The circumstances in 2016 are vastly different to when these styles came to prominence. The world moves at a different pace, we utilise different technologies, have access to huge quantities of specialised knowledge, and live with altered social liberties. While The Rhythm Shakers have some distinct stylistic preferences, they’re not simply paying homage to rock’n’roll’s nascent period.
“Our music is rooted in the ‘50s/’60s era, but it’s not solely based on that,” says Perez. “The band’s not strict about what genre of music we listen to or are influenced by. Of course music is always changing, but we don’t base writing new material on whatever is trending or new. The style of music we play is what we like and we each bring our personal preferences to the table and concoct what we feel is rock’n’roll to our liking, and hope people like what we do.”
Any artist that hews closely to an established genre, regardless of whether it’s in fashion right now or has been around for decades, runs the risk of being limited by the existing stylistic structures. During the songwriting process, The Rhythm Shakers are wary of simply repeating what’s come before – both within their own body of work and rock’n’roll history.
“We normally do our best to avoid repetition for each album,” Perez says. “Not all bands do this, of course. I think it’s great a band can show true dedication to stay within the genre they love, but since all of us contribute and have different taste in music outside of our common interest, we like to throw it all together and see what we can create. Victor Mendez [bass player/music director] is mostly responsible for the sound we’re known for, I can’t take all the credit.”
The Rhythm Shakers are headlining GreazeFest alongside John Lewis from the UK and Ruby Dee & the Snakehandlers from Texas. Apart from the three headliners, the lineup predominantly consists of Australian acts that fit loosely under the rockabilly umbrella. Having visited Australia a couple of years ago, Perez is already acquainted with the local rockabilly scene.
“We had the privilege of performing at the Ballarat Beat Festival in 2014,” she says, “and had a chance to watch some of my favourite rockabilly/rock’n’roll bands like Pat Capocci, Rusty Pinto and The Hi-Boys.”
Capocci and The Hi-Boys join The Rhythm Shakers on the GreazeFest lineup, and Capocci will also handle support duties for their Sydney club show. The band will play a total of four shows in Australia – the two GreazeFest events in Brisbane and Melbourne, plus the Sydney gig and another sideshow in Adelaide. It’s a long way to come from LA, but Australia’s loyal kustom kulture adherents are primed to lap up The Rhythm Shakers’ dirty, bluesy rockabilly blend.
“[The audiences] will have a fantastic time,” says Perez. “We’re ready to rock’n’roll.”
It’s no surprise that they’d be feeling confident. The Rhythm Shakers regularly perform at festivals of a similar nature to GreazeFest across the US and Europe, continually replenishing Perez and co.’s enthusiasm for the genre.
“The beauty of going to a festival and seeing different genres that are roots, rockabilly or rock’n’roll based is being influenced by talented people to push yourself forward and use that influence to create your own sound.”
BY AUGUSTUS WELBY
