Last year, Shannon and The Clams unveiled their deeply personal album, The Moon Is In The Wrong Place, a poignant exploration of grief following the tragic loss of bandleader Shannon Shaw’s fiancé, Joe Haener. Now, the Oakland-based garage rock ensemble returns with their latest single, “Wax & String,” a track that delves into the profound connections we forge with everyday objects.
Guitarist Cody Blanchard sheds light on the song’s inspiration, stating:
“This song is about the way people attach deep meaning to inanimate objects. The ease with which we do this,how natural it is for us. The innate compulsion towards superstition, witchery, sacred objects, cursed objects. It’s in us. A teddy bear,a pocketknife,a weird rock,a sacred idol,a garment.”
“In Aliens (1986), Ripley checks inside a filthy doll’s head for bad dreams to comfort an orphaned child. The child replies, ‘it’s just a piece of plastic.’ Which is true. But also it doesn’t matter. It was the only thing she had to comfort her after her parents died, and it helped.”
“In retrospect, I think this concept bubbled into my subconscious right after Joe died.I had to go into Joe and Shannon’s empty apartment to get something of his and water the plants he left behind, as it was way too painful for Shannon to return yet.Going through his things, feeling very shook up at seeing and touching the objects that belonged to him, that he used every day, that he intended to use again—things drenched in his psychic presence. The way they were left out or put away for the future. I didn’t really tell anyone about it at the time.Something about interacting with these things was very emotional in a way I did not expect. Unable to even comprehend what this would feel like for Shannon,the hard limits of my own emotional comprehension. My own small experience absolutely dwarfed by that.”
Despite its weighty themes, “Wax & String” is a vibrant, chaotic burst of energy, blending raw emotion with infectious melodies. Dive into the track below and experience its unique charm.
Shannon and The Clams are also hitting the road this spring, bringing their electrifying live performances to cities across the U.S. Check out their tour dates below:
- 04/02 – Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall – Downstairs
- 04/03 – Austin, TX @ Scoot Inn
- 04/04 – san Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger
- 04/05 – Fort worth, TX @ Tulips
- 04/07 – New Orleans, LA @ Tipitina’s
- 04/09 – Tampa, FL @ The Crowbar
- 04/10 – Orlando, FL @ The Social
- 04/11 – West Palm Beach, FL @ Respectable Street
- 04/12 – Jacksonville, FL @ WJCT Soundstage
What are some of the “new sonic directions” shannon and The Clams are exploring?
Interview with Shannon Shaw of Shannon and The Clams: Navigating Grief, Art, and Everyday Connections
By Archys, Archyde News Editor
Archyde: Shannon, thank you for joining us today. Last year, you released The Moon Is In The Wrong Place, an album that resonated deeply with fans for its raw exploration of grief following the tragic loss of your fiancé, Joe Haener. How did creating this album help you process such a profound personal loss?
Shannon Shaw: Thank you for having me. Creating The Moon Is In The Wrong place was both a cathartic and challenging experience. Music has always been my way of making sense of the world, and in this case, it became a lifeline. Writing these songs allowed me to channel my grief into something tangible, something that could honour Joe’s memory while also helping me navigate the overwhelming emotions I was feeling. It was like building a bridge between the past and the present, one note at a time.
Archyde: The album’s title is evocative and poetic. Can you share the story behind it?
Shannon shaw: The title comes from a moment of disorientation I felt after Joe’s passing. One night, I looked up at the sky, and the moon seemed out of place—like the universe itself was off-kilter. It captured how I felt: everything was wrong, out of sync. The title became a metaphor for the chaos and confusion of grief, but also for the hope of finding balance again, even if it feels impractical at first.
Archyde: Your latest single, “Wax & String,” takes a different approach, focusing on the connections we form with everyday objects. What inspired this shift in perspective?
Shannon Shaw: After such an emotionally heavy album, I wanted to explore something lighter but still meaningful. “Wax & String” is about how ordinary objects can carry remarkable importance—how a piece of jewelry, a handwritten note, or even a spool of thread can hold memories and emotions.It’s a party of the small, often overlooked things that anchor us to our lives and to each other.
Archyde: The song has a nostalgic, almost whimsical quality. How did you and the band approach the creative process for this track?
Shannon Shaw: We wanted to capture that sense of wonder and nostalgia, so we leaned into our garage rock roots while experimenting with softer, more melodic elements. Cody [Blanchard, guitarist] brought in this stunning, twangy riff that felt like a thread weaving through the song, and I wrote the lyrics to reflect the idea of holding onto something fragile yet enduring. It was a collaborative effort,and I think that’s what gives the track its warmth.
Archyde: Your music often blends personal storytelling with universal themes. How do you strike that balance between the intimate and the relatable?
Shannon Shaw: I think it’s about being honest. When you share your own story with vulnerability, people can see themselves in it. Grief, love, connection—these are experiences we all go through, even if the details are different. By being open about my own journey, I hope to create a space where listeners can reflect on their own lives and find comfort or inspiration.
Archyde: Looking ahead, what’s next for Shannon and The Clams?
Shannon Shaw: We’re working on new material and planning some live shows, which I’m really excited about. Performing live is such a powerful way to connect with people, and after everything we’ve been through, I’m looking forward to sharing these songs in person. We’re also exploring some new sonic directions,so stay tuned!
Archyde: Thank you,Shannon,for sharing your story and your music with us. We can’t wait to see what you and The Clams do next.
Shannon Shaw: Thank you.It’s been a pleasure.
End of Interview
Shannon and The Clams’ latest single, “Wax & String,” is available now on all major streaming platforms. For more updates, follow the band on social media or visit their official website.
