Events

[INDIE] Let’s face it: Buffalo’s music scene is pretty insular. And that’s not to imply that there isn’t some amazing talent here, because we all know there is. Heaps of it. But the cost of living has spoiled us all—for better or worse. Why venture too far from home when home’s a pretty sweet deal? So when Den of Lions’ Keith Shuskie ended up on Season 6 of NBC’s The Voice many of us were left scratching our heads… or twirling our moustaches. Not because Shuskie’s undeserving—dude can carry a tune, and you should come hear him do it with Den of Lions at Nietzsche’s on Thursday. It’s more about how that sort of thing just doesn’t happen around here. Turns out, Shuskie was just as surprised as we were. He relayed that the true sense of accomplishment comes from being selected out of the millions that try out and living in a hotel with hundreds of amazing vocalists from all over the country. After a long, hot day of not one, but two gigs, he took time out from camping with his kids for a little sarcastic banter with us. Den of Lions comes to Nietzsche’s on Thursday, August 20 as part of our monthly concert series, The Public Presents, with Fredtown Stompers and Grace Stumberg.

What inspires you most about being a musician in Buffalo?
Just being a part of Buffalo’s growth is inspiration for a local artist… And, y’know, chicken wings.
 
Do you feel that appearing on The Voice was a natural progression in your professional trajectory?
I went from being semi-known in Buffalo to a household name in Buffalo…Well let’s be serious, more like household moustache in Buffalo.
 
What are some of the great things that televised competitions are doing for our culture?
Teaching everyone that, “You too can be famous… For 15 minutes.” Oh, and that Adam Levine is hot. (laughs)
 
How does your solo work and band work relate? Or, do they not relate?
Let’s just say they’re both dysfunctionally functional. All bands are full of drama queens and I’m my own worst critic. 
 
What’s your favorite fashion trend from the summer of 2015?
Definitely the man-bun… It’s actually more like I love to hate them.