Today, we’re checking out Fairshake. They are a band from the suburbs of Atlanta, mainly the Marietta & Woodstock areas, with amazing vocals and lyrics that tell a story. Members are: Shayne Goss (Vocals & Guitar); Tucker Harding (Vocals & Guitar); Dan Wilson (Percussion) and Chase Sammons (/bass). The songs are personal, and some are heart wrenching, but nonetheless, they have a message: Keep Going.
The band members each have their own stories, and have come together to do something they love, and it shows. Their songs are full of emotion, and, if you’ve been to a show, I’m sure you can hear it in Shayne’s voice, and see it. If you haven’t heard of, or checked out Fairshake, now is your chance to get a little insight, and check out their music.
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What would you describe your style as?
90's Vibe Pop Rock, but as we collectively write our next EP (working with Jeremy Nichols and Ben Cato of The Dangerous Summer) we see our sound graduating to early 2000′s Pop Rock sound.
Who are some of your influences?
Shayne's biggest influences are definitely first and foremost their idol Butch Walker ( Singer Songwriter & Producer) & Marvelous 3, as well as Third Eye Blind, Against Me!, and Veruca Salt. Other collective influences, though allover the place, include Relient K, Motion City Soundtrack, Foo Fighters,The Dangerous Summer, Breaking Benjamin, Thrice, The Story So Far, The Wonder Years, Paramore, and Gin Blossoms.
How did you all meet? When did Fairshake start an what's the story behind your name?
Fairshake Counsil actually started in the Spring of 2008 if I remember correctly. My best girl friend sang my songs for me while I played guitar. At the time we were going for an acoustic indie pop sound with a southern soulful voice. She left shortly after the project began. The idea behind the name Fairshake is a group of artists who come from different repressed backgrounds but have worked to overcome their obstacles, no matter how hard it was and they give hope to others that they can also be their best selves. That everyone can get a "fair shake". I dropped "Counsil" off the name in 2014 after my 3 year hiatus. I came back as a solo act and released demos in January 2015. It was the revolving door of members until 2017, some getting hit with the door on the way out and others that are still good friends but with different ideas of what they wanted out of a music career. As for me, I want to make it in this industry. I believe I finally found the mates that want to do the same. Dan Wilson (of Atlanta's Pop Punk Wild'n Crew LIKE MIKE) helped with the self titled record in 2016, releasing in 2018 (a long wait I know) and they decided to stay as they were attached to the music and want the same things I did. Tucker Harding came into the light on lead guitar as he was already a fan and had already filled in for a couple live shows. Tucker brought Chase Sammons along with him in the fall of 2017. Things seem to be coming together.
The self titled record released a few singles with music video. The first being "Valium" in October 2017. Along with "Sun Kissed" (January 2018) and and "Hey Doctor" (April 2018) [Videos will be posted below.]
All videos starred Tucker and Chase on their instruments, but unfortunately the recordings were dated at this point, being recorded with previous band members. If you have seen our show, I am sure you can agree that the live performance sounds more fitting as the songs have matured and our chemistry has blossomed. If you haven't seen us live, well, this is your invite to the party!
We look forward to getting in the studio this Spring with our friend Jeremy Nichols, and one of our influences, Ben Cato of The Dangerous Summer. New Single Coming this Summer!
How do you go about setting up a tour? What are some of your tips?
TOUR. Shayne knows too many people, but not enough. Biggest tip with setting up tour if you are a DIY band... be firm and when someone says "No", ask them if they know anyone they can refer you to that will say, "Yes". Not necessarily in those exact words, but it's likely they know someone who can help you accomplish your goals. It is hard not to take things personally when you are speaking about pay, housing, booking a showcase for your own art, but you have to realize that venues are coming from a business perspective as well. Maybe you will grow and it will work out when you ask them next time. Persistence!
How do you handle stress on the road?
Having so many emotional and artistic people in one vehicle can have it's ups and downs. We definitely cry together more than we laugh. And by cry I mean good cry, it is survival mode out there on the road. We have our weaknesses and strength and all acknowledge them. Each one of us steps up to the plate to lead and I think that is what helps things go smoothly. We love each other and this is a team effort.
What is your favorite show to date? Favorite show?
Seeing as we have done weddings, birthday parties, graduations, holiday parties, bar gigs, opened for larger bands and even counting the disastrous gigs that gave us amazing stories, it is hard to pick one. We would like to think that our favorite show is still out there.
What is your dream venue?
SUPER BOWL. That means you've absolutely made it right!?
Where do you see yourself/selves in 5 years?
Five years from now, we see each one of us full time musicians. No more of these side hustles to pay the bills. Each one of us has Fairshake and are individual artists with our own talents and side projects in music. We would like to think all of this hard work will pay off by then.
And lastly, are there any shout outs to other bands or anyone that has helped you in the past that you'd like to recognize?
The Dangerous Summer: https://www.facebook.com/thedangeroussummer/
Like Mike: https://www.facebook.com/likemikega/
Joe Warren at Masquerade: https://www.facebook.com/joe.warren.695
Cascadent: https://www.facebook.com/cascadentBand/
Resident One: https://www.facebook.com/residentoneband/
Sarah and The Safeword: https://www.facebook.com/sarahandthesafeword/
The Keepsake: https://www.facebook.com/TheKeepsakeBand/
Mike Liorti (Former Rosedale): https://www.facebook.com/ROSEDALEmusic/
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/thefairshake
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefairshake/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefairshake/
Website: https://fairshake.bandcamp.com/
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