Infectious Magazine recently had the pleasure of interviewing Shayley Bourget, lead vocalist of the self-styled “fresh metal” stalwarts Dayshell. We discussed what inspires his songwriting, what fans can expect from the band’s forthcoming sophomore record, what it was like playing alongside Anberlin on their farewell tour, and much more.
You guys recently finished playing some shows alongside Anberlin on their final world tour. How was that experience? Did you find the atmosphere of the crowd to be any different with it being the band’s farewell tour?
It was an amazing experience! To tour with a band we all grew up listening to was an honor. Great vibes and killer shows. I could tell the sadness was in the air but in a positive way. They did their 10+ years and now it’s time for them to focus on being with their family. R.I.P. Anberlin!
When you played in Chicago last month, a lot of the fans were blown away when you played “A Waste of Space”. Have you ever had one of those unexpected “this is incredible” moments watching another band play live?
To tell the truth, no…..I’m very picky and I usually know the band or songs if I go to a concert. Can’t wait for that to happen!
You also toured with Chevelle earlier this year and next month you’ll be hitting the road with From First To Last. Playing with so many well-established bands, is there anything you’ve learned from them that you can take into the future with Dayshell?
Yes! Everyone was so professional, it blew my mind. To be on that level and have a professional crew would be a dream come true. We as a band have been growing a lot in the past year. [We’ve] kinda been figuring it out on our own but we also have help from the amazing bands we have toured with.
Along with touring, you’ve also been busy working on a brand new album. The self-titled showed a level of cohesion and confidence that is very rare for a debut album and it feels like you accomplished everything you wanted to with it. That said, is there anything different/special you’re looking to do musically with the next record?
Well, I like to pride myself on never really having a set style. I always branch out and try to write all types of songs. I’m really getting into my computer and programming everything for demos. Drums, keys, and I track guitar, bass and vocals all into my MacBook. It’s not really the way I like to write an album but given the situation the band is in, that’s pretty much all we can do for now. The band can play catch-up later when it gets closer. I’ve been messing around with keys a lot more, so I guess you can expect that. But don’t worry, it’s not gonna sound like those shitty ass screamo/post-hardcore wanna-be bands haha.
Where are you planning to record the album and will you be working with Dan Korneff again?
At this moment we aren’t sure. We have a few in mind but next week I’m turning in two demos to show everyone the new sound. That should help us pick the right guy. As far as Dan, not sure. We might have him mix it. We didn’t really have the best experience while we were out in New York recording with him. Long story short, [it was] really expensive and we all really felt he wasn’t ready for a full rock album to be recorded in his studio yet. It was still under construction while we where trying to record [but] I’m sure it’s all built now!
Many of your lyrics on the last album were brutally honest and aggressive as you confronted a lot of demons from your past. What’s inspiring your songwriting this time around?
A whole new set of demos, if that’s what you want to call it. It’s been really hard for myself and the band. Me and Jordan [Wooley, bassist] went through some out-of-the-blue breakups that left us with only music. Thank goodness for music haha.We also had to move on to CAA Booking cause our last booking agent failed to tell us for months [that] he can’t book us anymore. That put us in a hole we are still trying to get out of. We just didn’t get to tour the [first] album as much as it deserved…high hopes for album #2. So I guess you can say the negative things inspire me.
In a previous interview, you said the following about one of my personal favorites, “Hail To The Queen”: “I hate it and wish I’d never put it on the album because I just don’t like it.” Did it make the final cut because the other members liked it, or was there another reason?
I mean the song has cool parts, it does! I just hate the “One Love” chores, it’s corny to me. Plus I seem to forget the lyrics a lot on stage haha.
Going off of that, if something similar happens while you’re recording the new album and you aren’t fully happy with a song, would you make the same decision again?
Never. I’m pretty good at calling it out. If anything, I’ll act like I can’t sing that day haha. That way it will never make the album!
You’ve been very open and honest about the struggles in your life over the past couple of years, both inside and outside of music. It feels like Dayshell is, in many ways, your own personal therapy in that it represents happiness, passion, and a fresh start at life with some great friends. Do you have any advice for people out there who may be going through similar struggles but are still searching for that coping outlet?
You’ve just got to find something you’re good at, then make it a hobby, then make it your passion. Life sucks but at the same time, it doesn’t. Use what life has given you to its fullest before it’s too late and your whole life passes before your eyes.
From a musical standpoint, does Dayshell give you an extra sense of freedom to express your ideas that maybe you didn’t have in Of Mice & Men?
Oh, hell yeah. For starters I don’t have to compensate for a screaming gorilla in just about every song. I don’t have to put a breakdown in out of nowhere just so it evens out the singer and screamer parts. No offense, I just hear it all the time and will [only] scream when the song and part calls for it.
Now that we’re getting close to the end of the year, what are a few of the best albums you’ve heard in 2014?
Zero, none. What a shit year for albums. Some great songs but nothing timeless.
Aside from making/releasing the new record, what else is in store for Dayshell in 2015?
As of now, just Soundwave at the moment. Super excited about that!
Thanks so much for taking some time out to answer some questions! Any last words for all the lovely Dayshell fans out there?
Thank you guys so much for the support! Let’s all make 2015 DayShell’s year and support our plan to take over the world. But for real, make 2015 your year. Let’s make dreams come true. As long as we all stick together, we are unstoppable!
Read more: http://www.infectiousmagazine.com/interview-shayley-bourget-dayshell/#ixzz3szHUE7gn