#MusicExchange: The Shabs

The video, which was designed by double bassist Ryan McArthur and animated by Studio Bolland, is a full-on ‘90s punk nostalgia flashback. “The lyrics in the video are made out of stickers of bands (mostly ‘90s punk bands) that we loved, looked up to and imitated as teenagers. It's our homage to the bands that ultimately set our lives on this path,” said the band.

Ryan McArthur goes on to explain the inspiration behind the track itself: “We wrote this song about the dichotomy of being in a band, we get to do what we love, share our message and make our inner 16-year-olds proud.”

The Shabs made up of Jon Shaban on guitar and vocals, Ryan McArthur on double bass and backing vocals and Jon Case on drums. I spoke the band last week, as the band got ready for their European tour.

Enjoy the sharp crisp responses.

When are you happiest?

Definitely when we’re on stage. Preferably playing to people.

What does music mean to you?

It’s pretty much all we do, so it means a lot. We must try keeping it that way and we’ll always love what we do.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

Probably travelling and connecting with like-minded people around the world.

Are you famous?

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. No

What do you think of influencers?

I wish they would use their platforms to be good influences.

What drives you: ego or humility?

When you’re a DIY band on the road, you quite quickly realise that humility is the name of the game. ‘Say no to ego’, that’s what we always say.

Any funny moments on stage?

So many people joined us on stage once to sing along to one of our songs that the stage collapsed.

Which living person do you admire most and why?

We have huge admiration for a lot of other bands we’ve crossed paths with that share the same ethos as us and work to build the live music community by sharing information and always having each other’s backs.

What is your most treasured possession?

I want to say my guitar. I’m sure the rest of the band would want to say their instruments too. Because that’s what a responsible musician would say.

Dream gig to do?

Vans Warped Tour 1996.

What makes you stand out?

Ryan’s stupid dad jokes. He loves them. Everyone else hates them.

If you were not a musician, what would you do?

Sit in traffic more regularly.

Pick five words to describe yourself?

Can we only pick five?

Five favourite SA albums of all time?

Hog Hoggidy Hog - Oink
Tidal Waves - Afrika
Fuzigish - Southern Ska Stomper
Rambling Bones - Watching and Waiting
Winston “Mankunku” Ngozi - Jika

Greatest movie ever made?

Anything with Pauly Shore.

Give us some real proper slang and what it means?

Let’s Tetris this – To pack a car/van/trailer full of gear as efficiently as possible.

Top of your bucket list?

Go to space.

Your greatest achievement?

Our new album Can You Hear Us At The Back.

What do you complain about most often?

The quality of mainstream entertainment and how our backs hurt.

What is your fear?

Getting deported while on tour.

Happiness is?

Not happiness unless it’s happening to us.

On stage, I tend to?

Misplace my drink because Ryan keeps picking it up thinking it’s his.

The best life lesson you have been taught?

Don’t cut corners on renting a reliable car when you’re in Europe.

Do you do charity work and if you do – what do you do?

We are often involved in charity events where we provide the music. It’s a cool way for us to be able to give something back when the opportunities come along.

Wishes and dreams?

Let’s hope they all come true.