Fans eagerly wait for the next track to surface online, erratically released from his closely-guarded collection of unheard bedroom recordings and live rarities. But as word of his haunting, at times bizarre, lo-fi recordings and contrastingly explosive live shows continues to spread, Shakey Graves is quickly rising from obscurity into the national spotlight. His debut full-length LP “Roll the Bones” consistently remains near the top of Bandcamp’s digital “best-seller” charts more than two years after its release, relying on little more than word of mouth for promotion. New listeners around the world discover his music every day, often through a series of stunning live performance videos on YouTube, which have collectively racked up well over half a million hits.

Following recent breakout performances at CMJ and SXSW, critics are starting to catch on, too. With a live performance style that The New York Times recently described as making the “one-man band approach look effortless,” Shakey stomps out rhythms on a handmade kickdrum built from an old suitcase, laying the foundation for “precise fingerpicking and raw, whiskey-soaked vocals” (Consequence of Sound).

In his hometown of Austin, TX, Shakey’s shows are the stuff of legend. Recently featured on the cover of Austin Monthly Magazine, the Mayor has even given him his own local holiday. February 9th is officially proclaimed “Shakey Graves Day” in Austin.

Shakey Graves has a huge year ahead of him, including nationwide tour dates and festival bookings. He’s also putting the finishing touches on his sophomore studio album, with a release date TBA.