Feature for 

February 2006   

Shecky & the Twangtones

Band Name: Shecky and the Twangtones

Genre: Surf & Twang

Geographical Area: Long Island, NYC

Interview with Shecky Davis by email on 1/24/2006

1. What is the current line-up of your band (include band member names)?

      Shecky Davis - Lead guitar, lead vocals

      Brian (Uncle B) Johnson - Percussion and vocals

      Doug (the professor) Morrow - Traps (Drums)

       Ed (Dancin' feet)  Kern - Stand-up bass

2. How and when did you get started with your band?

The first incarnation of the Twangtones started in NYC about 6 years ago. Most of my side projects dried up, leaving me the time to hand-pick the guys I wanted to play with and, more importantly, to hand-pick the tunes I always wanted to bring to the table. After a few band member changes, here we are.

3. What bands or music have influenced you most?

The Ventures, Bob Marley, Duane Eddy - the list has about 600 names on it.

4. What is the break down of cover vs. original material in your live shows and/or recordings?

50/50 'cause I'm a gambling man! However, recording is all original instrumentals.

5. What recording have you done?

My wife runs an audio / video studio so we are lucky enough to have 2 videos up on our site and we are on our way back into the studio to record some of my originals.

http://www.sheckyandthetwangtones.com/baja.htm

6. What kind of gear do you use?

62 Fender Stratocaster , 65 Fender Vibrolux Amp , Boss Pedal Board and a line 6 pod.

7. What is your band’s favorite food/beverage?

They're not picky - they eat everything from taco's to Thai and other foods that don't start with "T".

8. How do you get gigs?

Word of mouth , EPK (electronic press kit) and who else is playing where. Also friends who have friends with bars.....

9. What are the difficulties you find playing your kind of music in your area?

Long Island is most noted for heavy metal and classic rock, not instrumental rock; however the band mixes it up with vocals to balance it out and keep it palatable.

10. What positive attributes does your band have that sets you apart from other bands (of any genre)?

We all come from very different musical backgrounds, so we all bring a dose of eclectic taste to the unit.

11. What have you found to be the single most effective promotional tool you’ve used to further your band’s musical path?

30 minute opening slots for the right headliners, but mostly playing with other like-minded bands.

12. What’s the most interesting performance experience you’ve had? 

Auditoning one-on-one with reggae great Peter Tosh will be something that will stay with me forever. As for the band, I find it very interesting how many weddings we have been hired to play because of our choice of material. 

13. What do you hope to get out of being a NESMA member?

Strength in numbers.....getting to meet and play with other great surf bands...

14. Anything else?

Yes, I want to thank my band for having such diverse musical backgrounds and yet we always land on the "same page".

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