CTV's The Launch hit television screens from coast-to-coast on Wednesday night with a rock and roll edge and the chance to jumpstart a career. And in the end, when Scott Borchetta told The Static Shift that their version of Wide Awake would be released, they did just that.
The young trio of throwback rock and rollers put forth a bluesy and raw performance on the episode three single, earning them a wide release, grand exposure, and a #1 single on the iTunes charts.
We caught up with Mitchell, Keone and Isaiah on the phone during a busy press run in Toronto to talk about the song, the show, and their music. And even in the car, on little sleep, and on their way to the next important piece of their day, The Static Shift were upbeat, excited, and made us want to hang out with them soon.
From their audition, playing Mr. Big and Oh Captain! My Captain! it was clear that The Static Shift had both talent and the attention of the mentors. It was clear that Scott Borchetta, Nikki Sixx, and Dan Huff were all impressed with what the boys brought to the table in the form of their sound, vibe, and the potential they had with the song. From there, the only question was how would The Static Shift fit with Wide Awake.
Viewers of the episode watched as Mitchell worked through the ranginess of the song, and while there were moments of clarification and a need to really nail down the performance in the booth, it never seemed like it wasn't going to get done, or that there were any questions about what Wide Awake by The Static Shift was going to be.
We asked the band about the song, and its impact on them as a band. Specifically, we wanted to know if the song has become an inspiration point for them as they move forward to new music. The boys told us that their goal in creating music is to combine some of the older rock and roll elements that they love with the newer elements that will allow for their songs to be current and connect with listeners.
They also said that, in the time since recording Wide Awake, they have worked on things like catchy hooks in choruses and guitar licks, taking cues from their first #1.
We talked to the guys about the whirlwind of the last few days, and they said that while they have been super busy, it has been very exciting.
The opportunities to be on TV shows like The Social, etalk, and Your Morning seemed like they were out of reach not that long ago, but now, in the span of 48 hours, they've done all that and more.
When we asked if they'd slept, the answer was "we're trying". And when we went just a little deeper to ask if that was schedule or excitement based, the boys leaned more to the excitement side of things. It's understandable, but when we were on the phone it didn't sound like it was slowing them down.
While we were on the call with The Static Shift we got the guys to play a round of 5 Quick Questions. Here we go...
5 Quick Questions with The Static Shift
Q1) Do you remember the first song you performed together as a band?
The Static Shift) Needs and Greeds (original) - Eric Clapton's Crossroads (cover)
Q2) What were some of the first albums you bought?
Mitchell) Jack White's Fly Farm Blues (7″ single)
Keone) The Beatles' Please Please Me
Isaiah) Coldplay's Mylo Xyloto
Q3) Do you have a dream collaboration partner?
The Static Shift) David Bowie (RIP) and Tame Impala
Q4) Is there a city or venue at the top of your wish list as a band?
The Static Shift) Royal Albert Hall in London
Q5) Is there an artist you think people should be listening to more?
The Static Shift) Whitney and... The Static Shift
During the show, just after the recording process was complete, Scott Borchetta looked at the camera and asked the question "can a rock band break in 2018?". It was a big moment, showing an important piece of the decision making process of whether or not to launch The Static Shift. We asked the band about that moment, and the confidence Scott showed in them to move forward with their version of the song. They acknowledged that it was really cool to know that Scott believed in them and what they could do as a band and what they did with the song.
The Static Shift believes that there's a rock and roll revolution coming, and they want to be part of it. This song, this opportunity, this could be their way in, and after seeing these three young musicians on The Launch, and talking to them on the phone, it feels like they've got what it takes to be part of what comes next.
Listen to Wide Awake, and hit iTunes and Spotify to listen to more from The Static Shift, including their 2014 album, Windsor Street and 2017's Common Bliss.
Wide Awake was written by Nathan Barlowe and Bonnie Baker, and produced by Dan Huff.
