Do you have a story behind your artist name?
We are huge fans of The Shangri-Las! We definitely have huge ‘60s and ‘70s pop influences, if you couldn’t tell.
Tell us a bit about your music journey. How has it shaped you?
Dan Kopko (guitar, vocals) and Jen D’Angora (guitar, vocals) were both in Boston bands and are fans of each other’s work. After Jen sang at one of Dan’s live tributes to The Clash’s London Calling, Dan and Jen got the wacky idea to “Wonder Twin Power” things up together, and started writing pop-rock numbers in the style of their heroes, with a modern twist. They were lucky enough to recruit the amazing Lee Harrington on bass, Chuck Ferreira on drums, and Chad Raleigh on third (!) guitar.
How would you describe your sound to someone unfamiliar with it?
Hooky pop-rock with nods to the ‘60s and ‘70s, and the occasional unexpected left turn.
What drew you to the genre / instruments you’re playing right now?
Jen has been an amateur rhythm guitar player, singer, and songwriter since the age of 12, and has improved a little bit since then. Dan wanted drums as a kid. His parents bought him a guitar. He still fancies himself a drummer (and it shows in his guitar playing).
What inspires you to write music?
Jen usually writes about failed relationships, the cold gaze of society, or cereal box prizes. Dan writes about phone relations gone wrong — very deep.
Would you tell us about your current project, album/ EP, or song you’re promoting?
“Op-Operator” is the first of a string of smash singles from our next (as yet untitled) release on Rum Bar Records, coming Summer 2024!
What do you want listeners to take away from listening to your music?
The hook!
Who are your top three artists right now? If that’s not a fair question, what’s your favorite song right now?
Jen’s been listening to a lot of Roy Orbison, Dave Edmunds and The Kinks. Dan’s favorite song right now is “Impressively Average” by Brigitte Calls Me Baby – it sounds like Roy Orbison fronting The Strokes.
What’s the easiest way for fans to connect with you?
Instagram, YouTube, Facebook.
What’s next for you?
More writing, recording, and gigs! Record release later this year. We can’t wait!
Anything else you’d like to add or let us know about?
The rhythm section is the secret to the band’s sound — they rock the shack! There’s a running joke that Chuck and Lee get no love in the press – so that ends here!
Connect with The Shang Hi Los:
New Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRwewKpghMU
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shanghilos/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShangHiLos/
Bio from artist:
The Shang Hi Los are your favorite band out of Boston, featuring Jen D’Angora (Jenny Dee & The Deelinquents, The Dents), Dan Kopko (Watts, The Peppermint Kicks), Lee Harrington (The Neighborhoods), Chuck Ferreira (Eddie Japan) and Chad Raleigh (the Rationales). The Shangs signed to Rum Bar Records in 2020 and released their debut single and video, “Sway Little Player,” in October 2020, which was quickly deemed the “Coolest Song in the World” by Little Steven’s Underground Garage on SiriusXM. They’ve since released the Kick It Like A Wicked Bad Habit EP in 2021, followed by 2023 debut album Aces Eights & Heartbreaks, which spawned the singles “Plymouth Rock” and “Billy,” the latter of which was also dubbed the “Coolest Song in the World.” The Shang Hi Los answer the call with new single “Op-Operator,” out March 2024 on Rum Bar Records.
