Change in the Wind: On Nude Shoes Ep 'Mensch' and Pushing the Narrative for Pop-Punk
There is no doubt that pop-punk has become a universal genre for us to connect to, last year was living proof of this, as it was one of the most popular genres to birth some of our most engaging acts in the scene. Despite what people might say about most bands within this genre, there is a reason why this formula has always meshed well within their large fanbase. However, a small group of them will sidestep outside of the norm to make you look at the genre in a different light all over again. This, in my opinion, is what makes pop-punk so fun and exhilarating to listen to. One of those bands is up-and-coming East coast pop-punk band Nude Shoes.
Though the band has hardly been out in the scene long enough to make a grand splash, they are already making enough waves in the music scene with their latest Ep release Mensch. A small Ep that packs an impactfully personal yet satisfying punch in one sitting, Nude Shoes is quickly proving you do not need to make a full-length album to have everyone take notice of your creative talents. Nude Shoes is more than just your standard pop-punk band. Look beyond this band's influences, delicate instrumental energies, and profound lyrics, and you find there is so much more. Nude Shoes is here to explain more about their latest Ep, standing out in a competitive genre, and what's next for the band this year.
Nude Shoes ‘Mensch’ Ep Cover Art
Thank you guys for contributing to my new blog series! I always love bringing new talent here. It's a pleasure to have you guys here. How did Nude Shoes get started? What was the vision behind it?
Hey Sammie! It is wonderful to talk to you! So, Nude Shoes started in late 2018. Andy (vocals/guitar) had been writing with Pat Risi of Bear Away Studios for a while at that point, but it was only at the end of 2019 when the first EP, Suburban Ceremonies was finished. Shortly after the record was wrapped up, the band signed to Know Hope Records. Hey, Shawn!
Suburban Ceremonies was released in March 2019 and a full band lineup was put together over the next year, with multiple changes that occurred throughout. Billy Butka (guitar) became a permanent member and is a major part of the band to this day. A few small tours around the east coast and midwest were completed, along with shows in Jersey. After a few singles dropped in 2020 alongside new members of the band, we now have a full lineup that consists of Billy, Andy, Chris (vocals), Giulio (guitar), Tyler (drums), and Sean (bass). We are a big happy family. Seriously, we really love each other!
The vision behind the band started as a way for Andy to cope with his battles with Ulcerative Colitis. The band’s vision has evolved since then. This band is trying to push the envelope in the bounds of pop-punk and emo. This band is therapeutic and a way for us to be creative and artistic while also trying to make new music.
What was your scene like back then? I know being from the Jersey area pop-punk is a big deal here, haha, but I'm not going to explain that for you guys.
Since we are so new, we honestly have not had much time to cut our teeth into the scene with touring (and COVID, unfortunately). However, we have made tons of friends with the bands on the scene via social media. We have established relationships with some amazing and innovative artists and bands. When shows return we really cannot wait to play alongside them.
What are your musical influences? How do you incorporate them into your band's sound?
Big influences include New Found Glory, blink - 182, The Story So Far, Bayside, Rufio, and Knuckle Puck. We also dabble in the emo/twinkle progressions too, like Hot Mulligan, TTNG, and American Football. There is definitely a philosophy when we write: catchy riffs and leads are sort-of the nuclei with the rhythms and vocal melodies intertwining and swirling around them. We play in weird tunings too, so that gives us a different approach with chord structures and rhythms.
Let's talk a bit about the Ep. What was the writing and recording process like for this whole project?
This record was done DIY with help from Pat, and Jeff Mckinnon who mixed and mastered the record. Both of these dudes are like members of the band. Pat has been with us from the start and Jeff has elevated our sound with his mixing and mastering. It was primarily Billy and Giulio who tracked everything. He and the rest of the band drove down to Virginia Beach where Andy lives, and Andy drove up to NJ.
Tyler laid down the rhythm and after all the stems were tracked, Jeff mixed and mastered it. It was a long time coming, with some very long drives in between. Billy worked super hard to track it and went above and beyond. The record was written as a band, with a new song and reimagining older tracks from our first EP.
Mensch is a beautiful Ep from start to finish. For something so small, it packs a big punch in terms of sound and meaning. Especially "Caught Up" and "Headaches for A Decade." Lyrically, where are you coming from with this?
Thank you, that means a lot! The lyrical theme for each song is a bit different, spanning battling with disease and toxic relationships, including self-doubt. The EP is both very personal and emotional for everyone involved.
Pop-punk is a popular genre in the scene right now and has opened up the gateway to so many talented bands. What are you doing to stay progressive in a genre that is not only competitive to stay relevant but also harder to change the narrative because people are used to an engrained sound in this genre?
We are always trying to push the boundaries. Between the alternative tunings, pretty twinkly riffs, and heavy, speed metal type leads with those bouncy melodies and chunky rhythms, we are trying to cultivate a signature sound. Chris and Andy also share dual vocal roles, which help the dynamic change from song to song. A lot of the guys love heavier metal-core stuff too, so those riffs with an open tuning give us some ideas to work with.
How did 2020 change you as an artist? In what ways? How were you able to put that into your music?
2020 absolutely had its challenges, but it made us realize how important social media is. We are always trying to develop our social media skills and find fun, interesting, and relatable content that showcases our personalities and music. The meme game has got to be strong to stay relevant.
What is the outlook for 2021 for you guys moving forward?
We have a ton going on. I don’t want to give away too much, but you will have a lot more music to add to your musical library for sure.