UK alt-metal band Shadow Smile debut emotionally contentious single, "Dearly Departed," off their upcoming album in the works produced by Daniel Jeffery and mixed by Jim Pinder at UK's renowned Treehouse Studios (Bullet For My Valentine, Bring Me The Horizon).
Shadow Smile, a British alternative/metal band known for their tenebrous visuals and contentiously melodic soundscapes, has debuted their new single, "Dearly Departed," off their upcoming album, which is currently in the works. Shadow Smile blends a cocktail of metalcore, classic metal, stadium metal, and electronic vibes to create a sincere, fervent experience that explores the inner anguish one deals with over the loss of a loved one.
"It’s the most personal song I’ve ever written. I lost my uncle back in April to cancer and he was instrumental in getting me into rock music. It felt like a fitting tribute to write a song for him. It actually ended up being quite introspective and focusing on the emotions of grief and the confusion of losing someone who has been a constant in my life. He was only 47 so it came as a huge shock."- Connor McGovern (Vocals)
Despite the restrictions the epidemic imposed on them in the past, Shadow Smile is delivering a thrilling new chapter with a revitalizing modern metal sound produced by Daniel Jeffery and mixed by Jim Pinder at UK's renowned Treehouse Studios (Bullet For My Valentine, Bring Me The Horizon). With "Dearly Departed," they have armed themselves with a confident, more refined path forward, with emotionally charged lyricism and high-octane guitar lines that will set them apart in the scene.
What started Shadow Smile? What inspired you guys to become a band?
Connor McGovern - Vocals: We were all in other bands on the Sheffield scene and just got together because we wanted to make some interesting music. We originally intended to write and record an EP for fun, but the first single piqued our interest, so we decided to take the music live, and we've been working hard ever since to keep our fanbase happy with consistently good music!
What are your musical influences? What inspired your single "Dearly Departed?"
Connor McGovern - Vocals: There are far too many to name, but Avenged Sevenfold was the first band that brought us together. We all like very different types of music, which we combine and blend to create our own sound. Everything from modern metal bands like While She Sleeps and Bring Me the Horizon to classic rock bands like Queen and Guns N' Roses, to Hip Hop and film soundtracks influence the way we write.
How is this album process different from any material that you have worked on in the past?
Connor McGovern - Vocals: The album was a very special process for us because it was entirely crowdfunded by our fans, so we didn't have to go through a label or owe anyone money for the production. It's been a lot of work, but it's also been incredibly creative and rewarding.
We'd previously only done singles and EPs, so this was a much longer and more in-depth process in which we really got to flex our creative muscles and show what we're capable of. We're very excited to share it with everyone.
What is it like to work at the famed Treehouse Studios in the UK with Daniel Jeffery and mixer Jim Pinder? I am aware that they have worked with well-known artists like Bring Me The Horizon and Bullet For My Valentine. Amazing is putting it mildly, haha.
Connor McGovern - Vocals: It's a lot of fun, but we put in a lot of effort in the studio. I can't lie and say it's a wild party because we're completely focused when we're making music, and Daniel is our right-hand man when it comes to seeing the vision through. The main reason we keep returning to Treehouse is that they understand what we're trying to accomplish and that we don't want to sound like the other bands they've worked with; we want to be the first Shadow Smile. They are very supportive and do not try to force us into a formula. But also Jim always mixes the songs perfectly. He appears to have super-hearing.
What does "Dearly Departed" touch on thematically? Can we talk about that?
Connor McGovern - Vocals: It’s the most personal song I’ve ever written. I lost my uncle back in April to cancer and he was instrumental in getting me into rock music. It felt like a fitting tribute to write a song for him. It actually ended up being quite introspective and focusing on the emotions of grief and the confusion of losing someone who has been a constant in my life. He was only 47 so it came as a huge shock. As we completed the song one of our guitarists, Ciaran, left the band so it kind of took on a second meaning. We did a really DIY music video to match the personal nature of the song too.
What do you want people to take from this new single? What have you taken from this release or process on a personal level?
Connor McGovern - Vocals: It was a bit of therapy for me but I’d really like people to either just enjoy it as a song that sounds good or relate to whatever emotions it conjures for them. We’ve definitely had feedback that people are really touched by the song and the lyrics, which is always so strange but really amazing to hear.
What is next for you guys?
Connor McGovern - Vocals: We’re focused on the release of our debut album. The next single coming in November and the album should be out in March or April. So there’s a lot to do. We need to get the artwork ready and film the music videos as well as all the admin side. Then we can hit the road and put on a great show for everyone!
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