The Shrubs are a psychedelic rock band from Houston, Texas. The band consists of Laura, Miguel, Josh, and Sophie. They have been recording together since 2013, and are currently working on their full-length debut album, which is set to be released in late 2023 or early 2024. The Shrubs' music is a unique blend of psychedelic rock and traditional pop/rock song structures. Their chief songwriters, Miguel and Laura, strive to create art that is both experimental and accessible. The band is constantly experimenting with new sounds, and their newest single, "Brilliance," is a prime example of their unique sound. The song is an atmospheric psych-rock journey, propelled by Laura's mesmerizing vocals during the blissful hook.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
The interview was conducted with The Shrubs band member Miguel.
How would you summarize the last several months for the band?
The last several months have been spent slowly working on our next album for the most part...at this point we have well over ten songs in various states of completion.
Who helped you most in your musical journey?
Well, I'm not sure if there is just one person I could point out that was the most helpful..I think it was more of a dissatisfaction with a lot of the music I grew up hearing. I'm a big proponent of escapism through the arts, especially music. I think the process of creating little musical worlds to hide in for a while before moving on to the next one really shaped my musical journey more than any one person or group, even though there have definitely been some people along the way that have helped quite a bit!
Your latest release is 'Brilliance'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
I barely remember the original demo and arrangement, but it had the mellotron parts from the beginning, I think I was just messing around with that melody, not really trying to even write a song at the time, and I fell in love with it. I kinda wrote the rest of the track around the opening and closing motifs. I personally created the framework of the track, but really Josh, Laura and Sophie brought it to life...I think it is unusual for us in the sense that every one of us really has a moment or moments in the forefront, kinda like a Jazz quartet improv or something...
What do you feel is the best song that you have ever released and why?
I know for certain the rest of the band wouldn't agree, but I still think it's "Walking through Walls." To me it resonates on a few different levels personally, and I think it has all the hallmarks of what I look for in a song!
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest musical trends?
Not sure if we have ever been up to date on any musical trends...we are very insular in that regard.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
I wish more people had a desire to collect physical media, like vinyl and tapes...not only does it help the artists more than streaming does, but I think it is more fulfilling as a listener/consumer to have something tangible..to me anyway!
Do you think it's easy to become established in the music world, or is it difficult?
I would have to say very difficult!
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans.
Well, it has been very positive for the most part, the vast majority of our interactions have been people chatting with us on social media or people telling us in person how much they like certain tracks. It is really rewarding to see someone enjoy some of our songs almost as much as we do!
What’s an average day like for you?
Well, I can't speak for the others, but generally the average day for me is mostly just me trying to act normal!
What can I wish you regarding your career and private life?
That's a hard one, for our career it would be nice to write something that is timeless..private life? Maybe everlasting health? Is that an unrealistic wish?