INTERVIEW: Alternative Rock from Shadeland

Alternative indie rock outfit hailing from Indianapolis, Shadeland, returns with their latest single, “No Time,” a track that embodies their penchant for balancing riff-driven rock music with captivating melodies and driving rhythms. With a career spanning six full-length records, Shadeland continues to evolve and explore new musical territories, and “No Time” serves as a testament to their artistic growth.

From the first moments of the song, Shadeland establishes their intent with guitar chokes that immediately grab your attention. The track launches into a riff-heavy rock sound, unapologetically embracing its melodic and no-frills nature. The crunchy palm-muted riff, adorned with subtle flange touches, creates an engaging texture that sets the tone for the rest of the song. As the punchy beat and impactful bass join the mix, Allen Kell’s vocals soar above, gliding effortlessly to deliver floating melodies that capture the listener’s imagination.

As “No Time” progresses, the intensity builds, with Kell’s vocals transitioning from gentle and graceful to more impassioned and forceful. The lyrics are delivered with a combination of melodic lines and punctuated shouts, further emphasising the emotional weight of the song. The chorus, in particular, stands out as a euphoric moment of alternative rock brilliance. Earworm leads and powerful instrumental backing create an in-your-face anthem that demands attention and leaves a lasting impression.

Shadeland’s ability to craft such a powerful and impactful sound in “No Time” is a superb showcase of their musicianship and songwriting prowess. The band’s chemistry is palpable, with each member contributing their talents to create a cohesive and dynamic sonic landscape. Allen Kell’s vocals showcase versatility, effortlessly transitioning between delicate vulnerability and raw energy. The combination of guitar work from Kell and Matt Johnson adds depth and richness to the overall sound, while Brad Hudgins on drums and Tony Vibbert on live bass guitar provide a solid foundation that drives the song forward.

With “No Time,” Shadeland cements their position as a band unafraid to push boundaries and deliver authentic and memorable rock music. Their dedication to crafting melodies that inspire and rhythms that drive is evident in every aspect of this song. As the band continues to evolve and share more of their thrilling sonic vision, “No Time” serves as a powerful statement of their artistic growth and leaves listeners eagerly anticipating what Shadeland has in store for the future.

We caught up with the band’s frontman Allen Kell to find out more about the group’s musical journey, their new single “No Time” and what they’ve got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Allen Kell of Shadeland below.

Hey Allen, how’s things?

We’re great! Crazy busy finishing up the new album, but we’re all very excited for it, and can’t wait to show everyone.

How did you first get into making music together as a band?

Brad and I were just babies in high school, met through a mutual friend who became our bass player at the time, started playing in garages and occasionally had the luxury of rehearsing inside!

Which artist first made a lasting impression on you?

Silverchair was definitely a huge inspiration to my early writing, had great Melodie’s and hooks, but still had the heavy riffs my angst ridden teenage heart desired.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from today?

Radiohead has been a steady influence throughout the years, I’ve always been amazed with how they can reinvent themselves with each album, and still maintain their sound.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

My kids are certainly a huge inspiration for my point of view these days, it definitely emphasises the seize the day mentality as you’re watching them grow in real time, it goes by so fast.

What do you love about the Indianapolis music scene?

Indy has a pretty eclectic scene, no matter the style or genre I feel like the people are warm and inviting of the art, regardless of their personal preference, we’ve definitely played some gigs where we didn’t belong, but it’s always a good time.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

90’s boom box in a warm bubble bath by candlelight with your favourite book and Dillinger escape plan playing on a phone at the same time!

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

I believe our sound has certainly evolved from when we started out, I’d like to believe we can balance on a pretty wide spectrum of rock and pop at this point, and not feel too pigeon holed to stay in our lane, at the same time, I like that there are elements to our sound that have remained intact for this long.

How did you find making your new single “No Time”?

The writing of No Time came to me pretty quick, it’s a pretty simple song, it somehow created a drawn out back and forth between us, as it is another direction for us that raises the question of should this be the single or another with less screaming. I definitely think it was the right choice, we had no time to debate any more anyway.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

Don’t waste your time on bullshit, life’s too short and it goes fast. Forgive yourself and the people you care about.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

I’ve been into Spiritbox a lot lately, great melodies with really intricate riffs, her scream is absolutely brutal too. I know Matt’s been digging Sleep Token stuff.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

I want people to feel something, whether it’s good or bad, be it longing, joy, even depression, anything to make that connection as people, we’re all here together, and need to remember we’ve all felt the same things at one time or another, also when anyone tells me our music has made them cry, I count that as a win!

What’s been your favourite live show so far?

As far as our own live show? We opened for Stone Temple Pilots once at White River/TCU and it was certainly a special moment, getting to see Scott Weiland before he passed.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

Hmmm tough one, first three that come to my head, Slipknot opens, (we’ll start heavy, and I always wanted to see them) Fleet Foxes in the middle,(relax and smoke something) Radiohead closes (get hyped again). This is in an active volcano with 50,000 drones providing the light show, and Harry Potter.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Take every chance you can, write outside of your comfort zone, play shows outside of your comfort zone, don’t give in to the current style, that’s a death trap. Release music constantly, don’t waste forever perfecting what can’t be perfected. Don’t ever forget this is also ultimately hanging out with your friends, and that’s one of the best parts of life.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2023?

It’s been a busy year so far and we’re hyped for our new album release for The Swimmers of Lake Baikal, at HI-Fi, July 8th, brewery collaboration and vinyl also in the works!

Listen to No Time below