Jon Merkin
lead vocals
 | Listening to his dad's cassettes of Guns n' Roses and the Smiths since before he could walk, Merkin defined his dream at a young age: to become a rock ‘n’ roll star. Hailing from Englewood, New Jersey, and studying economics at Columbia University, Merkin has been writing songs on his guitar and performing for audiences since grade school. After playing with a slew of bands in his more formative years, he and Shapiro formed THE SHAKE after high school. Consciously paying homage to the likes of Oasis, The White Stripes and Green Day, Merkin brings his Brit-pop-inspired melodies and rhythms to the group. Singing lyrics filled with bravado such as, “I don't wanna be anything to anyone, take the yoke off my back and let me go,” it is clear Merkin possess a swagger few other rock frontmen have. |
Eliad 'Eddie' Shapiro
lead guitar
 | Shapiro began his musical career training to become a classical pianist, but eventually abandoned the piano. “I found myself determined to play guitar after I heard the Stairway solo in 9th grade. I started playing that summer and it was the first song that I learned.” Shapiro picked up the guitar, and never looked back. Hailing from Forest Hills, Queens (hometown of Joey Ramone), Shapiro is a disciple of the blues and finds his playing greatly influenced by bluesmen such as T Bone Walker, Albert King, and Buddy Guy. Also a classic rock connoisseur, Shapiro can often be found jamming to Bruce Springsteen, Led Zeppelin, Cream, Pink Floyd, and the Velvet Underground all while working towards a degree in history at NYU. |
bass
 | Hailing from the depths of Long Island suburbia, Stein says he was “born to makes wounds ooze, mountains crumble and melt faces” with his rock. Considered the "punk" of the band, Stein brings with him a whole new aspect of rock and roll with his enthusiasm, outlandish funny faces and hyperactive energy on stage. Originally schooled in the ways of metal, Stein eventually came around to punk, funk and other genres that influence his playing and consequently his band-mates musical styles. Stein is a junior at Queens College where he is studying media studies and graphic design. |
Vishal Kumar
drums
 | Hailing from the up-and-coming
music scene in Akron, OH, Kumar began studying the drums
at the ripe age of eight years. Since then, he has performed in numerous
ensembles ranging from Jazz and Latin, to Funk and Hip-Hop. After
making his professional start as a session drummer in the Cleveland studio scene, he came to
Manhattan to continue his study and to delve deeper into the eclectic
musical offerings available in the city that never sleeps. Having played at some of New York's finest venues and studios including Hammerstein Ballroom, Lincoln Center, and Madison Square Garden, Kumar brings with him experience and diverse musicality. He is largely influenced by the bombastic styles of John Bonham (Led Zeppelin) coupled with the Jazz dexterity of Jack Dejohnette. Beyond the drum set, Vish also plays Tabla and Didgeridoo. |
The word "hail" appears in every single biography.
Nice work.