Today we’d like to introduce you to Calen Lucas of The Cedar Shakers.
Calen, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The five of us have been together since 2017. Some were playing in other local bands, and a few of us were playing together already under different names. Once we came together we decided early on to write original songs, and our focus has been writing and developing our sound since then. About we’re a five-piece band that looks like a bluegrass band on paper, but we don’t stick to any particular style. Our sweet spot is playing largely original songs that are rooted in country, bluegrass, folk, blues, and rock and roll, but occasionally have an indie vibe as well. We also like to throw some cover songs in the mix from time to time. If pressed, we say we’re an Americana band. But the reality is if one of us has a song that we’re all into playing, the genre isn’t as important as playing the song to its fullest.
We spent the better part of a year writing, rehearsing and developing a stable of songs that we felt good about playing in public. Since then we’ve been focusing more on playing live and developing that piece of the puzzle. That’s a kind of window on the band’s personality. We’re all about having a good time when we’re playing music. But we don’t take any audience for granted, and we appreciate it any time people are up for hearing what we’re about. So it doesn’t matter if it’s a backyard party, or a spot at a regular music venue – when we’re playing for people, we’re fully into it. We are recording this month and are preparing for a very big 2020.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No complaints from us. We’re fortunate to be on the same page musically. And we’ve been blessed to have some people in the San Diego music scene take an interest in us and offer support.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Recording our first record. Playing festivals the Huck Finn Jubilee, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, and Wintergrass.
What do you like best about our city? Least?
There’s so much to love about San Diego. The diversity for starters, which makes for a great environment for making music. But when you think that San Diego County not only has the classic beach communities but also the rural backcountry, the desert and the Mexican border – we’re a really rich and unique community. There’s a lot to draw from creatively. Our experience in the music scene so far has been positive. Other musicians we’ve played with have been a lot more supportive than competitive. People here are genuinely enthusiastic about seeing others put themselves into something creatively, whether its making music or beer or food. So the audiences have been great. Our first gigs were at places in OB, which historically has more of an “anything-goes” attitude, which is a great environment to play music.
Contact Info:
- Website: thecedarshakers.com
- Phone: 6204247744
- Email: cedarshakers@gmail.com
- Instagram: thecedarshakers
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecedarshakers
Image Credit:
William Fob Photography
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