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[su_quote cite=”Dani “]Los Angeles is filled with inspiration on every corner. For me the real inspiration is the people I’m surround by. If I feel comfortable then the dialogue is more conversational. I love that easy communication.[/su_quote]
First and foremost, where did the name come from?
Dani: We threw around some others but shallows is what stuck with us. It made sense to me because we live in one of the most superficial cities in the world. Skin deep. Shallow.
Marshall: We originally wanted to call the band YOU DIE, but that was frowned upon by certain members of our team which I will not name. We had a single ready to go, artwork and all, but we were still desperate for a name so we pooled a bunch together and Shallows was the one that we settled on.
The always needed, what artists inspired you?
Dani: All my magic ladies and killer rock gods. Stevie Nicks, Courtney Love, Banks, Miley Cyrus, Marilyn Manson, David Bowie. Too many to name really.
Marshall: I wanted to start a project like iamamiwhoami, but a little less conceptual, a bit more heavy and I guess more accessible to try my hand at producing and writing pop music. Dani kinda wandered into my life and it was a perfect fit. We are both inspired by pop, hip hop, electronic, indie and even goth and rock music from all decades.
A little something extra, tell me about your single “Matter”, what inspired that gem?
Dani: Matter was a snowball that started from a silly thought. You know how words start to sound weird the more you say them? It was a realization that words are placeholders for things. Spiral existential crisis.
Marshall: I wanted to make something lush and pretty, slightly Kate Bush inspired. Dani and I pretty much speak in rhymes and stupid puns to each other, so the hook just sort of slipped out and we built from there.
Los Angeles is considered one of the meccas of music across the world, name a venue of this magical city that speaks to you beyond the limitations of what’s normal?
Dani: Hollywood Bowl for sure. Seeing a show there is like cleansing the soul. A perfect sunset while watching my fave band is my kind of paradise. Plus the sound echoes through the canyon and it’s like gods reverb. hah
Marshall: The Fonda. I have seen shows and played at hundreds of venues and I can say with 100% conviction that this room has the greatest sound. Or just the best FOH engineers rolling through. It’s beautiful and I’ve seen some of my all-time favorite bands there and been on the verge of tears, haha.
Current album you just can’t stop listening to?
Dani: American Teen – Khalid <3
Marshall: I’m still stuck on “Life Of Pablo”. I always go back to it for inspiration.
Name a place that inspires you musically, personally and simply in everything?
Dani: Los Angeles is filled with inspiration on every corner. For me the real inspiration is the people I’m surround by. If I feel comfortable then the dialogue is more conversational. I love that easy communication.
Marshall: My horrible, noisy disgusting intersection in Korea Town. I dread going there, but when I do I have to work, and it’s where my mind goes to the most dark, grimy places. Which helps for lyrics and production… and may be changing the direction of Shallows for better or worse, haha.
[su_quote cite=”Marshall”]Do some good work, chill the fuck out and don’t take ourselves too seriously.[/su_quote]
Where to go in the city for grubs, drinks and whatever the night wants?
Dani: Sage vegan bistro. I could eat there every day. Nights in Echo Park or Hollywood is just dandy with me. Love the Echoplex and Davey Waynes.
Marshall: There’s this little beer and wine spot on the edge of Echo Park that I really love. Drinks are cheap and delicious for LA standards, it’s small and I’m pretty sure it doesn’t have a name. It just says “beer and wine” on the outside. And the Gold Room never disappoints if one is looking to get totally trashed
Your current favorite 10 tracks :
Dani:
8Teen- Khalid
Miss You- Gabrielle Aplin
Mother Earth- Banks
I Know A Place- MUNA
Up Against Me- LP
Marshall:
“Slip Away” by Perfume Genius
“Sun” by The Hotelier
“Sensations” by Elohim
“Hood Politics” by Kendrick Lamar
“Not In Love” by Crystal Castles/Robert Smith
What must you do always before a show?
Dani: I gotta do those warm ups you know. Usually can’t eat before because of nerves but it keeps me alert lol. I also like to be in my pj’s until I have to be social. So sometimes that happens.
Marshall: Stretch, warm up and drink exactly one beer.
Mantra or philosophy of Shallows?
Dani: Work hard – play hard – be hard – we hard.
Marshall: Do some good work, chill the fuck out and don’t take ourselves too seriously.
More of Shallows
Show some love: The Hype Machine
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Spotify Playlist: Shallows Recommends
