rules on what a pop song could be with Purple Rain, you have Michael Jackson bringing to life music videos and visuals like never before seen, you have Madonna pushing every social/sexual boundary, and meanwhile you have U2 and Bruce Springsteen bringing new meaning to what a live experience at a concert could be…

I love the emotional connection that those artists brought to their music and performances. I believe them when I hear them sing – I love their sense of freedom, their striving to break down the barriers between the artist and the audience. The 80s was a time of re-imagining what being an artist could be, could mean – that’s inspiring for me.

Pick two musicians – alive or dead – one to collaborate with on new music, and one to have dinner with just to pick their brain. Who are they and why?

I would love to work with Brian Eno – he’s produced and worked with so many of my favorite artist’s, and has been a part of such beautiful compositions. It would be incredible to work with him. Dinner… Maybe David Bowie – early/mid-career. I imagine him eating only astronaut food, having the best stories, and being an incarnate version of his art. I think that would be contagious. - Konbini