UK-based outfit The Shellers—aka producer Lawaun Bernard and vocalist Jamal Bucanon—have released their debut EP, Long Live The Shellers. Capitalising on the increasingly blurred lines in club music, the pair take influence from grime and garage culture (hence the name), but there tastes are much broader than that, citing Gorillaz, Amy Winehouse and Kendrick as equally inspiring.
There’s also an echo of The Streets at times; Jamal’s highly relatable story of navigating the rat race on “Work No More” has that sort of homespun quality, not to mention the club element, but The Shellers come from a darker time than Skinner and that makes itself heard from the get-go.
Though essentially a duo, the EP does rope in a cast of characters to help them fully realise their sound. Chief amongst them is Toddla T, who assumes the role of executive producer and lends his soundsystem expertise. They’ve also recruited a full live band to fill out their sound, adding strings, brass and percussion for extra depth.
Speaking on what it was like working with the duo, Toddla T shares: “Working with The Shellers was a joy. We share a lot of musical influences, and it pushed me further. From not only an art point of view but from a friendship point of view, it was all rewarding.”
Lawaun and Jamal add: “Working with Toddla has helped us to sonically find our sound. This collaboration has enabled us to explore different genres and push our boundaries. We never dismissed an idea and I think that was key to creating the music that we did. Beyond the music, it was the conversations with Toddla that gave us confidence to just believe in ourselves.”
Take in The Shellers after the jump.
