NightShift Special is back with a new, bad-ass, banger single and video, “Blackout.” Hailing from Saginaw, MI., this 5-piece, real rock ‘n roll band is Chase Engel (vocals, guitar), Connor Schrems (lead guitar), James Hudson (rhythm guitar), Zander Regent (bass) and Jimmy Shaw (drums).
Chase says, ‘“Blackout”, came about when Con, James, Zan and I were hanging out a night club in Bay City Michigan. The place is just packed with kids jumping to hip hop tunes. Con turns to me and says “hey, how in the world do we get one of our rock songs to play in the clubs like this?” I jokingly looked at him and said, “Well maybe we need to turn the bass up.” The next day Con and I sat down to do just that. Write a rock song that the clubs would bump. Now I’m not sure if this is the next dance club banger but I think I got the point across lyrically in the song about indeed getting the bass up.”
NighShift Special always makes their shows an “event”. Chase says, “When I’m trying to design the way I think our show should come across to an audience, I think about the show that I would want to see in an arena and we try and put that show on at your local venue that also hosts trivia on Wednesday nights! It comes with challenges, but the audiences have definitely seemed to recognize the extra production value we try and bring to smaller venues and stages.”
While the band is influenced by Def Leppard, Chevelle, Guns N’ Roses, Breaking Benjamin, AC/DC, Kid Rock, Foo Fighters, and more, they definitely have their own sound. “It’s hard for me to describe the way we sound”, Chase says, “I’ve heard Kid Rock sings for Guns N Roses, Beastie Boys front Aerosmith, or I’ve even heard Cher sits in with Creed so maybe I’ll go with that one.”
Chase says there are a few interesting things about the guys in NightShift Special, “James is both a certified lifeguard instructor and a black belt in Taekwondo. Zan is an amazing chef and has headed kitchens all over the state. Jimmy is a competitive power lifter, and con and I enjoy going to sporting events together and having to explain to people how no, we’re not related to each other.”
You can catch NightShift Special LIVE:
April 24, 2025 – Walleye Fest -Freeland, MI. w/Tantric
May 2, 2025 – District 142 – Detroit, MI. w/Filter
July 4, 2025 – Wenona Park – Bay City, MI. w/Wrecking Crue
July 25, 2025 – The Vault – Saginaw, MI. w/Gunshine
August 15, 2025 – Masonic Temple – Bay City, MI., w/Local Showcase
