PureVolume

Members: Douglas, Matt, Hannah, Hunter

"I know, I know – you hear Plano, [Texas] and you see how old they are… and you expect whiney emo garbage, but these guys weren't like that at all. I was floored by what I heard." Criminal Shift received this review from an unexpected, respected critic when playing a show at the Prophet Bar in downtown Dallas. "Very sophisticated songs for their age." Criminal Shift consists of four members: Douglas Schadt (age 17), Hunter Johnston (age 19), Matt Dietrich (age 18), and Hannah Hudson (age 17). This indie rock quartet formed in 2007, and they have since played at many local venues, practiced and written new material, and even put out their own seven-song EP, "Young Machines EP," in spring of 2007. Although successful in the studio, the quartet's passion is playing live shows. The foursome have been booked at venues including, but not limited to, Curtain Club, The Door, The Max, Theater 7, and the Ivy Lounge and have already been booked by Dallas area booking and PR groups Third String PR and Greenlight PR, among others. Criminal Shift has also supported national touring acts including: Barcelona, The Eastern Conference Champions (Suretone), Look Mexico (Lujo), The Films (7Hz), and The Secret Handshake (Triple Crown). The musical experience of each member far exceeds their involvement with Criminal Shift, however. Each coming from a background of classical training, these four musicians are talented and qualified in their respective instruments. Bassist Hunter Johnston first began playing the upright bass as a wee tot somewhere between the ages of 0 and 10 years old. Keyboardist Hannah Hudson has been training classically for over a decade, and drummer Matt Dietrich has played classical violin throughout his life, as well as picking up both guitar and drums. Douglas Schadt, guitarist and songwriter, also trained in classical violin before taking up guitar. At the age of 17, Douglas' songwriting skills are mature well beyond his years. This quartet has grown considerably since their beginnings. After collaborating and perfecting their seven-song EP, the four really know how to work together. Douglas himself describes the EP as "It's a piece that's truly us." A new, four-song release is in the works right now for the band, and it, too, will show how much more developed they have become.