Frankly, we were put on the spot! We had one day to come up with a band name so it could be promoted before a gig. We decided that a 2-word name would be best. We came up 2 lists, and took the first two words that sounded good together and came up with Blind Shame! Only later did we find out that it was an inversion of a psychological theory. We’ll get back to you when we come up with a more interesting “version”!

Jay: Yes, we play between 6-12 times per month.
We are based in the Detroit area. Hopefully we can get to some cities we haven't been to yet (Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Columbus, New York City, etc.) Always check our web page for up to date show info.

Chad: Yes, we play frequently around the metro Detroit area, as well as in many college towns throughout Michigan and the Midwest. It is absolutely our favorite part of being in this band: getting on stage with each other and submersing ourselves in the music. That’s what it’s all about; that’s why we do this.

The highlight of all our shows was our CD Release Party at The Magic Bag in Ferndale. We filled the place to capacity (maybe beyond!) and had probably the best show of our lives. To look out at that crowd of wall-to-wall people, all getting into the music, with most of them singing along . . . That feeling was beyond what any words can describe.

Chad: It’s a great thing because it brings a band’s music to so many more outlets – and thus more people – than we could get it to in any other conventional method. It works best for independent bands; not as much for a band like Metallica, who sell millions of records anyways, and might lose some revenue if music is downloaded illegally. But if done legally, it’s a win-win situation. I don’t think internet downloads will ever really put much of a dent in CD sales, so as long as it’s done as sites like iTunes and the New Napster and MP3 are doing it, there will be more people with more music, resulting in monetary gains in the music industry and for the artists themselves.

Jay: It has been proven statisically that most people that download Indie bands usually end up buying the CD. However, the industry DID NEED this shake-up because we have all spent $15 on a CD that had one good song and the rest sucked. Its just sad that bands aren't given a chance by most labels to develop and have a career.

Chad: If the terms were right, we would consider anything. But the most important thing is not getting lost in a big machine.

Jay: With 5 of us in the band, we all have our thoughts on this subject. In years past the only way to break into mainstream media was a Major Label deal. With the status of the industry, we are open to all types of labels, Indie or Major. There would be perks on a major label like being in a huge studio, nicer hotels, and hopefully being a priority a such a huge company would be cool. However, history has proven that most bands are rarely a "priority" for more than one let alone two or three albums at a Major label. I think we all agree we would prefer to be a big fish in a small pond. We are hoping to talk to a label that is able to push us to many new levels that we are unable to do on our own.

Chad and Jay met and formed their first band in 1994. After 3 months, 4 rotating members, and 2 gigs, the band went their separate ways. But Chad and Jay remained friends. They put together a new project in 1995 and found Barb through a newspaper ad. The 3 of them continued to play together for years until finding their original singer in 1998. Joe joined the band in 1999, after his then-girlfriend saw an ad posted at a local college. The band began to play regularly in local and regional venues. In 2003, when the band was looking for a new singer, they had to look no futher than the place where Chad was employed at the time. When Shane came out to audition, the band knew they had found the true lead singer of Blind Shame. The rest of the story continues to this day, with Blind Shame releasing their debut CD, “All N Compass” on June 5th, and with summer/fall tour plans currently being solidified.

Chad: Too numerous to list. A melting bowl of rock, pop, alternative, metal, reggae, punk, funk, blues, jazz, progressive, latin, and Yanni (just kidding about that last one!) come together to complete the Blind Shame-influence list.

Jay: For me personally, I really dig a ton of the bands here in the Detroit area, 19 Wheels, Colic, South Normal, The Paybacks, Nice DeVice, Sista Otis, etc. For a national/regional level Jimmy Eat World, Goo Goo Dolls, The Arguement, Butch Walker/Marvelous 3, etc.

There ain’t no party like a Detroit party, ‘cause a Detroit party don’t stop!

Mesa Boogie Amps
G&L Guitars
Tama Drums
Shure Wirlesses
Lots of beer!!!

Chad: Thanks to all who have supported us; we are able to continue doing what we’ve been doing because of the greatest support network in the world. We’re the luckiest band on the planet.

Jay: Go check out and support your local music scene, which is NOT American Idol. You don't pay your dues on American Idol, you pay them by playing for beer and gas money to 7 people in the venue. Go check out a band you never heard of at midnight on a Wed. night somewhere. The bands will be more than grateful.

With that being said, look out; Blind Shame is coming for you!