TORONTO SKATE-PUNK BAND SHIV AND THE CARVERS DEBUT NEW SINGLE “BRAT”
INDEPENDENT
Toronto alt/rock skate-punk band Shiv and the Carvers debut their new single “Brat”, a track that is dripping with attitude and exudes sexual exploration. Led by three former roller derby players, Shiv and the Carvers are keeping the Riot Grrrl spirit alive with high-volume, energy-filled songs, held authentically together with empowering lyricism. One part punk, one part goth, one part pop, they deliver on what audiences are yearning for: good, old fashioned rock and roll, flexed by modern flair.
Reflecting on “Brat”, Shiv explains, “It’s about being a top but trying to bottom. It’s about loving submission but having to be forced to get there. About being a switch and fighting to lose. It amplifies the idea that the person submitting is actually the one with the power, because they are the person that defines the limits.” The single is released alongside a latex-coated, BDSM-inspired music video directed by photographer and videographer Mina Smart, who is also the bassist for Shiv and the Carvers.
What first started as a solo outlet for Shiv has now grown to include a group of musicians, contributing to a revamped sound that delivers hot hooks and nuanced lyrics on sex, politics, culture, and the body with aggressive prowess. It would only make sense that the band would eventually form out of the roller derby community; a home and playground for punk bands galore with Sleater Kinney, Fugazi, Green Day, and Bikini Kill soundtracking the bouts.
Making up Shiv and the Carvers is Shiv Scott (she/they) on vocals and rhythm guitar, Mina Smart (she/her) on bass and backing vocals, Nicole Maxwell (she/her) on lead guitar, and Mike Wiznuk (he/him) on drums.
“We have a really unique bond. This is our first release as a band together – and the first in a real recording studio – so it really reflects our live energy. Mina, Nicky, and I all met through roller derby and the skills we learned there translate into how we play music. Aggressive and agile. This is also our first release with the drums recorded live and not programmed. Mike is a powerhouse and drives the rhythm in a very intense way.” says Shiv.
Produced with Juno award-winning engineer Beau Cassidy (Digging Roots, Semiah Smith) and Jesse Turnbull (Dilly Dally, DEAR-GOD) at Taurus Recording in Toronto, Shiv and The Carvers are emerging with a refined sound that still reflects the live performance energy that has made them a staple in the local Toronto music scene. Since their first show post-pandemic, Shiv and The Carvers have played Canadian Music Week in 2022 at Bif Naked’s curated showcase, and have also had their 2021 single “Pick Yr Poison” included on Laura Jane Grace’s (Against Me!) House of Vans DJ Set. With their fully formed lineup, they will be headlining BITCHFEST at the Hard Luck Bar in Toronto, with more music on the way and live dates scheduled throughout 2023. For tickets, visit here.
Shiv And The Carvers
[Single]
(Independent)
Release Date: March 16, 2023
Tour Dates
04/20 – Bar Orwell, Toronto – w/ Cosmic Pawn, Evvvie
06/16 – Supermarket, Toronto
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