Getting to Know: Reunited Punk act, Shift-D
In today’s Getting to Know, we meet Shift-D, an Ontario-based punk quintet that’s reunited after many years apart to release a new album, Battle On Your Own. If you are in an up and coming band that would like to partake in a Getting to Know feature, contact editor@riffyou.com to receive the questionnaire and instructions. Thanks!
Band Name: Shift-D
Band Members: Dan Edmunds (guitar, vocals), Andrew Perrins (bass, vocals), Nick Smyth (vocals), Steve Skrtich (drums), and Todd Paron (guitar, vocals).
Years Active: 10, then we stopped for 5. Have been back for 2.
City of Origin: Burlington, ON.
Latest Release: Battle On Your Own
Who are you and what do you do?
“Dan, I play guitar, sing and rant about stuff.”
In 20 words or less, how would you describe your band?
“We are now an old punk rock band that fears for the fate of our planet.”
Why should people care about your band?
“If you like a ‘90s style punk band that writes honest songs about the world we live in and the psychological toll it takes on our well being, then we are the band for you!”
What is the most hilarious, frightening, or weird thing you have seen from the stage or while on the road?
“We were intentionally bull rushed by a guy at a show multiple times. He hit Todd from behind at one point and a fight ensued with our old bassist…almost taking the guy’s head off. They both received 5 and a game misconduct. No suspensions were handed out.”
If you become a band that eventually fills stadiums or arenas, what would be the most ridiculous thing you’d require backstage?
“I would require the magic beans that allowed us fill an arena, because that would be some seriously good stuff.”
Which band could your band defeat in a street fight? What methods would you use to ensure victory?
“We are lovers, not fighters. But, if we were talking about the level of our fighting abilities, I would say we are nestled up there between The Wiggles and the Mini-Pops. I am a dirty fighter: eye gouging, hair pulling, fish hooking. Those Wiggles wouldn’t know what hit ‘em.”
What is the most pretentious thing you’ve seen or heard from another musician/band? Did you love it or hate it?
“Honestly I haven’t really experienced much of that. Almost every band we play with has good, down to earth people. The genre we generally play with doesn’t really support pretentious people. I love that.”
How do you feel about smartphones lighting up concert venues instead of lighters?
“That’s a sign of the times. I worry that people will not have the ability to create their own memories 
within their own minds. Let’s face it, though, smartphone addiction is rampant. But, if people like what they’re seeing, I guess a band should take that as a compliment. Maybe it’s also a sign that not as many people smoke – they’ve traded addiction for addiction. Thumb and neck strains are better than cancer.”
If you had to be a tribute act for just one band, who would it be and why?
“The Who. I’ve always wanted to perfect the guitar-playing windmill without smashing my hand up. Great songs and every member of The Who are/were true artists with their own crazy lives. Seems like it would be fun to imitate that for a few hours.”
Is it better to burnout than to fade away?
“It’s easier to burnout than to fade away, that’s for sure. So fade away. We only have one shot on this planet (probably) and giving up doesn’t do a damn thing. I want to ride off into the sunset then come back, pop these magic beans and do 20 reunion shows in this arena that we previously filled. Who says you need to fade away anyways?”
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