Words & Photos: Darci Jackson
Alexa, play JAMIE T FOREVER by Shelter Boy.
Stood on the fringes of Y Not Festival watching the sun set as the classic rock tones of Scotland’s Shambolics floated out of The Allotment behind us, we stole a chat with Shelter Boy (as the sheep listened on intently!)
The Leipzig based artist was fresh from playing the Scruff of the Neck stage, drawing a respectable crowd which was growing by the song. There was something so perfect about Shelter Boy playing his track JAMIE T FOREVER mere hours before Jamie T himself was set to headline The Big Gin. Shelter Boy expressed his love and admiration to the man from South London, citing him as one of his biggest influences, and also his gratitude at being placed on the same festival lineup as him.
“It was pretty sweet because there was not too many people in there when we started but it got more and more packed,” says Shelter Boy about his second Y Not appearance. Combining tones of indie rock with hip hop style beats creates an infectious atmosphere, which is difficult not to move along to.
His sophomore album MERCYLAND was released earlier this year, a reflective piece about the current state of the planet. It feels a world away from his debut Failure Familiar, but still integrally Shelter Boy. From an outsider’s point of view, MERCYLAND has been gladly welcomed with open arms, with stand out singles such as MESSED UP KIDS and GROWING PAINS, but there’s still a bit of apprehension lingering. “We played two sold out release shows which was really cool, my biggest shows yet. But the tour will be in autumn so let’s see.”
If there’s one thing Dizzy Magazine is hoping for, it’s some UK shows. But alas, we must disappoint.
“Not yet and I’m really sad about that but yeah it’s fucking expensive for a German band to come over.”
Shelter Boy’s live presence is something else, so radiant and joyous it’s hard not to smile along. It’s clear how at home he feels on stage, and he was quick to compliment the festival scene too.
“Nothing can be compared to English festivals when it comes to the headliners, you’ve got a better music taste than Germans!”
With the sun finally sinking below the horizon, Shelter Boy left us with some final words. “Try and stay sane. There’s so much chaos going round and don’t get too confused by all the things in your head.”