After years of quietly building a fervent underground following through over 30 electrifying live performances, the dynamic duo known as The Shellers is poised to make their long-awaited debut with the exhilarating premiere single, ‘Work No More.’ The duo, comprised of accomplished keys player and producer Lawaun Bernard, along with the soulful vocalist and gifted songwriter Jamal Buchanan, is ready to seize the spotlight this summer.
Lending their support to the project is none other than the celebrated Toddla T, who contributed to the co-production of the track. ‘Work No More’ seamlessly merges The Shellers’ signature live band setup with Toddla T’s deep roots in soundsystem and club culture, culminating in an unmistakably British sonic palette. Reflecting on his collaboration with the group, Toddla T shares, “The experience of working with The Shellers was an absolute delight. Our shared musical influences not only elevated my artistry but also strengthened our friendship. It was an all-encompassing reward, both creatively and personally.”
Jamal’s vocals take center stage, delivering an infectious and resonant melodic hook for the chorus, a sentiment that undoubtedly strikes a chord—especially as the specter of Monday Blues looms large.
Jamal paints a vivid picture with this description:
“When you take three trains to get work you come to the realisation WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND wants to go to work everyday for someone else and earn a minimum amount, to just be a number, who wants to do that right? The song speaks to those who have goals and dreams of another life while holding down a job they don’t want to be in, something we can all relate to.”
Having crossed paths during a songwriting class at London’s BIMM university, Jamal and Lawaun embarked on a series of collaborative studio sessions, which ignited the spark of their artistic partnership. Their musical influences, ranging from the likes of Amy Winehouse to Kendrick Lamar and Gorillaz, are as eclectic as their approach to creating music, yielding a diverse range of sounds and styles. Impressive in their efforts, they assembled an 11-piece ensemble and have rocked more than 30 stages across London’s lively east and west circuits. Notable among their gigs was a standout performance at Hak Baker’s acclaimed Thirsty Thursdays event, where the crowd’s fervor demanded an encore. Over the past few years, they’ve dedicated themselves to honing their distinctive sound, which they aptly describe as “a curated collection of musical genres.”
Serving as a compelling introduction to their unique musical fusion, ‘Work No More’ provides a compelling glimpse into the captivating universe of The Shellers, with even more sonic heat slated to ignite the scene later this year.
‘Work No More’ is available now via all major platforms.
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