New York City’s downtown scene has always been a breeding ground for bands that define an era. In the mid-2020s, that mantle belongs to Fcukers, an electronic outfit that has single-handedly injected a dose of chaotic, high-fashion adrenaline back into the indie world. Bridging the gap between 90s big beat, trip-hop, and the nostalgic grit of 2000s “indie sleaze,” the project has evolved from underground warehouse secrets to global festival staples.
Led by the magnetic vocalist Shanny Wise and producer/multi-instrumentalist Jackson Walker Lewis, Fcukers have become synonymous with the new wave of NYC nightlife. With their critically acclaimed EP Baggy$$ and a reputation for raucous live shows, they are the band defining the sound of the post-genre generation.
Formation and Origins: Escaping the Indie Rock Circuit
Fcukers formed in late 2022 in New York City, born out of a desire to escape the rigid constraints of the traditional indie rock circuit. The group’s members were already veterans of the scene before converging:
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Shanny Wise was the ethereal frontwoman of the dream-pop band The Shacks, known for her whispery, vintage-tinged vocals.
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Jackson Walker Lewis and founding drummer Ben Scharf came from the energetic indie-rock group Spud Cannon.
Feeling burnt out by the “van-tour” lifestyle and seeking a sound that reflected the late-night energy of Lower Manhattan, Lewis and Scharf left their previous band to experiment with electronic production. They teamed up with Wise, whose disaffected, speak-sing vocal style perfectly complemented their new house-influenced beats.
The project wasn’t born in a high-end studio but in apartments and after-hours spots, fueled by a philosophy of “gut instinct” and a rejection of over-polished pop production. Their name—deliberately provocative and hard to ignore—was chosen to mirror the irreverent attitude of their music.
Musical Style: The “Baggy” Sound
Fcukers’ sound is often described as a sonic collage of the coolest moments in dance music history. They reject strict genre labels, instead creating a “baggy” blend that includes:
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90s Big Beat & House: Drawing heavy inspiration from acts like The Chemical Brothers, Basement Jaxx, and Fatboy Slim.
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Indie Sleaze: The band is frequently cited as the leaders of the modern “indie sleaze” revival, channeling the dance-punk energy of LCD Soundsystem and Peaches.
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Trip-Hop: Slower tracks showcase a dub-influenced, hypnotic side reminiscent of Massive Attack.
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Their aesthetic is as important as their sound. With a look that blends high fashion with thrift-store grunge, they quickly caught the attention of the fashion industry, landing gigs for major luxury brands before they had even released a full album.
Career Highlights and Baggy$$
The band’s rise was meteoric. After generating buzz with early singles like “Mothers” and a gritty cover of Beck’s “Devils Haircut” (titled “Homie Don’t Shake”), they signed to Technicolour, a sub-label of the legendary Ninja Tune.
The Baggy$$ EP (September 2024) Their debut EP, Baggy$$, served as their official manifesto. It was met with critical acclaim for its ability to balance club-ready bangers with moody, atmospheric tracks.
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“Bon Bon”: A viral hit that became a DJ set staple worldwide.
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“Tommy”: A frenetic track that highlighted their punk roots.
Live Domination Fcukers built their lore through live performances. They bypassed traditional venue ladders, often playing sold-out warehouse raves, fashion parties, and secret locations. By late 2024, they were sharing stages with icons like Yves Tumor, Confidence Man, and opening for LCD Soundsystem during their prestigious NYC holiday residency—a passing of the torch from one generation of NY dance-punks to the next.
Current Members
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Shanny Wise: Vocals
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Jackson Walker Lewis: Bass, Keyboards, Production
Note: Drummer Ben Scharf was a founding member and integral to the band’s formation and debut EP, though the project has recently centered around the duo of Wise and Lewis as they expanded their touring setup.
5 Fast Facts About Fcukers
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The Celine Co-Sign: One of their earliest high-profile gigs was DJing the closing party for Celine at Paris Fashion Week, personally selected by creative director Hedi Slimane.
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James Murphy’s Seal of Approval: They were tapped to remix the track “Los Angeles” by Lol Tolhurst (The Cure) and Budgie (Siouxsie and the Banshees), which featured vocals by LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy.
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Genre-Bending: Despite being an electronic act, they often cite 90s rock and dub as bigger influences than modern EDM.
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Viral Sampling: Their track “Homie Don’t Shake” is built around a sample of Beck’s riff from “Devils Haircut,” recontextualized for the dancefloor.
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Global Touring: As of November 2025, the band is in the middle of a major world tour, headlining venues like London’s Colour Factory and Brooklyn Steel, with upcoming festival slots in Australia and New Zealand.