Fringe Shift is a phrase that can mean different things to different people, and the band of the same name reflects this character through its actions and its music. 
    Fringe Shift consists of Austin, Sawyer, and Trey; a trio that work naturally together simply because they've known each other for the majority of each other's lives. Although they've been friends since early elementary school, Fringe Shift as a band is less then a year old, coming together as a culmination of all three members different musical backgrounds and influences.
    Austin has only played bass since a few months before the formation of Fringe Shift, but this only makes his skill level more impressive. A natural at just about anything he sets his mind too, Austin honed his abilities to the point of a bass player of several years within several months. He cites bands such as The Red Hot Chili Peppers as influences, and ends up with his shirt off just about every time the opportunity arises.
    Sawyer started off wanting to play classical violin, but instead was prompted to learn electric guitar by his dad, at the age of 10. Only taking lessons for a year when he was 12, Sawyer is mostly a self-taught guitarist, but now takes lessons again at Spotlight Studios. He started singing while playing guitar to make "the boring chord songs" more interesting to play, and has had no more extensive vocal education than constructive criticism from listeners. His influences include Muse, Radiohead, The Beatles, Elvis Costello, and Joy Division. 
    Trey has taken lessons for years, and has developed his own unique style and sound through influences ranging from Jack Johnson to Linkin Park. He is unique in the fact that he is left handed but plays with a right handed drum setup, making is playing style different than almost any other drummer's. You'll rarely catch him without a hat.
    Though extremely different, these musicians are united by their passion towards music and the goal of creating a sound completely of their own, and are well on their way towards that goal. With set lists jumping from acoustic ballads to metal/grunge songs loud enough to spur mosh pits to form, Fringe Shift is a band that enjoys and thrives off of its own inconsistent sound and style, making an effort to never have two songs sound alike, and to attract people who love a wide range of musical genres.
    By their second show, Fringe Shift was already drawing in excess of 80 people to their shows, quickly gaining a loyal fan base. They continue to grow this fan base, expand their sound, and sharpen their talent as they quickly explode upon the local Seattle music scene.

      Nowadays, Fringe Shift plays shows regularly with JAR (here's their facebook) at local venues, and has an ever growing list of original songs, continuing to draw in more of a local fanbase. Venues they've played include:

  • Studio Seven

  • Spotlight Studios

  • KTUB

  • Club Motor

  • Y.E.S. of Juanita

  • and several private gigs

From left to right: Austin Knight, Sawyer Thompson, and Trey Tice, as shown by Nino Mascorella.