The Shook Twins
Born and raised in Sandpoint, Idaho, Shook Twins are a quirky folk band now hailing from coniferous forested Portland, Oregon. Identical twins, Katelyn and Laurie Shook, and Kyle Volkman form the core trio. Central elements of the Shook Twins sound are a wide range of instrumentation, including banjo, guitar, upright bass, mandolin, face drum (beatbox), glockenspiel, ukulele, djembe and their signature golden egg. Beautiful twin harmonies, layered upon acoustic instrumentation coupled with Laurie’s inventive use of a looping machine, and Katelyn’s repurposed telephone microphone ,set their sound apart, creating an eclectic and eccentric blend of folk, roots, pop and fun.
Original songs along with harmoniously paired vocals form an enchanting blend while musical elements add complexity and beauty exponentially. Each Shook Twins song tells a story, distinctive, sharp genuine and well – sometimes quirky. Drawing from their life experience, select subjects include, being potters’ daughters, imagined superpowers and a chicken named ‘Rose’ they befriended. Shook Twins also pull out unexpected takes on classic hits, retellings of their friends’ songs, heartfelt ballads and rhythm driven dance numbers.
After releasing their first album You Can Have the Rest, the twin sisters moved to Portland in December of 2009, conceptualizing their 2011 release Window. Both albums were recorded and produced in Santa Cruz, California, at InDigital Studios. Favorable reviews, radio airplay and a busy tour schedule have created an ever growing fan base & kudos from many major musicians. Shook Twins are currently composing their third album, as well as partnering with fellow Portland musician Ben Darwish on his folk Opera, The Clear Blue Pearl.
The Shook Twins have shared the stage with artists including Ryan Adams, Mason Jennings, Carolina Choclate Drops, Laura Veirs, The FruitBats, Jonatha Brooke, Michelle Shocked, JJ Gray and MoFro, Crooked Still, Jason Webley, TheBoDeans, Elephant Revival, The Head and The Heart and many more.