Artist description Having recently entered the L.A. scene, the unique allure of the hip new indie-rock quartet Shana and the FIRE has become infectious. The FIRE’s modern, driving pop melodies embrace lead singer Shana Lie-Nielsen’s sweet, sincere vocals in a delicious groove that is intensely satisfying, and even orgasmic at times. The rich textural voicings and brilliant attack of John Baker’s guitar offer lush compliment to Shana’s raw, power-pop guitar hooks, while the thumping rhythm section of John David Young (bass) and Michael Villegas (drums) provides a compelling foundation. In a sugary smoke above the flame, Shana sings, whispers, raps, and howls through soul-baring lyrical poetry that unfolds new meaning with every listen. Drawing from many diverse influences, Shana and the FIRE have kindled a fresh, distinct sound that is quickly becoming the city of angels’ newest addiction. Shana takes the stage as a strat-wielding heroine, a fiery beauty exuding a sparkling, contagious energy that keeps audiences coming back for more. After playing in clubs such as Molly Malone’s and the Crooked Bar in Hollywood, the band hit the studio in summer of 2002 to complete their debut EP blindsight, which will be available in August. Preliminary mixes of the release have already begun to excite a growing online and offline fan base, as listeners claim the melodies dance in their heads for days. Growing up in Atlanta, Shana started her musical career in her youth, training in both classical piano and flute. Her rock debut, and her first critical notices, came as the lead singer (and flautist) of the Charlottesville, VA ensemble Charming. As the band developed an audience in the Charlottesville and Washington, D.C. areas, SCENE magazine stated, “This girl is not afraid to be a rock star”. Her song “Mississippi” became a fan favorite, generating college radio in several states, and was eventually released on Paint With Sound, a compilation album put out by DeepReverb records. A second song, “Paralyzed”, appeared on the SpinART Records compilation Lemonlime Vol. 2. Leaving Charming, Shana moved to New York to pursue an art career. While in New York, she released an independent EP under the name Scarlet the Chiseler – an eclectic collection of highly unique tracks ranging from stylized and witty James Bond and Eno-influenced pop-rock-tronica to moody, breathy ballads in the vein of Serge Gainsbourg or Tom Waits. She also became involved with the Interactive Performance Group, planning and executing several performance pieces and art installations. Music briefly took a backseat to a successful entrepreneurial career as Shana co-founded a thriving web design company. However, as world markets and the internet economy came crashing down, she found herself drawn more strongly to songwriting as a way to express the feelings of anxiety and helplessness beginning to overtake her. After witnessing the events of September 11th firsthand, Shana would spend nights singing out her window to the smoke rising from the southern tip of Manhattan, and began to feel that music was a way of healing the world around her. Her songs became more personal and yet more universal in their emotional depth. Shana’s lyrics speak of the trials and heartbreaks we all must endure and overcome… “and you rock yourself to sleep… and you sold your soul to numb sensation, and you throw your heart into the street, ‘cause you’ve lost the only thing worth breathing for anymore…” Realizing that life is short, and following an inner calling, Shana hit the road to Los Angeles, relishing the sunshine, space, and vibrant music scene. After playing solo sets at several local nightspots, Shana met bassist John David Young, a veteran of both the Australian and U.S. musical scenes, and Michael Villegas, formerly an Austin-based drummer who has worked with Ian Moore and Joe Ely. The opportunity to collaborate with a rhythm section of such style and experience intrigued her, and the FIRE was born. When it seemed that a second guitarist could round out the band’s sound, Young recommended John Baker, an experienced axeman (whose credits include work with George Benson, Aaliyah, and Jeff Porcaro) with whom he had played in other projects. Shana and the FIRE is currently playing shows in the Hollywood area. The band plans to release a full-length album in the spring of 2003. More on the FIRE: John David Young (bass): John David Young started playing at age 11 in Australia, then left school to become a professional musician at the age of 14. During this period, John recorded and toured with many of the major names in Australian music, such as Johnny Farnham, Marcia Hines, Ayers Rock, and the Easy Beats, in addition to touring with major American artists such as Fleetwood Mac and Chuck Berry. Eventually John re-located to the U.S., where he continued his performing career, working with blues and soul artists such as Chubby Checker, the Platters, and Otis Rush. John has also composed and produced music for commercials, films, and theater. John Baker (lead guitar): John Baker hails from Denver, Colorado. Through studying classical guitar from a young age, John developed incredible technique, sensitivity and a unique sound all his own, which later also led to a very distinctive composing style. After turning his parents' basement into a recording studio, playing shows with his band The Envy throughout the Midwest and landing songs on local radio, he headed for Los Angeles to pursue a professional music career. John quickly launched a new band, set up one of the first hard-disc recording studios in Los Angeles and since worked with the likes of George Benson, Aaliyah, Brian Auger, Jeff Porcaro and Ray Brown. John began using his studio for narration and dialog production and has over 150 spoken-word dramas under his belt, producing and directing performers such as Burt Reynolds, Michael York, Suzanne Somers, Larry King and Edward James Olmos. John also writes, plays and sings for the Scavengers, a creative collaboration formed with German drummer Mario Basner. Michael Villegas (drums): Michael Villegas grew up in Texas, where he started his performing career in 1992 as the drummer for Ian Moore. Moore was an up-and-coming Austin artist at a time when Austin was the premiere “scene” in the Southwest, and Michael backed him up for six years. Michael’s drumming is featured on Moore’s eponymous 1992 debut album, as well as on the 1994 release Live from Austin. Following his stint with Moore, Michael joined Austin legend Joe Ely’s band for several tours. Besides his work with The FIRE, Michael will also be featured on a forthcoming Ely studio project, currently set for release in the spring of 2003. Michael is also working with the Malibu Vineyard Church, helping to develop three bands in residence there.

Music Style indie rock/pop with a touch of electronica

Musical Influences U2, pixies, moby, sebadoh, hatfield, the cure, the sundays, james bond theme songs

Similar Artists mixtures of U2, Julianna Hatfield, Sonic Youth, Cure

Group Members John Young: bass, band leader John Baker: electric guitar, sound engineer Michael Villegas: drums Shana: electric rhythm guitar, vox, songwriting

Instruments 2 electric guitars, bass, drums, female vox

Albums blindsight EP

Location Los Angeles, CA - USA

Copyright notice. All material on MP3.com is protected by copyright law and by international treaties. You may download this material and make reasonable number of copies of this material only for your own personal use. You may not otherwise reproduce, distribute, publicly perform, publicly display, or create derivative works of this material, unless authorized by the appropriate copyright owner(s).