We Talk The Clams, Hunx and His Punx, and What Her Ultimate Fantasy Girl Band Would Be!

Introduce yourself!

My name is Shannon Shaw. I am in Shannon and the Clams and Hunx and His Punx, and I live in Oakland, CA.

How would you describe your music in Shannon and the Clams vs. Hunx and His Punx?

Both bands are inspired by oldies and punk because that's what we love. Hunx is more funny and wild and simple with a MUST SEE stage show and Clams are more emotional, intricate, and weird! Very unique bands!

What are you coming out with next, and what are some of your musical inspirations?

I started the long process of beginning a new album. I am currently working on demos and lists and lists of inspirations (which is how I did the last two albums), where I collect images and music videos and songs, and just immerse myself in that world while I'm writing. This upcoming album is going to be accompanied by as many music videos as I can get! I've been watching a lot of videos from bands I love in black and white from old television shows where theres a bunch of shadow play, platform dancers, interesting symmetry and not-so-good dancing. The Shelley Fabares cover of My Prayer is a prime example--also Dave Berry the Crying Game has been playing a lot lately. I'm also trying to challenge myself to write a song that is really bare bones yet totally powerful like The Zombies "The Way I Feel Inside." That song is just vocals and eventually organ--quiet as heck organ!--and it's one of the most beautiful songs. If I can pull something like that off 1/10th as well, I'll be happy as a clam.

Who are some of your ultimate music beauty icons?

Ronnie Spector, David Bowie, Brigitte Bardot, Divine, and Adam Ant.

If you could form the ultimate fantasy girl band with musicians living or dead, who would be in the band? 

Well, ultimately I would have a huge chorus of Mama Cass, Etta James, Patsy Cline, Timi Yuro, Patty Schemel on drums, Sister Rosetta Tharpe on guitar, Suzie Quatro on bass, church lady from SNL on the organ, and Rachel from MMOSS on flute.

What posters did you have on your wall growing up?

Anything I could steal from my big brothers or tear out of Metal Hammer or Hit Parader. My favorite poster for many years though was a giant Terminator 2 Judgement Day poster. It was supposed to be my Christmas gift because I was a major Arnold fan and was emotionally touched by the first film. Anyway, I got busted peeking through my mom's closet at Christmas presents, so I was not allowed to open my gifts for a long time and didn't get the poster until my birthday in May! It was my most treasured poster and totally worth the wait. Through the years it had many hearts drawn all over it and Arnold's lips started to wear out because they were so covered in Smackers chapstick kisses.

What do you usually keep in your makeup bag?

Black liquid liner, mascara, and chapstick--at all times.

What are your favorite beauty products?

I swear by Liquidlast Liner by M.A.C Cosmetics. It's hard to put on just because you cannot let your eyelids crease for several minutes while it dries, but once it dries it will absolutely not smudge or come off--I can go swimming in it! 

What is your signature scent?

Creamy coconut oil.

What’s the best and worst beauty advice you’ve ever received?

Coconut oil in the hair. It works for people with big thick luscious hair, but not for fine-baby-cotton-candy hair like mine! It just makes me hair a flat, gross, greasy little rat pile--yuck.