Shifty Lao are an alternative soul band based in Bristol whose sound consists of funky dance-inducing rhythms mixed with silky vocal harmonies. These charismatic guys combine to put on an exciting performance that’s not to be missed! Bio Shifty Lao formed in the beating musical heart of Bristol, being brought together by a mutual love of playing music and Mario Kart. The band originated through a mixture of Facebook stalking and the exchanging of MP3s between Sam and Jerome. After a while, they decided they needed a full band to back them. They began looking for a bassist and there was only one candidate who stood head and shoulders above the rest, not only in stature but in pure funkadelic rhythms: Joe Hill. Hailing from the America – the land of the free – Conor provided the driving beats that liberate their sound while Freddy’s soft crooning and idiosyncratic song writing style provided the missing piece. In his teen years, Sam only realised he could sing because mocked Pavarotti and realised it actually sounded good. At this point, Conor, Freddy and Joe hadn’t yet put a face to the voice, so it took them by surprise to see that Sam didn’t look like the Go-Compare man! Since they formed, they’ve been hibernating in dingy practice rooms to hone their song writing; only leaving to get snacks and to play Mario Kart, of course. The band finally saw sunlight again, albeit a bit paler than before, to get people grooving at the Crofters Rights for their first performance which was followed by a string of live dates. At the moment, the band are recording and playing shows around the local area to spread their charismatic performance and soulful rhythms like well churned butter on a slice of warm toast.