To a remarkable degree, Shawn Maxwell has the urge—a quality fundamental to those who create improvised music on a nightly basis. In this way, it is not enough to simply create, but the need to innovate that guides each note. His art lies in addressing the ordinary modalities of life in an extraordinary way, placing notes in their most complimentary places with precision and enthusiasm. Of course, there’s the way he plays. Maxwell’s style was built around swelling harmonic runs while painting complex melodies across an expansive canvas. Each harmony he creates is purposeful in form as well as function.

By all accounts, Shawn Maxwell formed his style early on the tough and tumultuous streets of Joliet, Illinois. From the time a saxophone first touched his lips, Maxwell knew that music was his calling. With conviction and abilities that belied his age, it was equally clear to others that Shawn Maxwell was destined to be a musician. He quickly became a celebrated performer in the Joliet Central High School band program where his prowess as a soloist was on regular display. Shawn further refined his art in a post-secondary setting, absorbing all that his instructors could teach – earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Millikin University in 1999. Shawn then signed with the prestigious and legendary Conn-Selmer Company to join their Performance and Educational Artist Roster.

After starting his professional career touring Internationally, across the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, Maxwell returned home to conquer the Windy City. With equal parts genius and toil, Maxwell has become one the preeminent performers in the Chicago jazz landscape. His multi-instrumental talents have been lauded by fellow musicians and critics alike.

“Once you witness the major dosage of authentic Afrobeat the band drops into their body of danceable wonderment, there is no turning back.” – CMB
ATOMGA is building an empire for fevered, afrobeat influenced dance parties. However, staging sweaty dance parties is not ATOMGA’s only intention. Consciousness is something this 10 piece afrofunk collective takes very seriously. Since their inception in 2011, they have meticulously studied the hypnotic grooves and lyrical prowess of afrobeat’s forefathers in order to maintain musical integrity and positively contribute to afrobeat in a modern setting. ATOMGA’s music encourages their listeners to wake up and grasp life with awareness as they humbly tackle socially conscious topics such as human rights; corporate greed; environmental advocacy; government oppression and last, but not least, the need for more love in this world.

ATOMGA released their debut EP in January 2014 after nearly 3 years of captivating audiences from all walks of life. The diverse body of musicians and group compositional atmosphere shines in this 5-song collection. The first single, “Still Today” examines the struggle for social and economic peace that is still as relevant today as it was at the advent of afrobeat music. The musical goals ATOMGA strives to achieve are being recognized as Tom Murphy of Denver Westword exclaims that ATOMGA’s EP is “Filled with politically charged but never heavy-handed songs, the EP reveals a band that’s making tuneful, fluid and surprisingly visceral music.” With an unyielding drive stronger than ever, ATOMGA plans to release a follow-up album later in the year and continue taking the region by storm as this project always pursues to connect your mind, body and soul.

“The songs that Atomga performed were intricate and detailed and the band’s stage presence was loose and flowing. You cannot help but have fun when you see these 11 musicians energetically rock the stage.” -Brian Turk, Listen Up Denver

“Atomga specializes in positive vibes, authentic Nigerian Afrobeat and funk/soul sounds ideal for dancing your ass off.” -Ru Johnson, Westword

“The sound, anything but pedestrian, was an inspiring find. Definitely a band to watch for the fusion/Afrobeat crowd.” -Billy Thieme, Reverb

“Watch out Denver, cause your newest party band is just getting warmed up. These guys are poised to take this town by storm!” -Timothy Dwenger, Listen Up Denver
ATOMGA is…

Kendra Kreie – Vocals

Casey Hrdlicka – Guitar

Peter Mouser – Fender Rhodes and Hammond B3

Alice Hansen – Trumpet

Frank Roddy – Tenor Saxophone

Leah Concialdi – Baritone and Soprano Saxophone, Flute, EWI

Jared “Jball” Fischer – Congas and Percussion

Cody Schlueter – Timbales and Percussion

Sam Lafalce – Bass Guitar

Kyle Ayervais – Drums