Singer-songwriter Chelsea Shag is a tough one to pin down. Pop, soul, rock, R&B, blues — they’re all in her repertoire, and she doesn’t seem content settling into any one sound. Fortunately, she knows her way around a hook and how to tie her divergent styles together with an approach that is straightforward and accessible. Her debut album, Colours, is out April 29, and today she is unveiling her first ever single, “Us Kids,” to the world.
With its shades of sunny ’60s pop and Motown era R&B, there’s no denying the atmosphere of warm nostalgia that engulfs the track. And it’s within this aura of comfortable familiarity that Chelsea Shag weaves her magic, her soulful vocals gliding over breezy guitars and staccato horns. Her voice isn’t exceptionally powerful, but there’s an undercurrent of ebullient energy that carries her through and leaves behind a trail of blissful elation. Oh, and that wicked guitar solo she so calmly unleashes is pretty badass, too.
The accompanying video, which we’re excited to premiere today, was created using studio footage shot while recording Colours at Madison Studios in Atlanta. Much like the song, it’s not terribly unique, but what it lacks in innovation, it makes up with talent and sheer vivacity. For all intents and purposes this is Chelsea Shag’s coming out party, and from the sound of it, she’s got plenty to celebrate.
Chelsea Shag will perform on Saturday, March 5 in support of Big Brutus at 529. Band & the Beat open the show. Doors open at 9 p.m. Admission is $7.
More Info
Web: chelseashag.com
Facebook: @chelseasound
Instagram: @chelseashag
SoundCloud: @chelseashag
Twitter: @ChelseaShag
YouTube: @ChelseaShag