Following the release of their 2018 Self-titled Debut Album, Atlanta Pop Rock band Fairshake will release their new EP entitled “Sitcom” on Friday, April 17, and I personally could not be more excited. Since I discovered Fairshake last summer, I’ve been impressed with good their songs are, and how cool they are with their fans, myself included.
When I finally got to see them live for the first time last November at The Masquerade, it was a pretty great experience. They put on a great set, and their singer/guitarist Shayne Goss took the time to chat with me for a little bit afterward because she noticed I was upfront jamming out to songs such as “Sun Kissed,” “Save Me,” as well as “Valium,” that I had become so familiar with.
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| "Sitcom" will be released on Friday, April 17 |
Fast forward a few months later, “Sitcom” is ready to be released, and fans were given a taste of what to expect with their newest single “25 Bucks,” which is possibly their most exceptional song yet. It came at a time where everyone is trying to adjust to unprecedented circumstances in life. A lot of people aren't sure what to do with a lot of things they enjoy doing being canceled, and places they enjoy going being closed. For music fans who are really missing going to concerts, discovering new artists, or listening to new material from artists they already enjoy can be very uplifting despite everything else going on. I know the latter was the case for me when "25 Bucks" was released, and if maybe if you take a moment to listen to Fairshake's material, both new, as well as from years past, the former can be the case for you.
Shayne was kind enough to agree to answer a few questions I had about the EP and Fairshake in general. So without further ado, here is my interview with Shayne Goss of Fairshake. Please enjoy it, and be sure to check out “Sitcom” on your preferred streaming Platforms on April 17.
Q: What has the feedback been like for the new single, 25 bucks?
A: The single is taking very well without a shift in sound from the manic, happy-go-lucky-i-wanna-die sound we have always had to something a little darker. I think I speak for all of us when I say it is probably one of our top favorite songs of the collection, especially for it being a song about our experiences and creating mental health awareness (which we are all about) and the opioid crisis in the U.S.
Q: In the 25 bucks music video, there was footage used from the show that you did with The Dangerous Summer. How much fun was it to do that show?
A: We had a blast. Sold Out Show! How could you not? We love performing and interacting with folks, so it was like heaven to us. Music is the language of the spirit! This is what we live for. Plus, Ben Cato (percussion for TDS) is our producer, so the fact it worked out that we could be their local support was awesome. Ben has become one of my good friends over the past couple of years. Working with him and Jeremy at Cocoa Break Studios feels like home. We are very excited to release the new EP "Sitcom" on April 17, and once the quarantine is over, we are right back in the studio to record a new record!
Q: What else can we expect from this EP? Are the other songs of a similar nature?
A: Yes. I would say that "Sitcom" is a good transition and representation of the sounds we have been before but a little more polished to the sound we are transitioning to. Don't worry. We are not completely abandoning the Power Pop/Pop Punky sound, but have just matured. The way writing used to work is that it was just me (Shayne Goss), but inducting Chase Sammons and Tucker Harding into the band a few years ago has made it a group think method with ideas we bring to the table. I know 2020 has been a tough year for all of us, and I have a lot to say about it. You will definitely find that the new material will be more in the vein of Valium (Rx Refill) and 25 Bucks.
Q: Where did the idea to name the EP “Sitcom” come from?
A: The name "Sitcom" was actually an idea Tucker had. I was trying to find a word for an experience that gave you hope that everything would be just fine in the end. Just like a TV show where there is an issue, you learn the lesson, and everything is good by the end of the 20-minute episode. That being said, the way the EP ends leaves you off in a key of irony, rather than one of hope. Not everything is like Full House, sometimes you are stuck in purgatory with a bad situation or emotions.
Q: Obviously, everyone is pretty down without any concerts happening right now. But I think it’s still a great time for artists to release new music so fans can still have something to look forward to. Do you take a lot of pride in being able to help lift people’s spirits in times like these?
A: The key to success is staying confident in yourself but humble, so there is no pride involved with what we do to help the community. Though, I would say we are proud of ourselves as individuals for what we have done to take care of ourselves and the work that has been done to be our best selves. You and I both know this is a never-ending journey. We are all out here trying to be our best selves. It doesn't matter who you were yesterday and what you have been through, you still have the choice to make today, and your dreams come true. This is what Fairshake means.
