THE SHADOWBOXERS
You know the band is f***ing incredible when they have the ability to not only get the attention of (the one and only) Justin Timberlake, but also receive one-on-one mentorship, AND choose to respectively step away in an independent pursual of success. I personally can’t even catch the eyes of a Justin Timberlake poster, much less have such talent that overrides dependency on a contract. But obviously, this band is light years ahead of me, and that just speaks to how phenomenal The Shadowboxers are.
Eddy Barco, host of Nebula Music Podcast, dives deep into conversation with frontman, Scott Tyler, as he explores the incredible story of The Shadowboxers. Rather quickly we learn how Scott (a Nashville native), began his journey with music when he started exploring the guitar at just age 4. Considering his hometown is Nashville, anyone might think his music dabbled a little (if not completely) in the country scene. But for Scott, that wasn’t the case. Growing up with Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind and Fire, and George Benson bouncing off the walls of his family home, it makes sense that he found little connection to the Country genre. Despite having a great deal of respect and appreciation for the tunes + styles of Country, Scott felt it was a bit “formulaic,” and too structured to his liking. And when considering the influence brought to him by such rule-breaking, artistic greats, it makes sense that he always sought out to provide the individualistic sounds, melodies, and beats that his band creates today.
Throughout the years he explored his abilities, working to capture that unique sound within. However, it wasn’t until he attended college in Atlanta that he really began to fully embrace his talents and destiny. It was there on campus that he met his band mates, Matt and Adam; and together they formed a highly popular band. In fact, it was so popular that it actually became the go-to band for any and all campus events. It was popularly known that if music was needed or required, whether it be for a school event or a party, Scott’s band was the band to call. Naturally, their career escalated rather quickly. In almost a blink of an eye, they found themselves not only with a manager, but touring with the band, The Indigo Girls.
When the band decided to move shop to Nashville, they started working with local songwriters. While it was known to the band that they enjoyed a more artistically advanced (and perhaps, complicated) sound, they were still hit with surprise when fellow Nashville writers struggled in embracing their sounds. They would hear comments regarding their chord progression ideas, as “out of town” chords - meaning that the music was too complicated for the standard simplistic formulas commonly used. Knowing the band preferred (and excelled) in experimenting with complex music ideas, and advance use of chords, it was obvious to Scott that either the band dropped what made them unique, or found another way.
Ready to step up to the challenge, Scott took it upon himself to dive headfirst into what he originally attempted steering clear of. He learned the “Nashville formula,” and found ways in which his band could successfully and efficiently combine it with their own musical interests. This formula ended up being the key to success for the Shadowboxers. Catching the attention of Justin Timberlake and his label, The Shadowboxers signed with Timberlake’s label, and went on tour alongside him. For years they were mentored by Timberlake, improving and advancing their style, technique, and methods.
Despite the nourishing relationship they had with Timberlake and his label, The Shadowboxers realized that in order to continue their own growth as a band, and their exploration of the unique styles they love, they had to step away. One of the harder lessons in life is knowing when to leave our comfort zones, and trust in the free fall of our journey. The Shadbowboxers provide us with a great example of the beauty that can come from doing exactly this. Recognizing the limitations that came from their contract, they recognized they were only hindering themselves of the limitless potential they felt was available to them. Bravely, they took the steps to venture on their own, and found their way to a path of which their talent and determination shines undefeated.
Always appreciative of Timberlake and his label, stepping away was the right choice. Not only are they able to explore the various realms of complex music ideology, but they are 100% recognized for it, and absolutely on the up and up. If you are like me, and struggle in catching Timberlake’s eye, then you’ll likely also be like me, and mega stan The Shadowboxers.
