Shinola

Inspired by the fantastic rock shows of their 80s coming-of-age in Canada and Arizona, Shinola was formed by brothers T.J. Martin (vocals, harmonica) and Kyle Martin (guitar, vocals) in their adopted hometown of Seattle, 1997. The towering pair, who are sometimes mistaken for twins, initally went through the time-honored struggles in finding the right rhythm section; their prayers were finally answered in the form of drummer Michael “Boom Boom” Bailey and bassist Kevin McGregor (a former semi-pro football player and fellow Arizona transplant). Meanwhile, an ep, El Camino, had been released in 1998.After finding their footing amongst the crowded local scene, Shinola went into hyperdrive in 2000. Highlights of that dizzying year included being a subject of LA-based Ignite Films’ “Rockjam-Seattle” documentary; opening for Neil Young and the Pretenders at the Gorge Ampitheater; slugging their way through Lucky Strike’s Band-to-Band Contest, winning in the regional finals - earning a slot on a nationally-distributed compilation disc; and securing the much-coveted opening slot of the Tractor Tavern’s New Years Rockabilly Ball. 2001 was spent primarily on stages in Seattle and on the road; Shinola was selected to play Seattle’s famous “Pain In The Grass” concert series in June.2003 found the brothers Martin leaving Seattle and bound for Austin. Drummer Mike Nelson and Bass player Kevin McGreggor did not make the move, so Hunter Kinsey, a friend from Seattle who had moved to Austin the previous year, got on board as Shinola's new bass player. Soon after, a new drummer in the form of Austin's own Jason Burton was found, completing the new line up.