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With summer in full bloom, it’s the perfect time to discover new music. The acoustic-infused ‘hip-pop’ of Shytown has just the right mix of spunk and fun to kick-start the season. Comprised of singer/songwriter/rapper Eric Johnson Jr. aka Eric J (EJ), singer/songwriter and guitarist Danny Jay, and most recently, singer Tarah New, Shytown has a distinct, beach-driven sound that has been described as the lovechild of the Beach Boys, Eminem, and Jack Johnson. “We always were told to try and stay a step ahead of the game,” explained Eric and Danny in a joint interview with StarShine. Tired of what they felt was the same music continually released on the radio, Shytown opted for something fresh. “[When the group started], everyone was doing rap/hip hop,” said Tarah. “We wanted a new, more unique sound. Something creative, and not so predictable. Acoustic/hip-hop ending up being an awesome blend.” Though the band yearned for a distinct musical style, their sound was created purely by chance, according to Danny. “One day, I came home with a brand new acoustic [guitar] and was writing some stuff in my room,” said Danny. “EJ came in and just started rapping an old song of ours to the guitar. It sounded completely different , with a beach vibe. That was the unofficial ‘birth’ of Shytown.” Like the chance creation of Shytown’s eclectic sound, the band came together on a whim as well. Eric and Danny were introduced in 2004 by Erik Bradley, the music director of WBBM B96 in Chicago. From there, the two began performing and working together until Eric moved to Hollywood to promote their music in L.A. With the fan base quickly growing, Danny followed Eric to Hollywood, and they decided to pursue music in the acoustic/‘hip-pop’ genre. But something was missing. “We needed our ‘Fergie’ to balance us out,” Danny joked. Cue Tarah New, who had just gone solo from her previous stint in an all-girl R&B/Pop group. Her friendship with Eric landed her a spot in the group and Shytown was complete. “We all immediately hit it off,” said Tarah. “The songs and our sound just clicked. It just felt right. We’re not just co-workers, we’re pretty much best friends. The guys are like my big brothers.” The trio’s debut album is set to be released in early 2010, with their first single out late this summer or early autumn. Their songs on MySpace have already netted well over 5,000 plays. “I just love being in the studio and banging out records,” Danny said. “I’ve been recording so long it’s insane. I could live in the studio. It’s such a good feeling hearing your music finally being recorded in a quality way.” Tarah agreed, saying, “I’m just excited to record our first album as a group. We all have solo albums, but this will be our first album with all our talents combined.” Their album will undoubtedly skyrocket them into stardom. In just the past eight months, Shytown has been offered two separate recording contracts, three management contracts, television shows around Hollywood, and a reality show with an unnamed celebrity music star. The band hopes to eventually do an international tour and touch the lives of people all across the world. “Just having our music hit all ages, colors, races, creeds and demographics is amazing,” said Danny. “Not too many people have that opportunity… It’s just a blessing to have and we NEVER take it for granted.” Shytown also just added 3 advanced musicians to the squad, Raymond Roosevelt(Detroit) on Drums, Andrew Markham(San Diego) on Keys, & Big Willy Mack (New York) on Bass! Make sure you come see the full band live every Wed. Night @ The Aura NightClub in Studio City, Ca. SHYTOWN IS CURRENTLY MANAGED BY MUSE ARTIST MANAGMENT: CONTACT:BONNIE G @ BONZZAI@AOL.COM Shytown Music Group is currently searching for a new home for their next record.