Background: Singer-songwriter Nancy Davis Shaffer sang with Bitch, later known as Toughlove, and for the past four years has collaborated musically with husband and guitarist-songwriter Dan Shaffer, who played with Kevin Lee and the Heartbeats. Together, they`ve fronted the bands Grace Under Fire and 5 o`clock World. As a songwriting team, they have a publishing deal with Warner/ Chappell Music.
Current projects: Songwriting is the pair`s main priority. Nancy also does commercials (including radio and TV ads for McDonald`s, Hawaiian Punch and Pert Plus), records with the Jack Kramer Orchestra and occasionally sits in with Dan`s group the Casualties (the house band at China Club). Dan also does studio work (producing artists such as Lisa G. and Common Haus) and has a few guitar pupils.
Sound: ”Our latest songs are very basic, centering around acoustic guitars,” says Nancy. ”We want to strip away all the heavy production that was so popular in `80s music. Instead, we`re putting emphasis on the songs themselves.”
Influences: The Beatles and the Pretenders.
Memorable experience: Moving back to Chicago from L.A. (”We hated the scene out there and were very depressed,” says Nancy) and unexpectedly getting a phone call from Warner/Chappell Music. ”They were cleaning out an office and found a three-year-old demo tape of ours. They asked, `Do you have a band?` and we lied and said, `Sure!` We called up some friends and within three or four days threw together a band so we could do a showcase. Almost instantly, we had a publishing contract!”
Recordings: None available yet. They are currently recording at Chicago Trax.
Local viewpoint: ”For young musicians just starting out, playing the local club circuit is the way to get exposure but the working conditions can be very difficult,” says Nancy. ”Having played all the clubs for a number of years, it was time to move on to new things.”
Philosophy: ”In the early `80s, Toughlove toured a lot and we were treated very well and lived like rock stars. But the music business and audiences have changed. It`s harder now to make it to the top. I`m not willing to starve anymore. I like music, but there`s more to life than tearing yourself up over a record deal,” says Nancy.
Goals: Nancy`s goal is ”to not take myself or my music too seriously and to maintain a balance between my career and my personal life. I just want to do the best work that I can and enjoy myself in the process.”
Next appearances: The Casualties perform with guest musicians at the China Club`s Wednesday ProJam sessions.
