Combining eclectic power-pop songcraft with alt-rock energy, co-ed vocals, and art school atmospherics, the Shake Ups produce a sound that resembles few in the current wave of indie up-and-comers. Imagine the Pixies playing Beatles and XTC covers – with members of the New Pornographers, Radiohead, and the Apples in Stereo making guest cameos – and you’ll begin to get an idea of where the band is coming from.
The Shake Ups were formed in early 2005 by Indianapolis-based husband-and-wife duo Patrick and Kathie O'Connor. Known for his guitar work with space-punks Destination: Earth! and surf-rockers the Madeira, Patrick became the band's primary singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Kathie, an experienced musician in her own right with groups Film at Eleven and the Hand-Me-Downs, became the band's drummer.
The Shake Ups took their name from the popular Midwestern beverage consisting of water, lemons, and mass amounts of sugar. They garnered strong reviews for their live shows and participated in a MySpace-affiliated battle of the bands, for which they were the highest-placing act to perform original material. This series of events brought them to the attention of several regional labels and music distributors. In 2006, they released their debut full-length album A Twist of Lemon with indie imprints Gelatinous Productions and QuasiDad Recording Company.
In 2007, the Shake Ups relocated to San Diego and revamped their lineup. With numerous live appearances in So Cal under their belts, they completed and released a new album entitled Breathing the Flood in the late summer of 2008.