Shi is set to release their debut full-length album Depressive Suicidal Stoner Doom next Friday, January 31. Here’s how you can attend the release party
What went into writing and recording this album?
Shi: Songwriting-wise, for this album it’s really about putting out a release that is all in generally the same sonic territory. The first section of the album is more introspective and about personal experiences. The last 3 songs are all newer, and combine into a narrative arc lyrically.
With regard to recording, we tracked all the songs with our good friend Cadillac Young of Church of Wax recording here in Louisville. Tyler had worked at the same job as him in the past, and I knew of his work through various bands he was in and albums he’d recorded. Another friend of ours, Devin Harper, mixed and mastered the tracks. Both of them were an absolute treat to collaborate with and we cannot recommend their services enough!
How long have you been playing together? And how did the band form?
Shi: Shi would have formed sometime in 2015 if memory serves; myself (Bob) and Tyler, our drummer, were playing in another band at the time. I’d initially wanted to do something more in a post-metal vein (in particular, pulling from Amenra and The Ocean as influences). However, when I’d get together with folks things seemed to take a turn away from that style more often than not. Eventually, I asked if Tyler would be interested in coming over to practice early to jam and futz around with some riffs I’d had, and we invited in his friend Zach on bass as the songs started coming together more. We brought Jayce in as a 2nd guitarist in time for Louisville is Dead 2017.
What are your main influences?
Shi: We are all pretty varied in our personal music consumption, and some of that is reflected in our early recordings not really having as unified a style. However, over the past year we have hit our groove and settled into sonic territory also shared by bands like Weedeater, Church of Misery, and Bongzilla. However, we still pull from some of the other styles and idioms of “doom” such as Electric Wizard, Windhand, Cough, and of course Black Sabbath.
After the album release, what do you have planned for 2020?
Shi: We’d really like to hit the road for a 4-5 day run or two, maybe sometime in late spring and in the fall. We’ve also been brewing over some tunes we’d like to put out as a little covers EP, and we are always writing more new material.
Lastly, what is Shi all about? What is most important to you as musicians and as a band?
Shi: At this point, we just want to have fun and hope listeners find something to connect with in the songs. Even if it’s as simple as really digging a riff or part, that’s incredibly humbling for us and we feel honored to have had the support and reception we’ve received during our run. We have no illusions about “making it big” and we have leveled expectations around that. Ultimately, the band could be considered an excuse for 4 dudes to get together once a week to drink cheap beer and play riffs loudly and sloppily.