Shakey Graves, whose real name is Alejandro Rose-Garcia, is a talented Texas singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for his unique blend of blues, folk, and rock music. He gained national recognition after the success of his debut album, Roll the Bones, in 2011, which led to a record deal with Dualtone for subsequent releases like And the War Came in 2014. Over the years, Shakey Graves experimented with different musical styles, exploring full-band sounds and even delving into psychedelic territory through various EPs, including 2020’s Look Alive. Born on June 4, 1987, in Austin, Texas, Rose-Garcia was raised in a family that nurtured his artistic interests, with his mother being an actress, director, and writer, and his father managing a theater. Initially drawn to acting, Rose-Garcia eventually found his true passion in music, inspired by a performance by blues-punk artist Bob Log III, which motivated him to create his one-man-band persona, Shakey Graves, using unconventional instruments like a suitcase bass drum and foot pedals to keep the beat.
Shakey Graves’ music gained popularity in the Austin music scene, culminating in the release of Roll the Bones in 2011, showcasing his stripped-down performance style. The success of the album earned him recognition, with the Mayor of Austin declaring a special day in his honor. Subsequent releases and live performances solidified his reputation, including the 2014 album And the War Came, which featured collaborations with vocalist Esmé Patterson and garnered critical acclaim. Graves continued to evolve his sound, releasing projects like the Sleep EP in early 2018 and the full-length album Can’t Wake Up later that year. In 2020, he explored psychedelic pop influences with the four-song EP Look Alive, followed by a special anniversary re-release of Roll the Bones in 2021, featuring rare bonus material. Throughout his career, Shakey Graves has captivated audiences with his music, storytelling ability, and charismatic stage presence, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the contemporary music landscape.