We Are The Shake Ups!
The Shake Ups are an award-winning, Midwestern-based power-pop music collective that blends co-ed vocals, bouncy melodies and infectious energy into a refreshingly charming sound. The Shake Ups are comprised of Patrick O'Connor (vocals, guitars), Savannah O'Connor (keyboards, vocals), Lee Cherolis (bass), Luisanna Rodriguez (vocals, percussion), Ed Cho (guitars) and Steve Hinckley (drums). Originally formed in 2005, The Shake Ups have independently released several full-length albums on their own Gelatinous Productions and Murk-Ta imprints alongside projects with indie labels Blindspot and Not Lame. The Shake Ups have performed at San Diego's legendary House of Blues and at events such as the International Pop Overthrow Festival and Blitzkrieg Bash, among others.
In the summer of 2013, The Shake Ups began performing original songs inspired by their favorite cartoons. Over the successive five-year period, the band released projects dedicated to Emmy-award-winning series Steven Universe, DreamWorks’ reboot of the sci-fi fantasy classic Voltron, and pop culture phenomenon My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic. The band’s releases have been acclaimed not only by young followers of the respective series but also by parents, teachers, and even musicians and voice talent from the series themselves. The Shake Ups have appeared across the U.S. at conventions such as GenCon, Wizard World, Comic Con, Pop Con, BronyCon, BabsCon, Ponycon, Ciderfest, Whinny City, and Youmacon, among others. Nuvo Newsweekly's annual reader's poll awarded The Shake Ups the title of 'Best Local Pop' for three consecutive years.
The band’s latest album, Meddling Kids, is a Saturday morning cartoon-fueled power-pop extravaganza! Unlike previous releases, Meddling Kids features original tunes based on a variety of different series, both recent (She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, Star Vs. the Forces of Evil, Marvel Rising, Gravity Falls) and vintage (He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, ThunderCats). Meddling Kids also serves as a celebration of 50 years of Scooby Doo; and The Shake Ups took the opportunity to release their version of the show’s classic theme song.
The band continues to build on its reputation as a primary force in the independent music community, bringing joy to children of all ages, as well as pop culture enthusiasts and the indie music echelon. The Shake Ups are professional crowd pleasers… and the galaxy’s most animated band!
““Power-pop songs about cartoons and pop culture! Fun, catchy and great… If you like comics or cartoons, you’re going to love The Shake Ups!”
-Hop On Power Pop
”Irresistible pop music combined with excellent harmonies...The Shake Ups are professional crowd pleasers.”
-Indy Concerts
”A breath of fresh air.”
-Ear Candy Magazine
”The great thing about The Shake Ups is that the band is best known for putting on all-ages concerts at various conventions...It’s cool that kids and their families have a little space of their own at cons to enjoy some nerd music.”
-Comics Alliance
”It takes dedication and a straight face to deliver music this deliriously proud of its origins. ‘Meddling Kids’ is the right sort of festive bombast that Scooby-Doo deserves.”
- Geek Dad
”Joyful pop songs overflowing with bright melodies and candy-coated harmonies...Bursts of electric guitar add a nice counterpoint to the sweetness.”
-Active Dayton
”A taste explosion for the senses.”
-Canterlot Radio
”The Shake Ups hit upon a formula that appeals to both kids and the power-pop community. ‘Meddling Kids’ is a great listen, particularly when accompanied by a bowl of Scooby Snacks.”
- I Don’t Hear A Single
”Catchy and fun! The sheer undiluted glee displayed by the audience, especially the younger members, made The Shake Ups one of the most enjoyable events of the entire convention!”
-Dreaming About Other Worlds
”Filled with light-hearted beats and catchy tunes.”
-Everfree News
”One of my favorites! I find their music fun, upbeat, and it makes me happy!”
-Indiana Geeking
”It’s amazing how The Shake Ups extract hidden potential from [cartoons] and produce it into a new form of media.”
-Lycan Dese Beats”
