It’s that time again, when our man on the ground Desh Kapur Editor/Photographer All Music Magazine UK/Europe spotlights a bands or artists he thinks are going to have a big 2021 ; bands and artists we think you should check out to stay ahead of the curve
It is a great pleasure to introduce you to SHELTER BOY!!! the new coolest kids on the block, Shelter Boy is quickly establishing himself as one of Germany’s standout song-writers of his generation. Drawing comparisons to the likes of King Krule for his careworn vocals complimented by his Mac DeMarco-esque dream-pop production values; Shelter Boy first gained attention supporting Boy Pablo and Gus Dapperton, but since then he’s taken the music scene by storm, quickly building a devoted domestic fanbase with no signs of slowing down. It will be interesting to see where the sound takes him as he draws upon his influences, including The Beatles, Stone Roses and Bob Dylan, and adds his own twist
“A slice of pure sunshine” – NME
So we decided it was time to have a little chat with Shelter Boy’s Simon Graupner, to see where they came from, what they have been up to and what their plans for the future are.
What is the story behind your name?
Tbh I was just inspired by the Dylan song ‘Shelter From The Storm’ and I thought I‘m a person that likes to lean on someone’s shoulder!
What first got you into music? or Who inspired you to make music?
I think my older brother got me into rap music and my dad into the english bands of the sixties and from that one I had a long journey discovering all from Roses to the Jam or Style Council on my own
How did you meet the rest of your band?
Ernie Fizz who’s the guitar player in Shelter Boy is also from the same little shitty town where I‘m from and I think we first met at age 16. I met Carl the keyboard player at a Brian Jonestown Massacre show when I lived in Dresden. Pretty unromantic but got the bass player Karl recommended by my manager and he’s a lovely guy! Ernie connected me with our new drummer Balz, also a sweet dude!
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
Rock‘n‘Roll music init?
What is your creative process like?
Differs everytime I write a song. I just go to my studio everyday to see what happens
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
Liam Gallagher
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Buy me damn record 💥
What is the most useless talent you have?
I can drink a lot pints
Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
I feel very inspired under the shower so really often I jam around with some new melodies
Where have you performed? What are your favourite and least favourite venues?
We played a lot of shows around Germany, can’t really say which ones were the best or worst.
Do you have any upcoming shows?
I think so: a few more festivals in Germany, Reeperbahn Festival Hamburg, Nürnberg Pop, Rotterdam (all in September/October) and maybe a support tour in the UK in December (tba) 😉
What is your favourite song to perform?
‘Atmosphere’
Which famous musicians do you admire?
John Lennon
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
Had some trouble with the police because of weed baggies but it’s all good.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Do your fuckin’ thing and believe in that. Good things will take time but sooner or later if it’s good art it‘ll take you somewhere.
What’s next for you?
Recording my next album, playing shows all that kinda stuff!
‘Failure Familiar’ WAS released on 10th September 2021 via Scruff Of The Neck.
Pre-order Failure Familiar here
FOLLOW SHELTER BOY
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago and married my childhood sweetheart and life is good.
