A Dirty Dozen with SHURR JR – March 2025

According to a recent press release: “Inspired by Elliott Smith, the Avett Brothers, Title Fight, and Charmer, Nick and Frankie started writing songs and practicing in their mother’s garage in 2015, while their sister Kelly Maxwell (who was teaching herself to play guitar at the time) listened and bobbed her head along to the music. Inspired by the death of their father Frank, who was in popular Omaha, NE band Fifth of May, the siblings turned inward and decided that the best way to honor their dad was through music (the band’s name is a tribute to Frank’s catch phrases, “Sure, Junior”). A song about the toxicity of relationships not worth saving, “Drowning” embodies the theory of displacement in trying to decide hope to cope. “The perspective of this song flips back and forth, which is something that I had never done before when writing,” says Nick about the lyrics. “I am trying to cope with a dead relationship by partying, which is the opposite of what someone should be doing to heal.” Fueled by Nick’s thrashing guitar and Kelly and Frank’s driving, grungy rhythm section, the rousing single introduces Shurr Jr. as a formidable band to watch.” We get the band to discuss new music, influences, and more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release. Are there any hidden nuggets that fans might not catch on the first or second listen?

Nick: I love when fans listen without preconceived notions and create their own interpretations. That said, this work tells a story about the emotions a relationship can leave behind.

2. What got you into music? Can you recall the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

Nick: Our dad introduced us to music from a young age. He was in a well-known Omaha-based band in the 90’s with our uncle. Our dad and his three brothers were all musicians, and we grew up watching them perform. On long car rides, we’d each pick an album to play—favorites included The Beatles, The Clash, Green Day, and Elliott Smith.

Kelly: Our uncles would gift us CDs for birthdays and Christmas. I remember getting Belle and Sebastian and The Best of the Zombies in third grade. Some weren’t age-appropriate—haha—but they still evoked strong emotions, even at eight years old.

3. Is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that shaped your musical taste?

Nick: Lyrically, Elliott Smith is a major influence because of his vulnerability and storytelling. Sonically, we draw inspiration from The Replacements and Pinegrove.

4. If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?

Kelly: Phoebe Bridgers. Her raw vocal delivery would add incredible layers to our sound, and her storytelling aligns with our approach to music.

Nick: If we’re including artists, dead or alive, I’d love to work with Elliott Smith. He had so many unreleased songs, I would love to see his thought process in choosing what songs make it into the album.

5. What do you do to unwind outside of the studio or touring?

Nick: We love watching TV shows and movies. Severance is a current favorite, and we’ve watched Game of Thrones multiple times for its storytelling.

Kelly: I’ve recently taken up golf. It’s something you can always improve at, plus I enjoy listening to music, especially full albums, while I practice. There’s a strategic element to it that keeps me engaged.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard it? Have you ever received a comparison that made you cringe?

Nick: We’re a high-energy indie rock band with fast beats, driving guitars, and bespoke drums.

Frankie: Someone compared us to Blink-182, which was unexpected since we’re not exactly pop-punk. But I appreciated the sentiment.

Nick: A girl once compared us to a Japanese band—not cringeworthy, but it was exciting to think our music could resonate with such a broad audience.

7. When you’re all hanging out, who cooks, who brings the drinks, and who starts the singalongs?

Nick: Frankie (our drummer) is the chef—his chili is legendary. I’m the one bringing the drinks.

Kelly: I’m usually the one with a guitar in hand, always practicing especially because I learned later in life than the boys, I need to practice to keep up – haha.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck?

Frankie: We recorded Red Shelter EP at ARC in Omaha, Conor Oberst’s studio. It was our first professional recording experience, so we were already nervous. Then Mike Mogis from Bright Eyes walked in—talk about pressure! But that moment pushed us to do our best.

9. What’s the best part of being a musician? If you couldn’t be one, what would be your dream job?

Nick: Creating music with my siblings is the best part. Music has always been a family thing, and that connection won’t change, regardless of any success.

Kelly: Seeing our progress over time is rewarding. Unlike most jobs, you can hear how much better you get with each song.

Nick: If I couldn’t be a musician, I’d want to play for the Lakers. My whole family are Celtics fans, so things get interesting during playoffs.

Kelly: I’d be a dentist. There’s something I think would be satisfying about perfecting a smile and giving someone confidence.

10. What’s a question you wish interviewers would ask—and what’s one you’re tired of answering?

Nick: I’d love more questions about our family’s influence on our music. For example, our dad recorded a Maxwell Family Christmas album when we were kids. That kind of environment shaped who we are as musicians.

11. Looking back, is there a moment in your career you’d like to have a “do-over” on?

Nick: It feels like we’re just getting started, but I would have been more proactive about playing shows and networking with other bands within Sioux Falls.

12. If you could go back in time and be part of the recording process for any album, which would it be and why?

Nick: Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. So much was happening behind the scenes, and it was such a groundbreaking record.

Kelly: XO by Elliott Smith. He played most of the instruments himself—it’s a masterpiece, and it would have been incredible to witness his process firsthand.

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Category: Interviews