It was an observation that gave Harry Wayne Casey the idea to write (Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty, one of KC and the Sunshine Band’s biggest hits. “The song was really written because, when doing these shows, I saw people sitting with their arms crossed, afraid to have a good time,” he tells Culto.
“So it was a song to say: ‘Don’t fight the feeling, give yourself a chance, shake your booty’ (shake your booty). It was kind of a confidence-building song, to let you know it’s okay to be free, to dance, to sing,” he continues.
Released 50 years ago, in 1976, it was the group’s third number one. A peak moment that established the project as one of the references in the fusion of soul, funk, and disco music. “I have been very blessed to be able to do what I love and to have written some great songs – he comments -. I just focused on making records and, well, they turned out to be hits. I don’t think there was a specific formula or anything like that. God just gave me a talent in my hands.”
Shake, shake, shake and several of the group’s hits will be in the repertoire that KC and the Sunshine Band are preparing for their upcoming shows in the country; this August 7 at the Gran Arena Monticello and on the 8th at the Teatro Caupolicán. “There are 15 incredibly talented musicians on stage and we bring an amazing show. There is so much talent in all the hit songs. We simply come to have a good time, to relive old memories and create some new ones.”
KC arrives in the country with an extended band, more or less as it has been throughout its history. According to the musician, managing such a number of talents and egos in a group is not very different from that of a four-member band. “It’s the same. We are like one big family. We all enjoy each other’s company, have fun, laugh a lot and all that. So I think it’s the same no matter how many people are on stage. The more, the better.”
-I know that when you were young you worked in a record store and at a company, TK Records. Did that experience help you in your musical career?
I think every experience I had when I was young helped me in some way, small parts of it. I tried to learn everything I could about the music business, from retail to wholesale, through manufacturing and recording; every part of it. So every part was a lesson, and I’m sure each one had something to do with how I managed my career and the music we have made.
KC has a long history with Chile. His debut was at the 1981 Viña Festival, one of the most memorable in history (with Julio Iglesias, Camilo Sesto, and “El Puma” José Luis Rodríguez as stars). A visit where he showcased his skill (a great version of That’s the way I like it, fused with Pink Floyd’s Another Brick in the Wall pt.2) and left as an anecdote a blow he gave to a La Tercera reporter (although he prefers not to talk about that).
“I just remember I had never seen anything like it – says KC -. Everyone lit their programs on fire. Everyone held torches made from the flyers. It was simply incredible. It was a very emotional night. And then they insisted I receive the Seagull. It was a magical night, one I will always remember and cherish. I had never felt so much love before.
-You returned to the festival in 2009, when you wanted to invite your friend Leonardo Farkas to perform. What do you remember about your return in 2009?
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It was a lot of fun. You know, Leonardo is a great person and I’m glad to know him as a friend. We had a great time when I was there; I always have a good time with Leonardo.
-Are you going to perform now with Leonardo when you are in Chile?
No, I don’t think he’s in Chile now, I think he’s somewhere else.
-If you had to choose a format to listen to KC’s music, which would you choose? Vinyl, CD, or streaming?
Well, I listen to things through my phone, so I guess is that streaming? I don’t know. Digital, yes. I have my own playlist, I don’t use Spotify much.
-You have a long career. Do you see yourself playing at 80 like Paul McCartney or Mick Jagger? That kind of artists
I hope so. I’m 75, I’ll be 76 in four months. So yes, I’ll keep going until I can’t anymore.
-Do you feel that the legacy of disco music lives on now in current artists like Dua Lipa or Bruno Mars?
Yes, I mean, obviously we influenced their sound a lot and many of today’s musicians. I was always told disco music was dead or dance music was dead, but it’s bigger than ever and today’s artists have embraced it.
There are still tickets available for the upcoming KC and the Sunshine Band shows in Chile. For the August 7 show at the Gran Arena Monticello, they are available via Ticketmaster. While for the August 8 show at the Teatro Caupolicán, they are available at Puntoticket.
