Jon Drake & The Shakes Join Grape Juice Family

By Sarah Cobarrubias in Arts & Entertainment on Feb 3, 2011 5:20PM

It was only a matter of time before Grape Juice Records and Jon Drake & The Shakes hooked up. Jon Drake, the folkpop outfit’s lead man, revealed to us last fall that they were in talks with a record label, and for months they’d been rubbing elbows with Grape Juice, who featured the band at last year’s Square Affair and on the label’s latest Friends & Family Compliation. Just last week, the two officially united, and the band signed two album contracts with Grape Juice.

We’re surprised somebody didn’t scoop them up sooner. Jon Drake & The Shakes is one of Chicago’s most promising acts, even though they’re relatively new (the band formed via Craigslist about two years ago) and have only one EP, Side A, under their belt. But Side A was enough to accumulate a dedicated fanbase. Released in July 2009, the four-song collection is full of rich, densely layered instrumentation, packing in the brilliant sounds of violin, cello, organ, trumpet, trombone, upright bass and of course guitar and drums. The EP is soulful and personal, likely an effect of being recorded in the intimate confines of the band members’ living rooms.

The follow-up EP, Side B, was due out last fall, but it seemed to be abandoned in the bustle of touring. Fortunately, the band will begin recording their first full-length album tomorrow and plan to release it in early summer. Until the LP’s release, Side A will continue to be available for free through their Bandcamp site. And since they’re a part of the family now, Jon Drake & The Shakes will perform in the first installment of Grape Juice’s 2011 Showcase Series, Friday, February 11 at Subterranean. Also on the bill are Julie Meckler, Rachele Eve, and Chaperone.

Jon Drake & The Shakes play Grape Juice’s 2011 Showcase Series #1 Friday, February 11 at Subterranean, 2011 W. North, 9 p.m., $8, 21+