The Chambersburg band Stable Shakers released its new self-titled extended play record (EP) on Aug. 23, just in time to give listeners the perfect music for the end of summer. 

Brechyn Chase and Shippensburg University alumnus Spencer Pheil formed Stable Shakers after the two shared the stage in different bands. Stable Shakers was born from the fact that Pheil’s father turned an old stable into a studio, called Stable Studio. 

Stable Shakers brings songs to which all listeners can relate. Chase and Pheil both favor “The Grind” off of the EP, which is about the daily grind of work. Pheil wrote it in 2006,  and much like the rest of the songs on the EP, he felt it needed time to reach musical maturity.

“I feel that the songs are universal regardless of age, gender, race, etc.  A lot of us go through life lacking courage to follow dreams, questioning decisions and paths taken in life,” Pheil said. 

And that is what the listener can truly obtain from this EP. Stable Shakers’ music can be described as Americana/folk, and Pheil has dabbled in country jazz, blues, bluegrass and more. 

This is reflected in their songs like “The Grind” and “Long Way Down,” which features a beautiful piano solo. 

The EP is a mix of different instruments from all genres that seamlessly work together. 

The EP takes listeners  along the band and Pheil’s journey through life and can easily accompany the listener in the car as a soundtrack for the end of summer. 

In “Summer Song,”  Chase’s peaceful vocals and lyrics reflect on summer and never wanting it to end. 

“Change” is a song that highlights the trials and tribulations of change, and the universal experience of it. 

Chase’s powerful vocals in this track capture not only Pheil’s journey as a musician, but also can relate to the listener.

It can be difficult to be a musician, and change is often a way to keep afloat in the business. 

“A musicians’ life is hard work & incredibility difficult to make ends meet. It requires a ton of passion & perseverance to make it in the music business,” Pheil said about the inspiration behind this EP. 

And that is what Stable Shakers plans to do in the future. They are working on new music with a new bassist, and will constantly be influenced by each other and other musicians. 

“As a band, we will continue to augment our sound with new instrumentations,” Chase and Pheil said. 

“We’ll continue to push ourselves collectively with ideas & personally with practice, study, etc. In music, the destination is the journey, if you’re not growing what are you really doing?” 

You can find Stable Shakers on Spotify, iTunes and their website stableshakers.com. 

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