Big Mama Shakes
Richmond, Virginia, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2013 | SELF
Music
Press
"Their last EP, If I Try, was released in April 2016 and as usual, the boys brought their raw, energetic, no-frills vibe. And from the snippet below it looks as though they are still bringing that same energy and upbeat, feel-good sound fans have come to know and love since they formed in 2013. However, vocalist/guitarist Brady Heck said they’ve definitely grown musically since we heard from them last year." - RVA Magazine
"Richmond, VA has a lot impressive talent coming out right now and Big Mama Shakes is a large part of that group. Rated one of Richmond’s top bands by Style Weekly, Big Mama Shakes kicked off their summer tour in Washington, D.C., at Gypsy Sally’s on Thursday." - Respect Your Youngsters
Second Place: Big Mama Shakes - Style Weekly
"A friend asked me recently what my secret is to discovering some of the great new music out there. My answer was easy and immediate: Music festivals. The key to discovering new music is to search out the bands that you have never heard or heard of, those tiny names at the bottom of the poster." - The Huffington Post
"Though based in Richmond for the past two years, Americana rock group Big Mama Shakes wanted to return home to Williamsburg for the holidays." - The Virginia Gazette
"The residency has been a gig fans have looked forward to and grown to love every month and according to Matkins, the gig has given them the chance to get to know the people behind The Camel, a venue that steadily brings great local and regional acts to our city." - RVA Magazine
"All five members contribute to the vocals. The band’s influences include Bruce Springsteen, Muddy Waters, Credence Clearwater Revival, Van Morrison. Big Mama Shakes has shared the stage with Dirty Heads, Passion Pit, Incubus, and Nathaniel Rateliff. Their newest EP release, "If I Try" is a chart topping masterpiece with songs that are made of the stuff that will put this band at the top of world and I am honored to present this rerview to my readers." - Indie Spoonful
"Last time we chatted with Americana/southern rock group Big Mama Shakes they were getting ready to release their EP, If I Try.
Recently, the band performed a session with Northern Virginia-based Audio Barre. Audio Barre is a podcast for listeners to discover local musicians in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area. The sessions are presented by Blue Hippo Recordings and in this session, Big Mama Shakes performed a new song, "Places."
It is a powerful, soulful tune that is definitely good to play during a rainy day and just drift away." - RVA Magazine
"Big Mama Shakes have been shaking up Richmond audiences with their energetic, riff-heavy brand of rock and roll since 2013. The five-member band has gained a following for its effervescent yet easy sound, which calls to mind Bruce Springsteen in his Steel Mill days. Indeed, the five list The Boss as one of their musical influences, as well as master bluesman Muddy Waters, roots rockers Creedence Clearwater Revival and "Brown-Eyed Girl" Irish crooner, Van Morrison. Matkins says their sound has evolved naturally over the past few years, leading the group to rebrand what they play as Southern Americana Rock. Whatever they call it, their sound is fresh and fun." - Richmond Magazine
"Big Mama Shakes, which writes and plays its own songs, is a rock and soul band that will get you dancing. As Style Calendar Editor Christ Bopst writes, they “exude a life-affirming appeal that’s at the heart and soul of all good music.” - Style Weekly
"Big Mama Shakes wow'd us with their "Weight of a Heavy Heart". The Richmond, VA band shares a bit of Southern Rock DNA with fellow Richmonders J Roddy Walston and The Business Their new 4-song EP gives a taste of their new direction and we couldn't be more excited to see where they take it." - Song Spotters Podcast
"Big Mama Shakes has definitely come into their own and established a solid sound that is memorable and unique and it more than shines through on If I Try." - RVA Magazine
"Last year was an exciting year for Richmond-based rock group Big Mama Shakes, including the release of a debut album, “As She Does,” and the chance to play alongside some big-name acts, like Passion Pit, Incubus and Nathaniel Rateliff. They’re not slowing down in 2016. A new single, “Weight of a Heavy Heart,” drops tomorrow, followed by an EP in April." - The Virginia Gazette
"Formed from smaller and independent projects that came together into one, Big Mama Shakes is only starting to rumble the music scene in our area. With premiere talent with their soulful vocals intertwined from influences of rock and roots sounds, the attention they are getting from our areas and surrounding is well deserved." - RVA Magazine
"While much of the great Richmond music that came out this year was from established artists, Big Mama Shakes came completely out of left field. These guys used their Southern-filled Americana sound and put together a well-crafted album like no other band. As She Does is full of upbeat songs that will get you moving and dancing." - RVA Magazine
"Starting out in Chandler’s parent’s basement and ending after the BMS tour of the East Coast, a bittersweet farewell to Caleb and Elijah. Gabriel and Bryce’s first performance with the band will be at The National on December 14th where they will be opening for Nathanial Rateliff & The Night Sweats." - The Horn
"This album came completely out of left field. I had not heard of these guys until I got the chance to see them at the XL102 Local Exposure contest earlier this year. Their Southern-filled Americana sound worked over the crowd like no other band, which is why clearly why they won the competition. They’ve since made their way into Richmond’s hearts (and my own), earning spots at Big Field Day and the RVA Playlist 5th Anniversary Party. As She Does is a fine collection of upbeat songs that will get you moving." - RVA News
"No matter what you call them—“Soul Rock,” “Americana,” “Southern Rock with Bluegrass Harmonies”—Richmond’s own Big Mama Shakes is a force to be reckoned with. Their music is fun and captivating, and their live shows are powerful yet personal." - Ian Anderson - Atypical Sounds NYC
"Big Mama Shakes, including frontman Brady Heck, pumped the crowd up with its fervent brand of soul rock." - Heather Bridges - The Captain's Log
"Big Mama Shakes exudes a life-affirming appeal that’s at the heart and soul of all good music." - Chris Bopst - Style Weekly
Discography
Coming of Age - Single (October 2017)
If I Try - EP (April 2016)
Weight of a Heavy Heart - Single (January 2016)
As She Does (May 2015)
Let it Grow - Single (August 2014)
Photos
Bio
Southern-Americana Rock band, Big Mama Shakes, wants nothing more than to push the envelope. Formed in Williamsburg, VA in the summer of 2013, they showcase their original style and bring back an old sound in a way all ages can enjoy. After crafting their sound into what they knew was the right direction, they made the move to Richmond to access the diverse scene. The scene responded well and gave the band the platform they needed to move forward. With influences such as Kings of Leon, The Black Keys, and Bruce Springsteen they presented their debut album, "As She Does", in May 2015. Following the release of the album, they played alongside huge names including: Dirty Heads, Passion Pit, Incubus, Nathaniel Rateliff, Wild Child, Judah and the Lion and more. Their critically acclaimed EP, "If I Try", was released in April of 2016 and is available on all major platforms. The band tours throughout the country, primarily the east coast and midwest. Between stepping into the studio to work on brand new music, and consistently touring, the group stays busy. Big Mama Shakes self-released their brand new single, "Coming of Age", on October 27th, 2017 to all major platforms.
Band Members
Links
