Local rockers Shaman’s Harvest making big noise in music scene

Local rockers Shaman’s Harvest stayed on the charts throughout much of 2010, while turning down record deals and staying independent. From left, the band is drummer Craig Wingate; rhythm guitarist Josh Hamler; singer Nathan “Drake” Hunt; bassist Matt Fisher and lead guitarist Ryan Tomlinson.

By Gerry Tritz

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

For Jefferson City rockers Shaman’s Harvest, how do you top 2010?

The five-member alternative rock band had a huge year with the success of its fourth album, “Shine,” and first nationally released single, “Dragonfly.” The band toured nationally with established bands as “Dragonfly” soared up the charts, landing on a movie soundtrack and becoming the theme song for a pro hockey team.

One of the few things the band didn’t accomplish in 2010 was getting a record deal, despite rumors that a contract was imminent. But they didn’t get turned down — they’re the ones who told the labels where to go.

“We went and did several showcases for labels early in the year, and the offers, they were just ---- offers,” singer Nathan “Drake” Hunt said. “They didn’t really believe in us. But the fans of the radio stations would call in and request the song. They forced the stations to play it.”

Rhythm guitarist Josh Hamler said that with the music industry tanking, the labels that haven’t succumbed to the economy/music pirating aren’t willing to take chances on anyone.

“We’ve had opportunities to sign with every major record label that’s around in the U.S.,” Hamler said. “The way the industry is, they didn’t have the power to offer us a legitimate deal. Not that it wasn’t legitimate, but it wasn’t in our best interest.”

But with national success, the band realized it needed more professional help. So it added a Los Angeles booking agent to its management team, which originally consisted of band members and their parents.

Now, band members are breathing a sigh of relief that they didn’t sign. As record companies started merging and folding, other bands on the road started telling Shaman’s Harvest their horror stories about being dropped from labels and being left without any tour support.

“Here we are, we still own 100 percent of our music, our creativity,” Hamler said. “At the end of the day, we really felt it was a wise decision to keep doing what we’re doing.”

Just as band members were second-guessing themselves, Sevendust guitarist Clint Lowery contacted them to give them a thumbs up on their decision to stay independent.

“We’re not opposed to a label, but it has to be beneficial to us,” Hamler said.

Meanwhile, the band isn’t taking a breather after its breakout year. It’s in the process of recording a followup to “Shine,” hoping to use its momentum to gain more national exposure and hopefully ink distribution deals in Europe and Asia.

Two of the songs have been recorded for what might be an eight-song EP, which the band hopes to finish in March. Band members are tight-lipped about the songs, but Hunt says one will be a cover of a song they grew up with.

In its typical genre-defying tradition, Shaman’s Harvest expects the new album to have songs ranging from heavy southern blues influence to flat-out heavy. Hamler promised “a solid rock album, full of good songs, and great guitar riffs and good hooks.

“I’m kind of biased, but I think it’s really some of our best stuff yet,” he said.

For the most part, the band members have given up their day jobs and are supporting their families through the band, which remains based in Jefferson City. Missouri's Capital City might not be a music hotspot like Nashville or Los Angeles, but Hamler said they’ve never really considered relocating.

“I guess that’s the good-oldboy mentality, just trying to be true to ourselves and where we came from,” Hamler said. “Hats off to people who leave to pursue their dream, but this is where we’re from.

“Besides,” he added, “cigarettes and beer are a lot cheaper here than anywhere else in the country.”

Band’s top 10 highlights of 2010

“Dragonfly,” the band’s first nationally released single, peaked at No. 15 on the rock charts.
Recorded “Broken Dreams” for World Wrestling Entertainment in December. The WWE uses the song on its “Smackdown” show as the entrance music for pro wrestler Drew McIntyre.
The band shrugged off injuries to play its first arena, Sprint Center in Kansas City, opening for AC/DC.
“Dragonfly” became the Chicago Blackhawks’ theme song for the 2010-11 season.
Voted top 50 acts of 2010 by Mediabase and top five new acts by Clear Channel Communications.
Played more than 15 festivals, many of which had around 20,000 people.
Opened for or toured with various big-name bands, including Godsmack, Puddle of Mudd, Danzig and Alice in Chains.
“Dragonfly” was included in the “Legendary” soundtrack.
Sold more than 100,000 copies of “Dragonfly” on iTunes.
On iTunes, “Broken Dreams” becomes the No. 1-selling WWE-produced theme song.

You Tube

Dragonfly video - Shaman's Harvest

Shaman's Harvest music video for "Dragonfly" from the CD release "SHINE".

More like this story

jcresident 2 years, 3 months ago

Love it!

Rison 2 years, 3 months ago

Nice for them to FINALLY get recognized in their hometown. These are some good guys who've been putting on great shows and making great music for a long time here. If you are a fan of rock music, you'll love "Shine". The entire album is good. Everyone loves "Dragonfly" including me, but if you like your rock with a nod to country and blues, listen to "Devil's Gift", it's my favorite.

nunyabidness 2 years, 3 months ago

I met these guys years ago at a county fair, got two cds and had them autograph them. They were awesome and super nice. Way to go guys.

wcywing 2 years, 3 months ago

the band been around since 1999. nice to see some locals make it big. it took how long to get recognized from there own town?!

usmc00 2 years, 3 months ago

I don't think they are worth a wooden nickel. OVERATED thats why there not really going anywhere. How long they been trying this now? There bass player has been trying sell his amp for 3x what its worth on craigslist for 4 months now.

JMO 2 years, 3 months ago

Is there really a reason to post just to bad-mouth a band you don't care for? I like their music. Lots of people do. Why begrudge them a little story in the local paper?

Rison 2 years, 3 months ago

Look at who you asking. This usmc00 cat is a character, one who I knew had trouble spelling, but now I see apparently can't read either.

usmc00 2 years, 3 months ago

I can state my opinion like the next person. OVERATED going nowhere.

Rison 2 years, 3 months ago

Okay. Perhaps if you read the article you will see that you are intrinsically wrong, although you will never admit it. Success, which they have achieved, does not equal overrated and going nowhere. Now, if they don't fit your taste, okay, say that. But your taste isn't keeping them from touring with the biggest names in rock.

I am also entitled to my own opinion. This is it: as a poster, you aren't worth a wooden nickel, you are going nowhere.

usmc00 2 years, 3 months ago

How can you judge one you have never met? They just OPEN shows for big bands. They have accomplished alittle and I am happy for them. But still think there overated. With out the internet they wouldn't be anywhere. Its easy to gain fans on facebook, and twitter and myspace. Look at the old days of say Led Zeppelin it took them very little time and they had none of these means. Just an example. If they was as good as some think they would have a nice record deal. Wouldn't you think?

Rison 2 years, 3 months ago

READ THE FREAKING ARTICLE! They have turned down deals from every major label and even got a call from Sevendust congratulating them on that very fact. I understand you don't like them, I get that. That doesn't change their success. They became huge in the Western US over the past year and were headliners. I don't care if you don't like something pesonally, but at least read the article and admit you are wrong about their success. Did they turn you down to join the band or something? This is why I don't get on here anymore. People like you who cannot admit they are wrong.

bluesfan13 2 years, 3 months ago

With out the internet they wouldn't be anywhere. Its easy to gain fans on facebook, and twitter and myspace.

That's irony for you right there, internet tough guy.

I hate to break it to you, but saying "without the internet..." in today's world is like saying "Without FM radio, Led Zepplin would have gotten no where". It's an online world, and if you can't be popular and get your music out on the internet, then you might as well pack it in.

usmc00 2 years, 3 months ago

Never hear them on the radio. NEVER see any of there albums for sell ANYWHERE but and the county fair. I don't go to ANY shows of them but I'd say thats where you buy them at. Like any other band. I even made it a point to look while buying new cds at walmart and NOT there. I wonder why. I would think a local band would have its CDS for sell in the local stores. Maybe slackers has some but very doubtful. I don't need one anyway but I was seeing if there was something I missed and I didn't. I still stick with my opinion. OVERATED.

JMO 2 years, 3 months ago

We GET it! You DON'T like their music. Your OPINION is NOTED!

BTW, for anyone who does care, you can get thier stuff off Amazon.com, where I intend to buy a cd shortly - mostly because of this article. No one wanting any "newer" rock music buys from Wal-Mart anymore. I have a 15 yr old son who lives and breathes rock and metal. Trust me on this, buying on-line is the best way to find any new bands cd's.

bluesfan13 2 years, 3 months ago

You make it a point to search stores for albums you don't like?? Slackers carries them, as does Best Buy. They're independantly produced, so they sell them directly through their internet site as well. If you're looking to Target and Wal-Mart for your music selection, then that says it all right there. You wonder why Wal-Mart doesn't carry a local band's CD?? Seriously? They're on the radio here, in St. Louis, and on Sirius.

usmc00 2 years, 3 months ago

This Rison dog is a character. Must be deaf to enjoy the noise of this band.

Rison 2 years, 3 months ago

Yeah, me and millions of others who've downloaded their music, bought their albums, and seen them on the biggest stages. What have you done? Complained about local news on a Jeffeson City newspaper website. Well done.

usmc00 2 years, 3 months ago

What biggest stage have you seen them on? This article is not about me. And what I have done is went to war to fight for my country. What have you done? played in a local bad. hung out as a roadie?

Rison 2 years, 3 months ago

Oh, he pulled out the "fought for my country" card. Classy. Thanks for your service. This has NOTHING to do with that.

I could make my handle Bill Gates, but it won't make me a billionaire. It doesn't matter who I am or what I've done, this article isn't about me.

And you're right, this article is not about you, either. It is about the success of some local guys who made it big in Rock music. Our conversation is about you degrading them for no reason.

And again, READ THE ARTICLE if you want to know where they've played.

usmc00 2 years, 3 months ago

That because your a local BUM and have done nothing productive. Or your a coward and can't reply back with anything. Dont worrie roadie there may be something for you in the future.

Rison 2 years, 3 months ago

You win.

wcywing 2 years, 3 months ago

well they have good resume. besides it takes time for some bands to get their due. not all good bands were created overnight. selling 100,000 copies of a song on itunes is no small feat.

Upbeat 2 years, 3 months ago

Actually, I did some homework on the amp. It appears to sell for $2000 new, he's asking $900. I don't think you can get at amp of that caliber for $300. These guys have great music with a different sound that people of all ages love-I'm very proud of them for being different and holding on to what they believe in. Hats off to Shaman's-You guys rock!!!

usmc00 2 years, 3 months ago

Differernt sound alright. Just like most the other bands now days.

jeffcitygirl 2 years, 3 months ago

USMC so is it you that has been badmouthing them on the craiglist boards? You seem to have way too much time and way too much negativity, I hope things get better for you and you can find a way to be happy someday.

usmc00 2 years, 3 months ago

Nope but I did see it not too long ago in the music section. I'd say that was local bands that did that. I don't play anymore and haven't for quite sometime. There is alot of rivalry around here with bands. SOme are friends and some will backstab a person. One person who I do mis seeing localy Is Brian Petersons band. Seen him at Bones one night about 5 years ago and liked them alot.

jeffcitygirl 2 years, 3 months ago

Wow..that just made me lose any credibility in musical taste I might have afforded you. That band was plum awful and he was a jerk and a half.

gofish 2 years, 3 months ago

Great Band! Saw them open for Puddle of Mud at the Blue Note a few years ago and bought 2 cd's.

JMO 2 years, 3 months ago

People, do really we have to get so personal? I'm all for freedom of opinion, but I think it's time to stop commenting and reading comments when you start bashing each other on a personal level. And about a band? The abortion protest story didn't get this bad.

usmc00 2 years, 3 months ago

Its fun to argue. I don't get to do it enough is my only complaint. Sometimes I do it just to irritate sometimes I do it share my opinion. Today was just my opinion but quickly became to irritate. Teasing state workers is the best sometimes. I honestly don't mean no harm to anyone.

JMO 2 years, 3 months ago

And shockingly, it was you I was defending.

usmc00 2 years, 3 months ago

Thats why I replied don't worry about me. There isn't a thing that will get to me anymore. Thanks though. I will remember to be kind to you in the future post. I get hate mail from people on here daily. It just make me want to post more because I know they must have been very upset to go throught that trouble. If they asked nice or said they didn't like what I said then I would apoligize. But they send hate mail wanting me dead and telling me to rot in hell. The list goes on. None of this means anything to me. Thanks Again though. I will remember.

online_editor 2 years, 3 months ago

Arguing solely to irritate is commonly referred to on the Internet as trolling. It consists of posting disingenuous or repetitive statements to bait others into emotionally over-reacting and to elevate the level of emotional responses, rather than to advance one's actual opinion. I encourage everyone to express and clarify their opinions on issues, but please don't post with the express intent to irritate. It tends to lead the forum away from discussion of the issues into a shouting match, which makes the forum less valuable to most readers and participants. Nothing posted on this forum justifies hate mail, of course. That is disturbing. Feel free to report to us any abuse sent through this system. Thanks. --Rick Brown, online editor, News Tribune

jeffcitygirl 2 years, 3 months ago

These guys have been busting their rears for 10 years, practicing every day in a storage shed for years, many nights away from their wives and children, on the road with pennies to pay for food, etc. They have worked hard and deserve the success they are just beginning to enjoy. I don't know any more dedicated musicians in this town. As far as their musical style, that's up to the listener to decide if the music moves them or not, and you don't get to number 15 on a billboard chart if a majority doesn't feel your sound. Congrats guys!!

misshoneybee 2 years, 3 months ago

Mmmmmmmmmm....Mama likes! MA-MAH Liiiiiikes! Fixing to BUY this stuff, NOW!

MK 2 years, 3 months ago

Never really paid attention to the band or their music and didn't know they were local. After watching the video here, I am impressed. Planning on listening to more of their stuff now.

livemusic 2 years, 3 months ago

Good article. Our friends have worked hard, played hard and deserve this recognition. The music industry isn't based upon quality music and living your dreams. It's based on business. For Shaman's to still own their music, is amazing! Keep rockin' it and taking YOUR music to the people directly. Peace.

Mamasita 2 years, 3 months ago

Never doubted you'd make it!!! It's great to see you keep representing the "Show Me State". Keep on doing your thing...follow those dreams. Nothing like the good ol' home-grown entertainment. We can't wait to see what's next!!! Show us some more....Thanks again.

3DMom 2 years, 3 months ago

I don't see much rivalry at all with the local bands. Not sure which ones you've dealt with, but all the bands I know (including mine) are incredibly supportive of each other. If we can't do a gig, we'll pass along someone else's number so they can have a shot at it. We cooperate and enjoy each other. The Shaman's boys are still one of us and we're really proud of them. They've worked hard to get where they are - it didn't happen overnight. You don't have to like the music, but you should admire their dedication and the loyalty they've shown to the hometown crowd.

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