History
Shotwell
Shotwell is a political punk band based in San Francisco. Initially known as Shotwell Coho for their first 7" single release in 1995, the band later shortened their name to Shotwell. Throughout their career, they have released numerous tracks on CD and vinyl through various independent labels, with Broken Rekids being the most widely distributed.
Band History and Evolution
The consistent frontman for Shotwell has been Jimmy Broustis, who was also a member of Strawman and X-tal in the early 1990s, contributing as a guitarist and occasional singer on their records. The earliest incarnation of Shotwell featured drummer and zine editor/writer Aaron Cometbus, known for his extensive work in bands like Crimpshrine and Pinhead Gunpowder. The first Shotwell Coho performance took place in December 1994, opening for Sublime at Komotion, a collectively run venue in San Francisco's Mission District.
Key Releases and Collaborations
In 1997, the band released "Celery, Beef & Iron," a CD/10" vinyl compilation on Broken Rekids. This release featured studio recordings made with drummer Steve Moriarty (formerly of The Gits) and Pete Simonelli (now the singer of The Enablers), who recorded in Madison, Wisconsin. Bassist Greg Snyder (ex-Bedlam Rovers) and Tony Rojas (ex-Flophouse) also contributed to both sessions. More recently, Bennett Green has served as the drummer, including on the 2008 album "Patriot."
In 2008, Shotwell released their latest full-length vinyl LP and CD, "Patriot," on Thrillhouse Records. This album was compiled from recordings made over a three-year period in Emeryville, California.
Another notable release was a split LP/CD in 2000 with the band Miami, where the Shotwell side was presented as "Geneva Ave Fallout." These lo-fi recordings, produced by Matty Luv of Hickey (R.I.P.), were four-track efforts. Later, "The Devil Has Its Day" was released, initially through Plan-It-X Records and subsequently through self-pressings. Due to their distribution methods, which often rely on live shows and limited distro outlets, many of their compilations and split 7" releases can be challenging to find.
Ethos and Influences
Shotwell has cultivated an underground aesthetic, deliberately avoiding traditional nightclubs and bar venues. They frequently performed at house parties, record stores, and even on streets and at demonstrations, utilizing generators or tapping into public power sources. The band also toured extensively within the DIY circuit, often sharing stages with bands like J-Church and Jack Palance Band.
In contrast to mainstream punk scenes, Shotwell has never pursued professionalism, radio play, extensive merchandise sales, or participation in corporate tours like the Warped Tour. Their music is deeply influenced by the DIY spirit, anarchism, the raw energy of Johnny Thunders-era punk, and the political consciousness of The Clash. Shotwell delivers unadulterated punk music for those who appreciate its raw, non-commercial, and politically charged roots.
