Forming mosh pits and bringing out high-energy performances, seniors Drake Mossauer and Cameron Maberry play in the band Shanti, a shoegaze group turned fast punk. Shanti consists of four people: Mossauer, the lead guitarist, Maberry, the drummer, Mitchell Thompson, the singer and guitarist, and Reed Gracie, the bassist. 

Balancing school and playing in a band has been difficult for them, but they have found a rhythm in their way of life. 

“We put together a schedule, one mainly we just play on the weekends,” Maberry said. “But it is annoying when we have a show during the week.”

Though the band has experienced some difficulty, Mossauer said they have had a “great experience,” even having the opportunity to record in a studio  

Unlike many bands in the OKC area, Shanti brings underground elements in exciting performances to the OKC area.In particular, the group makes an effort to include the audience in each performance, making the experience immersive and unique.

“We have pretty explosive live performances that are unique and a sense that not a lot of people are as rowdy as we are, and the crowd really gets into it,” Maberry said. “And it brings a new element to the community that likes underground formats.”

Drawing on their experience with Shanti, Maberry and Mossauer share advice to musicians who would like to form a band.

“Find your sound because honestly, Shanti started off in the first few months like a shoegaze band, and then it moved into this fast punk kind of stuff,” Maberry said. “Just find your sound and build off of that.” 

For Mossauer, authenticity is paramount.

“Do what you want to do,” Mossauer said. “Be unique. A lot of reasons why people like the Shanti is because it’s a unique DIY thing, so be unique, be yourself, and people will like you.”

The band’s next performance is tonight at 8 p.m, at the Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Central Oklahoma. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time for $13 at Shanti.