We were lucky to catch up with Shy Company recently and have shared our conversation below.

Shy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project we’ve worked on is undoubtedly our debut album, “Growing Pains.” This album is a culmination of years of hard work, personal growth, and musical evolution. The first single from the album, also titled “Growing Pains,” holds a special place in our hearts because it encapsulates the essence of our journey as a band and as individuals.

The backstory of this project is rooted in our shared experiences and the challenges we’ve faced together. We started making music as high school friends, jamming in basements and skipping class to chase our dreams. Over the years, we’ve balanced our 9-5 jobs with our passion for music, handling everything ourselves without the backing of a label. This DIY spirit has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding.

“Growing Pains” reflects the struggles and triumphs we’ve encountered along the way. The song delves into the emotional turmoil of personal growth, the pressure to meet expectations, and the internal battles we face as we strive to become the best versions of ourselves. The lyrics, “Growing pains are a pain, especially when you’re not prepared to grow,” resonate deeply with our own experiences of navigating life’s ups and downs.

Creating this album has been a cathartic process for us. It’s allowed us to channel our emotions, connect with each other on a deeper level, and share our story with our fans. The space alien/rhinestone cowboy theme in the music video adds a quirky, imaginative twist that reflects our unique style and artistic vision.

Overall, “Growing Pains” is more than just an album to us—it’s a testament to our resilience, creativity, and the bond we share as a band. We’re incredibly proud of this project and can’t wait for the world to hear it.

Shy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Shy Company is THE GREATEST BAND THAT ROCKS from Macon, GA since The Allman Brothers. We’re known for our unique “East Coast Dream Rock” sound that blends the dreamy vibes of bedroom pop and the soulful grit of southern rock. The band features two powerful female lead singers, Kat Bugatti and Kalez, who bring intricate harmonies and compelling lyrics to the forefront. We’re backed by Colby Collins on drums, Wyatt Pyles shredding on lead guitar, Caleb Melvin layering dreamy synth and rhythm guitar, and Brian Rowland grooving on bass.

We’re practically a Macon, Georgia supergroup, with members who have already established themselves in other projects. Kat Bugatti was in Fooligans and Headstrings before joining Shy Company. Colby and Wyatt were also in Fooligans. Caleb is involved in several projects, including Tier Blue (formerly known as Hindsight), Macon Music Review, and Collective Sp8ce. Brian is part of The Sound Trees and Eunoia Valley. Kalez is not only a talented vocalist but also an accomplished graphic designer and social media aficionado. Together we’re a complete dream team of incredible artists.

Our sound has been described as a blend of high-energy anthems, bluesy ballads, and spacy dream-like tracks with lyrics that resonate deeply with us and our listeners. We draw inspiration from artists like Paramore, Fleetwood Mac, Crumb, Blondie, Mazzy Star, The Cranberries, Lana Del Rey and Heart. While these influences shape our sound, we strive to create a groundbreaking new sound that distinctively sets us apart in the indie rock scene.

We’ve had some amazing shows around middle Georgia, including performances at the (2024) Battle of Byron in Byron, GA, the (2023 and 2024) 420 Jubilee at The Society Garden in Macon, GA, and the (2023 and 2024) Big Bird Bash at the Hummingbird Stage and Taproom in Macon, GA. We always enjoy getting the crowd excited to dance and sing along to our original music and some of the fun cover songs we do. We’re excited about branching out to other cities across America when we go on tour to meet new Shy Kitties and share our East Coast Dream Rock with them.

The main thing we want listeners, followers, and fans to know about Shy Company is that we’re here to put Macon, GA back on the map and to create music that resonates on a deeper emotional level. We’re all about authenticity, passion, and creating a sense of community. We invite you to join us on this journey, explore our music, and be a part of the Shy Kitty Club. Thank you for supporting us and being a part of our story.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

To best support artists and creatives, society needs to start by paying them what they’re worth! For independent artists, streaming their music can be a source of supplemental income, but many also rely on live performances, merchandise sales, licensing deals, and crowdfunding to sustain their careers. We’ve made about $20 from streams for our two released singles, “CAN WE PLAY” and “In Love”, even though each song has been streamed over 10,000 times on Spotify. That doesn’t even begin to recover the thousands of dollars we spent on recording, mixing, and mastering the songs OR the countless hours we’ve spent writing and perfecting the music. We’ve been told to invest in physical media production like CDs and vinyl records to sell, but they are expensive to produce and aren’t as sought after due to the rise of streaming platforms. Not to mention, artists are often lowballed for live performances, which doesn’t reflect the value of their talent and hard work. With six members in our band, we split the earnings equally, but it’s still not enough to live off the music alone, which is why we all still maintain 9-5 day jobs.

Many musicians started their journeys in school music programs, but unfortunately, many schools have started removing extracurricular music and art courses from public education. We believe this is detrimental because these programs are often the first exposure young people have to the arts. Investing in the arts is crucial for nurturing talent and maintaining a vibrant creative ecosystem. Fair compensation for artists and supporting arts education are key steps in valuing and sustaining the creative community. By recognizing and paying artists for their worth, we can help ensure that creativity continues to thrive.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the connection we build with our fans and the community. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of seeing someone resonate with a song we’ve poured our hearts into. Whether it’s a heartfelt message from a fan about how our music has helped them through a tough time or seeing the crowd sing along at a live show, these moments remind us why we do what we do.

Creating music that dives deep into our authentic and relatable feelings allows us to express ourselves fully and connect with others on an emotional level. The process of crafting a song from scratch, seeing it come to life in the studio, and then sharing it with the world is incredibly fulfilling. It’s a journey of self-discovery, collaboration, and creativity.

Moreover, being part of a group where each member brings their unique talents and perspectives creates a dynamic and supportive environment. We’re not just bandmates; we’re best friends who share a passion for music and a dream of making a difference through our art.

In essence, the most rewarding part of being an artist is knowing that our music can touch lives, bring people together, and create a sense of community and belonging. It’s about making an impact and leaving a lasting impression through our art.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Linktr.ee/shycompany
• Instagram: @shycompanyband
• Facebook: @shycompanyband
• Twitter: @shycompanyband
• Youtube: @shycompanyband
• Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7nS5YqABF1PzvM7fxOCbCg?si=fZ0gRQyNQBG06LAuh7r2aA
  Apple Music: https://music.lnk.to/CYRIxj

Image Credits

Lindsay Melvin, Kalez Collins