Listen to the Rhythm of Shytown
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 rapper Eric Jay, 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.”
Check out Shytown’s original sound at: www.myspace.com/shytownmusic
Danny Jay is super sexy! OMG He is soooo hot! Once his face gets out alone the band will skyrocket!
Shhhytown! Glad to see people are starting to recognize their talents! =-)
Very impressive. I will send this on to some people. Loved talking to you this week.
Wishing you all good things.
Danny Jay has been making great music since he was 11. I should know, I’m his dad.
Shytown is amazing! I am an unofficial groupie. Can’t wait to hear on the radio!
they sound really good. the girls voice (tarah??) is beautiful. only thing i would replace is the rapper-ish guy. whoever is not on the acoustic but rapping. great ideas coming together and the collaboration is beautiful and creative. just the rappers sound has got to go, he doesn’t have good flow or something? i don’t know but its off. love the collaboration though!!!
Great publicity. I hope you can turn it into instant stardom. Uncle A.
Danny u r super sexy! When you make it remember to show off ur hot bod!
DANNY YOURE SO SEXY, I WANT TO RAPE YOU.
Hey Uncle Les! look at all the great comments about Danny.. lol!
How is it going? I just got back from camp today.. and got this link so i checked it out
i feel cool i am related to a famous person.. or almost famous person!!! woohoo!
wow this music is wonderful. The guitar and the rap is such an interesting sound. I played some songs for my co workers and they love it. Beer in heaven is our favorite. Erick Jay is super sexy and his voice/lyrics make me smile! keep up the good work.
HEY HEY I SEE TARAH IS FROM TEXAS. SO AM I! IT IS NICE TO FINALLY SEE A SOLID GROUP WITH GOOD MUSIC THESE DAYS. I WILL BE SPREADING THE WORD AROUND DALLAS. MAYBE THE GROUP CAN BOOK SOME SHOWS DOWN HERE. THE SOUND IS SO UNIQUE AND CROSSOVER. THE RAP IS COOL AS WELL. VERY FRESH! WHITE BOY HUH!
Shytown is one of the best and original groups I have come across in a long time. Since I constantly book bands in my nightclub, it’s rare I see something different, that really catches my ear. This group has done it. If they’re not signed to a major record label yet, it’s only a matter of time before someone snatches them up. This group is that good. I look forward to seeing them when they go on tour. Probably in 2010 so they can tour their new album they’re recording.
The music is hot! A great new sound! EJ and DJ are magic and TN is an angel! See ya at the grammys!
I couldn’t be happier for Eric and his friends! I have known Eric for years and years practically his whole life. He is like one of my nephews. My daughter had danced with his sister and now teaches for his mother since she was 2 1/2. Eric is a wonderful kid and I am truly proud of him!! I wish only the best for him and his friends! My prayers are with you for all success. God bless you guys!
Love to you Eric,
Sally
Lovin’ the sound. They’ve got a great look, great sound and I think they’ve got what it takes to make it.
I think Shytown is awesome. My uncle is gay.