INTERVIEW: Stephanie Stevens talks with Shallow Side bassist Matt Daniels on the bands new music, what they have been doing during quarantine and MORE! - READ IT HERE

SHALLOW SIDE INTERVIEW with Bassist Matt Daniels

By: Stephanie Stevens

The band SHALLOW SIDE not only makes phenomenal music but have made an impact in this crazy world the last few months. They have built up a positive outlook to the fans and the music community. They have given hope and encouragement and laughs through being real and approachable on social media outlets for people to connect with them.

Recently the guys covered Bob Segers song TURN THE PAGE, a Song endearing to them as musicians and that has inspired them through their career and they wanted to share this acoustic moment with a video to the fans during this pandemic of 2020.

Each band member is missing the connection of live shows and are sending out a message as soon as they get the green light they will be on the road to come and hang out and rock the stages for fans and music lovers.

The band has been deemed Loudwire’s Best New Artist in 2016. They have released 3 Eps and several standalone singles since the band’s inception. The video for RENEGADE (a Styx cover) held the #1 spot for 5 weeks; retired in the Battle Royal Hall of Fame on Loudwire.  The bands social media accounts continue to grow and have over millions of views. In 2019 the guys proudly released a full-length album entitled SAINTS & SINNERS which produced the amazing prominent song for this day and age called NOT ALONE and the high energy, sultry rocker SOUND THE ALARM. The guys, Eric Boatright-vocals, Heath Fields-drummer, Seth Trimble-guitars and Matt Daniels-bass are super talented, amazing and fun humans and just overall a truly special addition to the rock n roll community for this generation.

I was able to chat with bassist Matt Daniels during the Quarantine of 2020 to find out about new music, the Seger cover they did and found out some fun facts about the front man.

The guys are also doing a very special Stageit performance on June 7th. Click the link to reserve your ticket and join the party.

https://www.stageit.com/shallow_side/shallow_side_summer_stageit_spectacular/82773

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Lyrically NOT ALONE must of had an inspiring moment and message when you wrote it now with this year the way it is, has that put a new spin on the words you wrote? What message do you want to give to the world now?

MATT: The song was written in regards to people struggling with depression, feelings of anxiety and loneliness along with several other mental struggles that we face daily. The song itself is an acknowledgment that we are imperfect beings, and it is okay to accept that we have faults and imperfections, but you have to work through those to come out a better version of yourself. It is our responsibility as people to do so, and the message we try to convey is that no matter how bad it gets, you're never alone. There is always a friend, family member, person on the street or in your timeline that may share a similar story who would love to reach out and give you a hand. 

With COVID-19 it really gives the song a whole new deeper meaning, with unemployment at an all-time high, and most of the world forced to be alone, this song truly takes on a much deeper meaning. If we could give any further words, it's that we all are afraid, but together we are strong. You see that from the videos from Italy, where people playing concerts from their balconies, or in major cities in the US where every night we scream and cheer for the healthcare workers fighting this pandemic. No matter how dim the situation may look, our will to continue on will always be brighter.
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When you listened to TURN THE PAGE by Bob Seger what made you relate to the song? How does it feel singing and putting your talents to something that meaningful?

MATT: The song itself is legendary, and we have all been big Seger fans to begin with, so we've always played the song and enjoyed it quite often on the road. Being kept in social distancing at home really made all of us miss each other, and the shows, and the fans so we wanted to do something special for them. Recording this cover was definitely one of those things that helped us to look forward to when music makes a full comeback. But for now, we will keep creating, and keep releasing content for our friends and family. 
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Have you guys worked on new original music for possibly a new record? If so, how is it writing apart through this quarantine or is that normal for you guys?

MATT: We have always been writing, it's never been a formal situation where we all meet and have an intent to write. Most of the time we play music to begin with, and that's where most of our inspiration comes from, is real life events and situations where we pick up a guitar after a long day and start playing a melody, we all hear the melody and add in one by one.
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Your also as band so involved and real with your fans even before all the Covid 2020. How does it make you feel bringing a little part of happiness and positivity into people's worlds?

MATT: We love it so much; without our fans we wouldn't be able to do what we do. We enjoy them just as much, getting out and playing shows for us is like a big family reunion. We had a natural desire to want to take that step into making people feel a little bit of that normalcy again, even if we are at home the internet helps us all stay connected.
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What is your view on the future of the music world and community?

MATT: I personally think while this time is definitely hard, it will result in a major outpouring of fantastic music, events and concerts. I like to think that the demand for shows is going to be so much higher that we will definitely have a surge in live music again, it's just a matter of when that tipping point begins. 
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Top 5 things you learnt about yourself in the past few months?

MATT: 1)  I knew I had a terrible sleep schedule, but now I REALLY have a terrible sleep schedule.

2) Man, those kids on Xbox Live are bullies...they're ruthless.

3) Even though gyms are closed most of us still managed to stay active, physical activity is most definitely essential.

4) Same with music, it has been very therapeutic being home, watching concerts on TV with my family and am thankful for a chance to reset.

5)  I may be 6'2 and 220lbs...but I miss crowd surfing and gigantic mosh pits. Let's bring live music back baby!  
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How are staying physically active during quarantine?

MATT: I built up a gym in my home and have not skipped a beat, in fact have seen some great progress from being at home.
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Top thing you’re going to do when quarantine is over?

MATT: Definitely just sit at the beach and enjoy this weather, us Chicagoans don't get enough warm weather and when it's here you really have to bask in the moment. 
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Best Netflix show?

MATT: I loved watching Ozark, may have finished it in 2 days but hey what are you going to do. 
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Last comments or any new merch or news coming soon from the SHALLOW SIDE camp?

MATT: Absolutely, we have been updating our store with tons of new gear and SHALLOW SIDE merch for people to scoop up. We will be announcing rescheduled shows and tours soon, so be sure to keep an eye out on our social media, our website below and keep rocking us on those streaming platforms!
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