Every once in a while, paths cross at just the right time, in the right place, and within the right circumstances. Such is the case for San Francisco alternative rock band Static and Surrender – Jeff Campbell [lead vocals, guitar], Adam Schuman [guitar, vocals], and John Schuman [drums].
By 2016, brothers John and Adam had established themselves in popular Bay Area stalwarts such as The Trophy Fire, landing critical acclaim and gigging alongside everyone from Dredg to The Dear Hunter. Within that same scene, Jeff earned recognition by receiving national songwriting awards, shared the stage with titans such as John Mayer, and fronted Pine and Battery, among other acts.
One night, a chance encounter between Jeff and Adam paved the way for what would become Static and Surrender.
“I ran into Adam and his wife at a restaurant,” recalls Jeff. “We started talking about the static and stagnation we’d both been feeling about our careers, and how we’d both sort of surrendered to it. A day later, he sent me a bunch of demos. As soon as I heard them, it just felt right. It’s the brother dynamic that attracted me to Adam and John. They’ve been playing music together for two decades. They finish each other’s sentences, in life and on stage. At the same time, we grew up in similar households. When we met, it felt like we’d known each other forever. Everything fit. It was like we were meant to play together all along.”
“We had known each other just by way of playing music,” adds Adam. “There was a mutual admiration from afar.”
They wasted no time. Within a few months, the boys entered a Berkeley studio with producer Jim Greer [The Rondo Brothers, Foster The People]. Elegantly fusing rock ‘n’ roll energy and alternative emotionality into tight songcraft, the trio forged a style of its own steeped in grunge palatability and modern indie panache.
“If you want intelligent lyrics and a musical style that leaves bands like Train and Maroon 5 in the dust, then Static and Surrender is sure to be your new favorite band”
– Indie Music Blog
“On their self-titled debut album, Static and Surrender embody the best of indie rock. Intense emotion pours through these concise, carefully crafted tracks”
– Skope Magazine
“This quite brilliant album begins in some fine style with ‘If Only We Could Sleep,’ a cut that perfectly showcases not only the band, but what’s to come on this stunning nine track debut”
– Exclusive Magazine
“The writing is so collaborative,” explains John. “Everybody’s voice is heard.”
“We grew up in the nineties,” continues Jeff. “All of our influences really come together in what we do. For me, it’s about the mood and delivery. We want to share a feeling.”
That feeling caught the attention of Funzalo Records in early 2017. After one listen, the label signed the group. Now, the debut single “Fall on the Blade” introduces Static and Surrender. On the track, a propulsive groove entwines with a hyper-charged riff as Jeff’s voice immediately captivates via an unforgettable hook.
“It’s about a situation a lot of people find themselves in,” he admits. “You’re trying to get someone to own up to what they’ve done. It’s a common struggle in life.”
“The album flows beautifully as it kicks in with the journey from the stirring “If Only We Could Sleep” to the heart-rending “You Won’t Remember Me.” “Just Because” delivers a more hushed sound with ethereal guitars and a whispering bass followed by the turn-it-up-loud and thought-provoking “Fall On The Blade.” The band embraces an underlying darkness in their music but conceals it with soothing rock & roll”
– Innocent Words Magazine
“If Only We Could Sleep” pairs a drowsy buzz with a blues-infused kick. Brought to life in a 360-degree VR music video, the song showcases the band’s depth and dynamics.
“Lyrically, I wrote that song when I was struggling with insomnia,” recalls the frontman. “It was around the time of the election, and there was a lot of negativity popping up. The climate brought out the worst in people. That negativity drives some of us so crazy we can’t sleep. The video reflects the nightmare.”
Static and Surrender evokes these feelings whether they’re on stage or in the studio. It has the power to really resonate too. “If a song stirs emotion in you, speaks to you, causes you to sing in the shower, or makes you want to have sex, we’ve done our job,” Jeff leaves off. “The music we like gets us through our days. We hope we can do the same for other people.”
“Static and Surrender’s self-titled debut leads with the powerful vocal presence of singer Jeff Campbell and combines perfectly with the band’s infectious melodies. Together, they unite to create gripping, yet radio-friendly, roots-rock anthems”
– Subba-Cultcha
“This San Francisco-based quartet takes the best elements of ’90s alternative rock and digests them into raw energy and hard-hitting tracks”
– Monterey County Weekly
“Upbeat Rock Sound”
– California Rocker
“Depth and Dynamics”
– Blurt Magazine
“This band may be my favorite NEW band of the year. I give this 5 out of 5 Music Guru Stars”
– Music Guru Radio