Shelby Smoak: Dancing

[Repost from Here Comes the Flood; by Hans Werksman, August 21, 2024]

Indie rocker Shelby Smoak is in a post-punk mood on his new single "Dancing", with pleading vocals carefully draped over repetitive guitar motifs and off-kilter drums. He wrote it for his wife, reminiscing about holding her tight on the dance floor without a care in the world. Busting a move on this particular track will be a challenge for most, but as an 80s inspired love song it can stand on its own.

"Dancing" is released via Fort Lowell Records.

» shelbysmoak.com

Shelby Smoak – “Dancing”

[Repost from The Alternative; by Ryleigh Wann, August 19, 2024]

Shelby Smoak’s “Dancing” is intimate and tender—the instruments are simplistic and ride the wave of a steady bassline, while the lyrics are just as sweet as they are confident beside rhythmic chords. It builds into a heartfelt ballad and when I listen to it, it sounds like the opening track to a road trip movie—one where I’m going after my girl who got away, and I’ll get to see her again, eventually.

OUT NOW: Shelby Smoak "Dancing" [Digital Single]

Shelby Smoak’s “Dancing” is an intimate, heartfelt affair. Whisper-crooned lyrics ride atop a simple, heartbeat bass line; delayed guitars; and scattershot drumming. Two years in the making and three recorded but unreleased versions eventually led to this one. Tracked in Smoak’s Carolina Beach, NC garage and mixed in Adam Smith’s Nashville studio, this final version captures the upbeat and honest delivery Smoak sought for the song. Dedicated to his wife, and the first song written exclusively for her, Smoak turned away from the dark, brooding lyrics of his past to channel something more positive and focused.

For fans of Arcade Fire, The Chameleons, The Church, Cola, Echo & The Bunnymen, Film School, Flyying Colours, Interpol, Ist Ist, Joy Division, Lauds, Modern English, The National, Red Lorry Yellow Lorry, Stray Fossa, Thus Love, U2, and Sharon Van Etten.

"Dancing" by Shelby Smoak is out now on all digital music platforms.

LISTEN NOW