Photo Credit: Nadia Lee Cohen

Oakland based garage punk outfit Shannon & The Clams are coming through Boston to the Royale tonight as they tour the recent release of their sixth studio album Year of the Spider. The quartet have explored sonic pathways outside of the garage that have taken them to the 50s Rockabilly era, doo-wop, R&B, psych and surf rock. The new album finds them stronger than ever before as they get back on the road to connect with fans after the long break from touring. We caught up with Shannon Shaw, Cody Blanchard and Will Sprott from a bandwagon heading to a recent show in DC. 

Allston Pudding: What was the inspiration behind the album artwork? Especially the eyes?

Shannon Shaw: It’s related to a recent peeping tom incident that I went through. I was feeling exposed and vulnerable and tried to figure out a way to turn it into something positive and “beautify” it. It was painted by me using watercolors and I did a total of 24 portraits.

AP: What is your favorite song to play live?

SS: I like playing “Midnight Wine”. I feel like I get to be a different person when I play it. Also “I Leave Again” is very fun.

Will Sprott: “The Bog” is very weird musically. It keeps your fingers moving and has lots of room to explore. 

SS: “The Bog” reminds me of trying to drive stick shift. It’s a lot of work but it’s so much more fun & kind of exhilarating. 

AP: As a band you use such strong vocals, I was wondering what your top vocal remedies are?

SS: I am notorious for losing my voice. I warm up a lot, when I wake up, in the days leading up to tour, after I play. This is an ideal scenario but I drink hot beverages like tea, lemon and honey. I use a lot of menthol lozenges and I have a breathing machine/steamer which really helps. Also, it’s hard for me but I try to talk less.

WS: Cody‘s method is that he eats a banana right before he goes on stage.

Cody Blanchard: That’s not real.

SS: Will and Cody don’t have to warm up, they just already sound like angels. If I don’t warm up, then I could ruin the show.

WS: My method is almost opposite of Shannon’s. I feel like I have to talk.

AP: Which song would you say was easier to write than others? Were there any that were challenging to finish?

SS: On this album “Do I Wanna Stay“ was a challenge. I had a really crystal clear vision of what I wanted but it was hard to capture. I’m very proud of it now. “Year of the Spider” came to me pretty easily. I felt like all the parts were somewhat fully formed pretty quickly.

AP: Shannon you once mentioned Year of the Spider’s title being chosen as a way to embrace your arachnophobia per say. I was wondering if you have been able to overcome any other personal struggles through music?

SS: Oh yeah. I don’t know about fully overcoming anything. I feel like writing and performing is very cathartic. I don’t know about you guys, but for me I feel like I’m working through something whether I’m writing it or performing or sharing it with people. I think I’ve overcome a lot of things actually.

CB: I don’t really find that.

SS: Really?? Oooh…

AP: How has tour been so far?

SS: Pretty rewarding. Ticket sales for every band out there, they look a little troubling. I was worried when we first started playing that [the venues] wouldn’t be full but every show we’ve played so far has felt packed. We played Oberlin College in Ohio recently and I would say maybe 98% of people were dancing. People seem to be responding to our new songs very well, it usually takes longer.

AP: I guess that’s a testament to the songs.

CB: I think for a lot of people coming to the shows, it’s their first time doing anything like that since COVID started. There’s definitely this hunger that you can sense. You really feel like you’re giving them something they need.

AP: Did anyone pick up any new hobbies during quarantine?

SS: I started to teach myself to play guitar. I was working on my Spanish every day.

CB: I am making synthesizers for kids, produced in a lab. I’m designing the circuit boards.

WS: I live out in the country surrounded by a bunch of farmers and learned a lot about plants from my neighbors. But, I never have time to grow anything because I always leave and everything dies.

AP: How does the new album feel compared to previous releases?

CB: I feel like we’re getting way more positive feedback. The record label we’re working with has sort of stepped it up. There’s been way more press and promotion.

WS: I’ve only played on the last two albums. But for me it’s been great to get a little more “meat” musically, there’s just more layers and interesting levels.

AP: Your music can bring back feelings of the 1950s and 60s, which were vibrant eras for fashion/trends. Anything you wouldn’t mind seeing come back in modern times?

CB: I wish people were a little less casual with their appearance.

SS: You want more flair. 

CB: Once you go to jeggings and shit it’s hard to ask people to go back.

WS: It’s impossible to go back to this, but before the flattening of our culture because of the Internet, everything was just weirder back then because we were more isolated from each other.

AP: What does the next year look like for Shannon and the Clams?

SS: Some tours in the works. Going back to Australia in the summer. We all love Australia so I am looking forward to going back. Hopefully Europe and Japan. I toured Japan with another band and it was wonderful. I feel like it would be a great place for the Clams.

Shannon and the Clams are performing at the Royale in Boston tonight, for more information on set times and tickets click here. To follow the band for more make sure you check out their Facebook, Instagram, Twitter for more!