Shiragirl: Breaking strings and being positively reckless?

Blend the delicious sounds of punk rock and hip hop, a “do your own thing” philosophy, and 5 girls who want to have fun and start a riot (girrrl), and you’ve got Brooklyn’s Shiragirl ready to provoke and allow you to let loose.
The band performed with its new line-up at Maxwell’s in Hoboken, NJ this past Friday with the infamous Donita Sparks (of L7) and SexPod.

Shiragirl’s set was filled with new songs, notably, “Reklys,” “Anthem,” and “Tantrum,” which you can stream on its MySpace page. The new songs were refreshing, the lyrics seemed much stronger and the music more focused and tighter than ever before with its new players. The group’s show is meant to make you dance and sing-along, while Shira moves around members, through the crowd and back, in her pink attire imposing her sexy antics.

After the performance, Shira sat down with me in the basement of the tiny restaurant club of Maxwell’s to discuss the groups new line-up, the new record, and upcoming shows.

Shiragirl is Shira (vocals and lyrics), Rainey P (drums and musical director), Sammy D. Evil (bass), Foxy Roxy (lead guitar), and Jas (rhythm guitar).

Through some serendipitous coincidence and friends, Shiragirl was able to find the right members to bring together a “real band” sound, Shira said.

The band worked with Joey-Z of Life of Agony for its forthcoming, currently untitled, second album at Method of Groove studios in Brooklyn.

Shira describes the music as a fusion of sounds called "punk-hop" with a catchy, melodic feel, screams and raps.

“The record is more rock than anything though,” she said.

The lyrical quality Shira presents is still positive and about expressing yourself.

“The new album is about being yourself, staying in the game, living in the present, getting the most out of everyday, and just learning from experiences,” she said.

Shira attributes a good deal of the record, in part, to drummer Raine, who served as the musical director for the album, helping write guitar and bass parts.

“Her musical innovation and direction shines through on the new record,” said Shira.

Shira also noted how the band makes her feel alive, especially when she performs. It allows her to spread messages she believes in, like feminism.

“It’s important to have a message without being too didactic,” she said. “I think another important aspect of what we do is empowering, especially girls, but everyone in general to be able to express themselves.”

The album is expected out this Fall, but don’t fret until then. In the meanwhile, you can catch the band at an upcoming show, where you can hear tons of new songs and check out the MySpace page for the summer ep album sampler, “COMING SOON.”

The band will be playing its fifth year on select dates on this summer's Warped Tour, bringing back the all-girl, Shiragirl stage. Off dates include a tour with Civet and BlameShift.

Before Warped Tour you can check out Shiragirl's two Brooklyn events. Tonight the band performs an all age’s show at Sputnik, 262 Taafee Place, Brooklyn, NY. $10. 6:30pm.

Next Saturday, June 14, Shiragirl perform a free show at Prospect Park for Brooklyn Pride, alongside a number of diverse acts. Brooklyn Pride is an annual event to commemorate, educate, and promote the Stonewall Riots.

“We look forward to playing Brooklyn Pride,” said Shira. “It’s going to be awesome and a few thousand people should be there, so it’ll be a good crowd. Come out to the shows, visit the website, and spread the word.”

Maxwell's, 6/6/08, Setlist:
Reklys
Drama
GoGoGo
Suburbia
Tantrum
Days
Roll with the CREW
Roxy's
Terror
Anthem

Lites out