Swear and Shake

For a moment the room is silent, hanging on to a heart-wrenching ballad. Then, in just a few chords the crowd is swept back on their feet again, dancing, smiling and getting lost in the energy emanating from this dynamic band. Kari Spieler’s voice, rich in tone and powerful in delivery, weaves through her and Adam McHeffey’s collaborative songwriting and guitar playing. Shaun Savage’s creative output on the bass guitar (and often three-part harmony) makes the partnership of story and sound complete. Collectively these artists, known as Swear and Shake, bring an experience to the stage—a combination of truthful lyrics, passionate performance, and a warming narrative.

“I’ve only seen a few artists bring a room to a hush, only to have their audience hooping and hollering moments later, and these four talented Yankees have joyfully mastered their ability to do so. By the end of the first song, we were out of our seats and upfront. Strangers instantly became neighbors as the entire venue was swept up in the action.”
– The Blue Indian

After circulating a bedroom demo of their first song, "Johnnie" between friends and family, Swear and Shake began their adventures of fiercely writing and playing out tirelessly. The Brooklyn-based band released their first LP Maple Ridge on their own independent label, Pots and Pans. It quickly garnered the support of independent blogs, YouTube cover artists, and show-goers across the country.

After years of touring, the band packed up and headed for Nashville, TN to begin writing their second full-length record The Sound of Letting Go. Funded by the overwhelming support of their fans and friends on PledgeMusic, the band has slated this new independent release for spring 2017.

When asked about their move from New York to Nashville in an interview for Nashville Lifestyles Magazine, Kari Spieler answers "We were on tour for three years straight. You'd leave for tour and then come back to your part-time job at Anthropologie... Oh, my God—it was horrible. I'd literally be picking pants off the floor and people would recognize me from playing Bowery Ballroom."

Adam McHeffey adds: "We said we we're leaving New York because of the expensive overhead. In truth, it turns out we had a lot to work through and eventually let go of. It was a much-needed spiritual uplift for the band. We let go of a lot baggage," Adam McHeffey says. "...this album is one giant exhale, and Nashville let us get it out."

This album is one giant exhale, and Nashville let us get it out."

– Adam McHeffey

The powerful presence of Swear and Shake has landed them shows directly supporting a number of notable acts, including The Lumineers, Ingrid Michaelson, Delta Rae, American Authors, G. Love and Special Sauce, and ZZ Ward.