Before he was celebrated as the guitarist for Hey Mercedes Band, Michael Shumaker was already a legend in the Cleveland music scene. Those who knew him from his earlier bands, Primitive and Sheilbound, understood they were witnessing a truly exceptional talent. As a sound and recording engineer and my business partner at The Invisible City recording studio, Shumaker’s musical genius was undeniable. He wasn’t just technically brilliant; he was a guitarist who played with soul, and a friend who enriched the Ohio years of many.
My first encounter with Mike’s guitar work was during his Primitive days in the mid-90s. Alongside Jacob and Isaac Edwards, Primitive injected a much-needed shot of adrenaline into the noise rock scene. Their performances were characterized by youthful energy and an almost surgical precision in their playing. They were a band that commanded attention, hinting at the musical journey Shumaker was embarking on.
A few years later, Primitive evolved, shedding their initial Helmet influences and transforming into Sheilbound. This name change signaled a shift in their music, becoming more experimental and unconventional. While some might have labeled them as emo, Sheilbound defied easy categorization. Their sound was too intricate, too ahead of its time to fit neatly into any genre box. Shumaker’s unique guitar style was a core element of this evolution, blending technical skill with an avant-garde sensibility.
Knowing Mike personally, it became clear that Sheilbound’s unique sound was born from a fascinating clash of musical passions. He was as enthusiastic about bands like Jawbox and Shellac as he was about prog rock icons like Rush and Yes. This blend of stripped-down post-punk with complex progressive elements shaped his distinctive guitar playing. While my own tastes leaned more towards the prog and art rock spectrum, I deeply admired Mike’s diverse and somewhat quirky musical palate. We even explored these shared influences together in The Divine Invasion, a band we formed with Chris Young and Bobby Bertalan, further showcasing Shumaker’s versatility.
Then came 2002, the year that changed everything. Mike received an invitation to join Hey Mercedes band, the new project from the members of Braid, hailing from Milwaukee. This was a significant opportunity – a chance to join an already established, touring band with label support and professional backing. For Mike, and for all of us who knew him, it was an exciting moment. He accepted the offer, and suddenly, our studio partnership was coming to an end as I was also planning my move to Los Angeles. It was bittersweet, but the timing felt right for both of us to pursue new paths.
The anticipation was palpable. Everyone was eager to hear what Hey Mercedes band would sound like with Mike Shumaker on guitar. Before smartphones and social media, news traveled slower, and the mystery surrounding this new lineup only amplified the excitement.
Finally, on August 23, 2002, Hey Mercedes band brought their tour to the Cleveland Agora. It wasn’t just a concert; it was an event. Mike’s friends, our recording studio clients – the talented musicians who had collaborated with Mike on countless projects – all gathered for a pre-show party. The atmosphere was electric, a mix of camaraderie and eager anticipation. Despite the sweltering heat of the venue, the energy was infectious as we all walked over to the Agora Ballroom to witness Mike’s debut with Hey Mercedes band in his hometown.
The show was a triumph. Seeing Mike on stage with Bob Nanna and the rest of Hey Mercedes band was incredible. The performance was tight, energetic, and showcased the dynamic sound that Hey Mercedes band was becoming known for. After the show, the celebration continued by the tour bus, a reunion of friends spanning years of Cleveland music history. From WRUW to U.S. Rocker, Speak In Tongues to Java Jive, it felt like the entire Cleveland music community was there to support Mike and Hey Mercedes band.
This Cleveland show wasn’t just another stop on a tour; it was a pivotal moment. It was the night Cleveland witnessed one of their own take a significant step onto a larger stage, bringing his exceptional guitar skills to Hey Mercedes band. For those of us who were there, it was a night we wouldn’t soon forget, a celebration of music, friendship, and the enduring power of the Cleveland music scene.
