SHINEDOWN’s Brent Smith Discusses New Album and Upcoming U.S. Tour
Navigating Dual Projects: Album and Tour Preparations
In a recent interview with Tabatha Velasquez Grammer from Tulsa’s 106.9 K-HITS, SHINEDOWN’s frontman Brent Smith shared insights on the band’s busy schedule as they finalize their new studio album while gearing up for an extensive U.S. tour. Smith expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’ll be honest with you, I’m ready for it. I don’t really have an ‘off’ switch in a lot of ways. I have to remind myself that it is a band, and I mean that wholeheartedly.”
Future Plans: Aiming for Global Reach
Smith elaborated on the band’s vision, saying, “We started last year thinking about what does the next three years look like, the next five years look like.” One of their key objectives is to tackle international touring, which has been a challenge in recent years. “Next year our goal is to play all seven continents in 2026,” he added, emphasizing the significance of their upcoming North American shows.
Teasers from the Upcoming Album
SHINEDOWN has already released two new singles, “Three Six Five” and “Dance, Kid, Dance,” which serve as a preview of their forthcoming eighth studio album. Smith indicated that the album is expected to drop around late July to early August, stating, “We wanted to get these two songs out because that’s kind of the launch pad, in a way, to what we’re getting ready to do next.”
In-House Talent: Eric Bass’s Role
Smith credited bassist Eric Bass for his multifaceted contributions to the band, noting, “Eric is way more than a bass player. He’s been the sole engineer, mixer, and producer of our last two records and the upcoming one.” This capability allows SHINEDOWN to efficiently manage their schedule while balancing album production and touring commitments.
Chart-Topping Success
“Dance, Kid, Dance” recently reached the No. 1 spot at Active Rock radio, marking SHINEDOWN’s 20th No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. The song’s success aligns with SHINEDOWN’s record for the most top ten songs in the chart’s history, now tied with the Foo Fighters at 32 entries. The band continues to gain traction globally, with “Dance, Kid, Dance” being the most played track on Planet Rock and Kerrang! Radio in the U.K.
Upcoming Tour Highlights
SHINEDOWN is set to kick off their “Dance, Kid, Dance” tour on April 25, featuring 36 dates across the U.S. The tour includes historic venues such as Madison Square Garden and the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. Special guests on select dates will include BEARTOOTH and BUSH, as well as Morgan Wade for all shows.
Collaborations and Appearances
The band will also partner with SiriusXM Octane and Meyer Shank Racing for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 2, where members Zach Myers and Barry Kerch will be present to support the race team.
Acknowledgments and Awards
SHINEDOWN’s recent nominations at the iHeartRadio Music Awards include “Rock Song Of The Year” for “A Symptom of Being Human” and “Rock Artist Of The Year.” These nominations bring their total to 13 iHeartRadio Music Awards since the band’s inception.
Musical Themes and Songwriting
The two new singles showcase SHINEDOWN’s diverse musical capabilities. “Dance, Kid, Dance” is characterized by its energetic guitars and danceable tempo, while “Three Six Five” delves into themes of loss and the importance of cherishing every moment. The latter serves as a poignant reminder to live fully and appreciate loved ones.
Collaborative Songwriting
Smith and Eric Bass co-wrote “Three Six Five,” while “Dance, Kid, Dance” was a collaborative effort among Smith, Bass, and Dave Bassett. Both tracks were produced by Bass at his Charleston-based Big Animal Studio.
Conclusion
With their upcoming tour and new music, SHINEDOWN is poised to enter a vibrant new era, continuing to push the boundaries of modern rock. Their dedication to both their craft and their fans is evident as they embark on this exciting journey, promising to deliver unforgettable experiences on stage and through their music.
FAQs
When will SHINEDOWN’s new album be released?
The new album is expected to be released around late July to early August.
What are the names of SHINEDOWN’s new singles?
The two new singles are “Three Six Five” and “Dance, Kid, Dance.”
When does the “Dance, Kid, Dance” tour begin?
The tour kicks off on April 25.
Who are the supporting acts on the tour?
Supporting acts include BEARTOOTH and BUSH on select dates, with Morgan Wade performing at all shows.
How many iHeartRadio Music Awards has SHINEDOWN been nominated for?
SHINEDOWN has received a total of 13 nominations for iHeartRadio Music Awards since their formation.