Shannon & The Clams

Shannon and the Clams is an indie garage punk quartet that originated in Oakland, California. The band is recognized for its vintage sound, which incorporates elements of doo-wop, classic R&B, garage psychedelia, and surf music. The core members include Shannon Shaw on vocals and bass, Cody Blanchard on vocals and guitar, Nate Mahan on drums, and Will Sprott on vocals and keyboards. Shaw and Blanchard met at the California College of the Arts, where they began their musical collaboration, laying the groundwork for the band’s distinctive style. Their music has been likened to artists ranging from Buddy Holly to 1960s girl groups, demonstrating their broad appeal and unique artistic vision.

The band released their debut album, “I Wanna Go Home,” in 2009, followed by “Sleep Talk” in 2011. Their third album, “Dreams in the Rat House,” was released in May 2013, further establishing their presence in the indie music scene. “Gone by the Dawn” (2015) continued their musical evolution. A significant career turning point came with their 2018 album, “Onion,” which was their first release on Dan Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound label, with Auerbach also producing the album. This collaboration brought them increased visibility and critical attention. They followed this with “Year of the Spider” in 2021.

Their seventh album, “The Moon is in the Wrong Place,” released in 2024, was profoundly influenced by a personal tragedy in Shannon Shaw’s life—the untimely death of her fiancé, Joe Haener, in a car accident. The album’s songs, including tracks like “Bean Fields” and “Real or Magic,” allowed Shaw to process her grief through music, resulting in a deeply personal yet multifaceted work that explores the spectrum of emotions associated with loss. Despite the sorrowful inspiration, the album maintains an overall positive feeling, showcasing the band’s ability to transform personal experience into compelling and resonant art. The band actively maintains a Substack called “The Rat House,” where they share insights into their music-making process and engage with their fanbase.