Combining jazz, rock, electronica and an experimental attitude, Ethan Warshowsky (synths, vocals) and Fredy Garcia (guitar, vocals) formed Shaman Elect as they began developing each other’s songs. Soon, in time for their first live performance, Mike Malkowski (drums, vocals) as well as singer and now frontwoman Sarah Warshowsky transformed the dyanmic duo into a quad of powerful creative forces.
Their tasty and electro-rockin’ jam Hugo of Bath is noted as the earliest collaboration between the Garcia-Warshowsky combo where Shaman Elect originated.
Opening with a reggae-esque electric guitar we are soon sucked into the realm of electronic infusion which makes Shaman Elect’s compositions so distinct. The powerful vocals of Sarah ride perfectly over a sound bed of crisp, rapid hi-hats that lead a driving rhythm and a body swaying groove through an array of electric guitar licks, drum fills, synthesized nuances and a jam band vibe which shows itself in pristine form around the 3:25 mark.
The concept behind the track is pretty groovy, Warshowsky’s perspective is below:
Hugo of Bath is about the desire for responsibility, which sometimes requires overwhelming the instincts of self-preservation…The initial concept for the track was conceived during a snowstorm in the winter of 2016. Local authorities had urged everybody inside with the notion that it wasn’t safe to venture out into the storm. The idea emerged of an adolescent boy (Hugo) feeling trapped and restless, looking out from the safety of his dwellings into the storm. In a fit of inspiration, he can’t help but be overcome with the idea of what could be out there to be discovered, if only he would venture out. He builds up the rash courage and goes out on his own, but soon realizes he has perhaps mistaken his youthfulness for courage, and he is now in a hard, cold, and difficult place. Ultimately, Hugo realizes that he must accept the fate he has chosen and truly risk everything to become something totally new.”
As Warshowsky found himself trapped by snow, Garcia had just finished reading A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce. Inspired, Hugo of Bath transformed into a coming of age story that touches on themes of identity, entrapment, transformation and role of the artist in the midst of it all.
Listen to Hugo of Bath below. However, this is not the only single from Shaman Elect.
The group also released a second jam titled Ships Ahoy. Tune in on Soundcloud.
Connect directly with Shaman Elect on FB, IG or Twitter.
