February 13, 2017

Meet Joie Shettler of The Radio Rebels and Rebel Music Entertainment in Redondo Beach

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joie Shettler.

Joie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Moving to LA from Tempe, Arizona, at the age of 19, I studied dance at Joe Tremaine’s dance studio on a dance scholarship. I had a wonderful dance career, including dancing as a Laker Girl, dancing for artists such as Prince, Michael Jackson, and also was one of the originators of the dance/burlesque group, The Pussycat Dolls. Although I loved dancing when I started singing it was like a whole new world opened up! I discovered I LOVED it too!! I started singing and dancing for a few local musical theater companies, but my favorite gig was when I nailed the job as a backup vocalist for The Brian Setzer Orchestra (Brian Setzer-The Stray Cats)! I was lucky to have toured with them for 3 years but had to take a leave after 2003 after giving birth to my baby girl. Since that time, I have had another baby, a boy, and although it is tough juggling being a mom and wife, I still wanted to continue to perform and sing!! I started working with several cover bands, and in doing so, decided to start my own, with my good friend and business partner, David Stark. David has had quite a career as a professional guitarist, touring with artists such as Berlin, Taylor Dayne, Teena Marie, and Rick James, and the infamous punk band, FEAR. We decided to create our own cover and tribute band together about 4 years ago. We formed The Radio Rebels, which is a mostly 80’s and 90’s tribute band, and Radio Blondie, which is a fun, sexy version of the infamous band, Blondie. Since our start, we have played some really fun events! Last year, we played many local venues and private events. A few of our favorites: ringing in the New Year at the Hard Rock Casino in Lake Tahoe, for a big all 80’s event!! … and last May we played a high-end wine function for Gogi Wines, actor Kurt Russel’s private wine club. It is important to us to not only give clients a great time and provide them with fun dance music but to also maintain the integrity of all cover tunes, playing them live and with no tracks. We try to pick fun, unique and not “run of the mill” covers to entertain all variety, types, and ages, and we can play any event from the casual to the high-end event.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Hmmmm…. has it been smooth? Not always…… there have been many ups and downs, and competition can be tough. We have had to play many venues and work very hard, but when we get those great reviews, and wonderful clients and bookings, it is worth it. We truly LOVE our job!!!

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Radio Rebels/Rebel Music Entertainment – what should we know?
Rebel Music Entertainment is very proud of our bands: The Radio Rebels, and Radio Blondie!! We specialize in a fun, energetic and professional music experience. What sets us apart? we play everything LIVE!! that means, no tracks!! ** sometimes it is discouraging when other cover bands play to tracks, almost cheating with the pre-recorded keyboard sounds and backup vocals… just so they can make an extra buck, (not hiring that extra musician) or “cheat” the audience into thinking that is how they really sound!!! We work hard to give the integrity and sound to each and every tune we play. We play such a HUGE variety… going from an old Elvis or Johnny Cash tune to Earth Wind and Fire to Fleetwood Mac, Madonna, Sublime, Michael Jackson, to Guns and Roses, etc. Plus I am not afraid to shake it up and get EVERYONE dancing!!!!

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
David Stark and myself have an AMAZING band and we would not be awesome without them!! Paul Lerma-bass/vocals, Andrew Jaimez-drums, Paul Vargas-keyboards.

My influences and inspirations: Chrissie Hynde-The Pretenders, Debbie Harry-Blondie, Gwen Stefani-No Doubt,

Contact Info: