Featured Live Music Artist of the Week - THE SHIFT

We return with our weekly feature after a brief hiatus as Cabin 7 Promotions prepared for Steger Days of Music and the AshleyCan Pediatric Cancer Foundation-Steger Days 5k.

The first performer on stage for Steger Days of Music 2016 was THE SHIFT.

Notice that ultra cool drumhead!!!


Now, obviously, there is more to a band than a cool bass drum.  They self-categorize as "alt-pop", and one can definitely hear the alternative roots in their sound - but their sound is much more than just alternative.  The musical and lyrical structure certainly echos back to classic 90s alternative - but the music is given dimensions beyond alternative with a strong 6-string acoustic presence and a solid bass line.

The presence of the acoustic guitar brings a down-home feel to the alternative style of the vocals and melody - bringing a very distinct Midwestern folk sound to their music.  In this writer's opinion, it's like Mellencamp and Dylan meet REM and Pearl Jam.  But, that is a limiting statement, as The Shift is their own band with their own songs and sound.  A very pleasant and unique sound that sits right between an "unplugged" set and a fully electric set.

On top of their musical presence, is just their natural "likeability".  They come on stage with that excitement of live music in their eyes - and the crowd can sense that immediately.  It didn't take longer than a song for The Shift to bond with their audience.  It just so happens that the 2016 Steger Days of Music took place on an outside stage (not in a tent) - and there is something about The Shift's music that just suits the open air summertime feel.

After being rained out for their opening set at the 2015 they event, these good sports came back to try it again, and played an awesome 60 minute set!!!

Based in the Chicago Southland, The Shift can be found on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/theshiftmusic/?fref=ts.

By the way, the band's frontman, Adam, is also a remember of the Christian Band Him Who Reigns (on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HWRTrinity/?fref=ts) - who we covered back in October of 2015, you can find that by searching in the "Christian" subheading to the right.