What is it that makes a song, a song? Some would say a song is simply a collection of verses and choruses. To Shinky, the components of a song run much deeper than that. It’s about making a connection. Shinky’s existence dates all the way back to 2000, when three friends decided to make their mutual love of music come alive with a collaboration that has proven to stand the test of time. Since then, this three piece, hailing from Indianapolis, IN, has used several extensive tours and hundreds of shows including opening slots for notable national acts like Coheed and Cambria (Epic Records), Emanuel (Vagrant Records), Twothirtyeight (Tooth & Nail Records), and Student Rick (Victory Records) to help develop their sound and expand their fan base. In spite of the tireless hours spent traveling and performing, the band has always kept in perspective the most significant purpose of their efforts. “To us, this has never been just about going around and playing shows for the sake of ‘being in a band,’” said lead singer and guitarist Michael Bookmyer. “It’s about writing the songs that paint a picture, musically and lyrically, that someone can latch onto and identify with, first and foremost. If you don’t have that connection with your audience, you really have nothing.” This philosophy is never more apparent than during Shinky’s live shows. The energy and musical dynamics on the stage are almost as revealing as the lyrical content of the songs. To the band, their live show has long been the factor that they feel defines them. “Writing and recording is where the story is told,” explains Bookmyer, “But the live show is where we sell the message.”
Long before the lights of the stage reveal Shinky’s passion for their music, the band has come to understand the diligence that is necessary to start the entire process. Often times, they’ll spend months at a time writing, re-writing, and perfecting a batch of songs before moving forward with anything else. This painstaking process may seem unnecessary to some, but to this band, there’s no other process that would produce the same output. “We don’t write 30 or 40 songs at a time and then cut the fat at the end. If an idea or concept doesn’t move us from the start, we don’t bother exploring it any further. We’re really only interested in the songs that have the potential to evolve into something special,” explains drummer Kyle Ferguson. “When we write a song, we are not satisfied until the music, lyrics, structure, and dynamics all speak to the story that we’re telling. There’s way more to a song than catchy lyrics and a hook. It’s about depicting a musical message and capturing a moment in time. It’s about taking a listener to a place where they can connect with the song on a much greater level."
In an era full of artists struggling to match the sound of “the next big thing,” Shinky has never made an attempt to fit into a narrow musical category. Their eclectic grouping of influences has allowed for a melding pot of genres, so to speak, and places no boundaries on the band’s sources of inspiration and creativity. “We all listen to and are inspired by different things musically,” explains bassist Quinn Liggett. “We’ve never really been interested in categorizing our band or trying to sound a certain way. If there’s a certain avenue that we’re inspired to explore, we’ll do it. When it’s all said and done, we hope that our songs and shows speak for themselves, rather than the latest fad in music dictating what we are as a band.” But make no mistake, Shinky’s intentions are very specific and deliberate. Their music has been crafted to appeal to the casual listener. However, the hope is that the intimate emotions and stories incorporated in each song will connect the audience on a much deeper level, for those that are willing to explore it. “The listener can interpret the songs and apply it to something in their life, or just enjoy it for what it is on the surface. That’s the amazing thing about music,” continues Bookmyer. “I don’t think there’s anything else in the world that connects you to your audience on so many levels.” In that way, Shinky represents everything that is great about music. Through all of the writing, recording, shows, and tours the goal has always remained the same; making that lasting connection.
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