The Stifftones: A Chronicle of the Rock & Roll Devival

The Stifftones are more than a band; they are the architects of a mission. Led by husband-and-wife duo Shaun and Rachel Stief, they operate as modern-day traveling bards, fueled by a philosophy of belief in the American Dream and the defiant spirit of rock’s golden age. Their sound—a potent fusion of Midwest grit, Bakersfield country, Inland Empire-inspired punk, East-Coast cheese, and heartfelt Rock and Roll, wrapped in magic—is what they call the “Rock & Roll Devival.”  Imagine if Fleetwood Mac and The Rolling Stones had a love child....

The journey began in 2019 at a legendary Illinois dive bar open mic. Facing a crossroads, Shaun and Rachel made a choice that would break most: they shed their conventional lives to live entirely on their own terms. By 2020, they had moved into “Tania,” a 1996 Cadillac Hearse. By 2021, the road became their permanent home.

This wasn't a temporary tour; it was a total immersion into the American landscape. Operating as a fully supporter-funded act outside the industry machine, they built a career one mile at a time.

200,000 Miles of Grit The Stifftones have logged over 200,000 miles touring the lower 48. Their history is defined by "paying dues" in ways few modern acts can claim—including surviving a brutal New Hampshire winter in a canvas bell tent named "Gert" and a residency at Harley Jack’s, where they balanced hosting eight-hour open mics & weekly performances with manual labor in trade for a room above the garage to keep the mission alive.

The "Thesis" in Rock & Roll: Existentialism on Main St. On September 21, 2025, the duo released their debut concept album, Existentialism on Main St. Folie à Deux. Far from a standard studio record, it was a "nomadic production," recorded in unorthodox locations, including:

• A friend's cave in South Dakota.
• A New Hampshire woodshed.
• The front seat of their hearse, capturing field recordings of freight trains and sirens.

World-Class Collaboration Despite their DIY foundation, the duo’s artistry earned the respect of industry veterans. Their debut album features contributions from:

• Victor Krummenacher & Jonathan Segel (Camper Van Beethoven, Cracker)
• Kyle Mayer (September Mourning)
• Chuck Melchin (Bean Pickers Union)

Critical & Broadcast Recognition The 2024 single "These Times" served as a major turning point, garnering significant external validation:

• Award Nomination: Nominated for Song of the Year 2024 by Joshua Tree Voice Magazine.
• Global Airwaves: Achieved regular weekly rotation on KPRP Portland and airplay on over 15 stations globally, including WNIJ Chicago, WHUP Hillsborough, NC, XRAYFM, Pop Radio UK, and Kootenay Co-op Radio (Canada).

Live Performance Excellence The Stifftones have proven their draw at a diverse array of venues, from Hard Rock Cafes to prestigious listening rooms like The Blue Strawberry in St. Louis, Furstworld in Joshua Tree, CA, and Godfrey Daniels in Bethlehem, PA. They have been featured on respected live broadcasts including, WDVX’s Blue Plate Special in Knoxville, TN, WMNH 95.3 Connarton Unleashed in Manchester, NH, and WNIJ’s Sessions from Studio A in Chicago, IL.

Their story is a cohesive portrait of a creative partnership thriving on its own terms while building and supporting community. As they continue to roll in Tania, Shaun and Rachel Stief remain committed to the Rock and Roll Devival Circus.  Have Hearse, Will Travel.  One Love.