REANIMATION doesn't really have a true date of origin. This solo project actually was defining itself during the downtime between longer, more concentrated commitments to the music world.
For Mike Shanahan, music began in full-force in 1985 with the straight-ahead rock of Glendale Heights (IL)-based band, QUIXOTIC. After a few cassette releases, assorted performances, and a studio-melting garage fire, the music was put on the shelf for a while and Mike moved on and co-founded the the alt-rock trio, EVERY PART OF THE ANIMAL (EPOTA), along with bassist/vocalist Brad Allen and guitarist/vocalist Bob Bartodziej.
EPOTA began to make small steps in the college alt-rock world from 1989 to 1993, including the release of the CD "Life Imitates Art," which, driven by the hits "I Never Said" and "Eve," found its way onto some college radio playlists. A relocation effort to Texas actually derailed the bands fortunes and stalled any momentum.
Shortly after, a QUIXOTIC reunion was in the works, along with a move to Tucson, AZ in 1995. After recording and releasing a CD entitled "Leap of Faith" (1996), QUIXOTIC was laid to rest and a relocation effort back to IL was underway.
Settled back in, the next song-writing efforts actually brought about the reforming of EPOTA. 1999 saw the release of "Civilization [Spirit]," the best overall work of music that Mike has been involved with to date. The release spawned a couple of local hits -- "Romance" and "Ballroom Classics." And, in predictable fashion, it was also followed by the demise of the band, as co-partner in music, Brad Allen, found his way back to Texas and the lure of wedding bells.
Since 2000, Mike has been taking a different approach at songwriting, applying the many different influences that have been absorbed over the last decade or so. More emphasis has been placed on grooves and textures and less importance on the verse-chorus textbook on pop song creation.
REANIMATION is probably a combination of all of this past and none of it. The influences from 20+ years of music are forever under the skin. But, in some ways, the shackles have been removed from earlier expectations. And the goal is a successful marriage of all of these concepts. The tension that comes from mixing the predictable with the unpredictable. Or, at best, the sheer enjoyment that comes from attempting.
