Austin, Texas’s very own: Shy Beast just released their latest EP, Leave Me/Let Me, on November 30th!
Frontwoman, Mariclaire Glaeser leads the band with her feminine and mature vocals while David Tenzar and Andrew Bennett sing backup vocals and play spacey chords on their guitars. Drew Silverman’s laidback drumming and Jay Cesak’s prominent bass form the perfect rhythm section for this band. Together this 5-piece create the most unique and dreamy sound for their EP.
We had the opportunity to hold an exclusive interview with Mariclaire on the release of the EP, the process of writing, future plans, and more:
Hi! Your new EP Leave Me/Let Me is fantastic! How does it feel to have the EP finally released?
It’s a big relief! Recording takes a lot out of you and can be both a thrilling but also draining experience. But once it’s done, it’s done. We are just happy it’s out in the world circulating.
How would you describe the EP in three words?
Stubborn
Acceptance
Self-aware
Tell us about the writing process for this EP – was it easy? How/when do you know if a song is ready or when it feels complete?
The writing process for this EP was different from our debut EP, in that I wrote all the songs. One of the songs I started working on five years ago, while the other two are more recent. I usually come up with the song in its most basic form, and then bring it to the band during our weekly practice. It really starts taking on a new life once everyone starts sinking their teeth into it. As far as knowing when a song is complete, I think that’s just something you have to feel for yourself. It’s pretty instinctual.
What role does each member play in the band? For example, does one make the lyrics while the other comes up with the melody? Or is it a collaborative process where everyone does everything together?
That depends on the song. The bulk of our material, I have written, but the song structure tends to change and evolve in band practice. Two of my bandmates, David or Andrew, have been known to bring wonderful songs to the table, and then the whole band works on how to make it a “Shy Beast” song. So, usually it is a solo process that turns collaborative.
There are only 3 songs on this EP, but it feels as if each song comes together to tell a story. Is there a theme for this EP?
This EP is all about the idea of taking time for yourself, and resisting all the outside pressures the world has to offer.
Tell us about “Leave Me Be” – why did you choose to have it released as the first single off of the EP?
We chose “Leave Me Be” because it is quite different from any of our previous recordings, and it represents where we would like to move towards sonically.
Are there any plans for a music video for “Leave Me Be?” If so, could you tell us about the vision behind it?
Yes there are! The plans are…we’ve already made a music video for it and it will be premiering this month! Stay tuned!
Who have been your biggest music inspirations? Was there any influences from them on this EP?
The Cardigans have always been my favorite band. Recently, I can’t stop listening to Tame Impala’s album “Currents”, as well as the band Temples. Tennis is up there on the list too. There are definitely places in the EP where I have derived inspiration from those bands.
Shy Beast is an interesting name! How did you guys come up with it?
I came up with a ton of names, but it took a while to find the right one. Lots of band names have already been taken, and it can be a challenge to find something that hasn’t already been claimed online. Shy Beast came about as a result of lots of trial and error, but at the same time, it feels very autobiographical for me. I am over the moon about the name.
Lastly, Since the new year is coming up do you have any New Year’s resolutions for yourself and for the band? Can we be expecting a full album in 2019?
We definitely have goals in mind. I am hoping to do a lot more regional touring and festivals. As always, I am going to be working on new material. My hope is to have an album by 2020. We have lots of work to do and I am so excited.
We are excited to see what the future has in store for you as well! Thank you Shy Beast, it was great chatting with you!
If you enjoyed this exclusive interview with Shy Beast, tweet us @CelebMix and let us know!
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