For the intense and angsty post-punk band The Shackeltons, music isn't just a passion. The music they create encompasses every fiber of their being. Their goal isn't to be the most revered band in the world; but that they truly touch their audience with their songs (though being the most revered band in the world wouldn't hurt either.)

"I hope our music is like a friend to the listener. A friend in a torrent storm. A friend in the mystery of life. A friend in the aching and yearning of life. That is what music has been to me," said Shackeltons frontman Mark Redding, addressing the question so fluidly that his regular speech could be mistaken for lyrics or poetry.

The Shackeltons are Mark Redding (vocals), Eric Fisak (guitar), Dan Schuchman (guitar), Justin McDaniel (bass), and Sean Hallock (drums). The band came together in June of 2004, and despite a few band member replacements; they have continuously rolled along successfully. Since their inception, the band has released two EPs and two CDs, the latest release being a self-titled CD from Loveless Records that was let loose for the masses in late January.

"Every time we record, it’s as if our lives depend on it," Redding said of the band's efforts on all of their releases. "We are too poor to take these things for granted and we are honored that someone wants to record us."

After recent features in Rolling Stone and Spin Magazine praised the band's latest album, Redding has been operating on a natural high. "I thought the world was becoming a better place," he said. "World peace just might be possible now that a few people know about our band."

Like most of the indie bands working their way into the music business, The Shackeltons come from humble beginnings. The band is from Chambersburg, PA. The area is not very well known for its punk scene, but the band was happy to perform their music and collaborate with other local artists to aid in the scene's revival.

"Four years ago we played in a warehouse in our hometown. The venue was also a homeless shelter. The crowd was a good 100 kids packed in and everyone was dancing and sweating. That felt good," Redding recalled.

Now having traveled extensively, including to such events as the South by Southwest Festival in Texas, The Shackeltons aren't just putting on shows. Instead, they prepare the stage around them to create a scene for their audiences. "We decorate the stage with flowers, Christmas lights, and old telephones." For a personal touch, Redding says "I drench my head with water to feel awake and ready for the battle."

However, being ready for the battle doesn't mean that performances come without surprises. The Shackeltons have had their share of odd occurrences while on the road. Redding recalls one night where he had the joy of "getting my hair chopped by a ceiling fan at a basement show, then having some guy poor beer over me to honor me for my performance."

"I didn't want to get my hair chopped off by that ceiling fan or to be baptized by the beer can guy, but that is Baltimore," Redding quipped. "They love danger and stinky beer."

When it comes to the band's touring ambitions, they still have a lot of ground to cover. Like many bands before them, The Shackeltons are ready to visit and spread their music to countries across the globe. What countries are the band members really looking forward to seeing? "Iceland, Australia, Norway, England, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Ireland, and Denmark to name a few."

"The world is a wonderful place. I love people and places," said Redding. "There is a story in the land, the homes, the bakeries, the bikes, the scarves, the hats, the hopes, the temperatures, the air, the birds, the laughter, the tears, the silence, and the prayers."

While conquering the world show by show, Redding has a few ideas as to the bands with whom The Shackeltons could share the spotlight. "I respect bands like Eagle Seagull, FM Belfast, Gnarls Barkley, Vampire Weekend, Cold War Kids, and Skeleton Breath. Touring with all those bands would be a great tour. Music for the joy of music."

They also have a few artists they only wish they could have had the opportunity to work with. "Otis Redding and Johnny Cash, but they have passed on to the other shore."

As the heavy-hitting band soars toward success on radio and on stage, Redding also isn't afraid to dip into the world of television. "I would like to have our band play on any TV show. It would be great to have the Shackeltons on Oprah. My mom wants this, but my band would rather play Conan, Letterman, Kimmel, or Daly."

And if he weren't playing music on the television? "I really would like to get on a bunch of reality shows and tell folks to stop it," said Redding. "I have had enough of the lives of the 'used to be famous'."

So, what does a busy band like The Shackeltons do in their free time nowadays? Redding was able to give us a good idea in just a few words like: write, read, Scrabble, eat, and coffee.

"I do love to take a long nap," Redding also added. It was quick and easy... until the spare time topic turned toward sports. "I love basketball. I also am a decent soccer player. Ping pong is nice. Hide and go seek in the state park pool is fun. Nerf ping pong rules. Mini golf is fun."

It looks like these guys have a lot to do!

You can find out more about The Shackeltons at www.theshackeltons.com.

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3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."