Annie O, our East Village music maven, is always bringing the best international up-and-coming acts to The Standard, East Village's Penthouse for The Annie O Music Series.
On Monday, February 20th, Annie O brings NYC's Brandon Sheer, aka SHEARE, to our venue in the sky. Teen Vogue has said of the self-proclaimed "durrrrrty POP" artist that "the chance of SHEARE's indie-pop mix stealing your heart is pretty high." He's about to release a new EP of pop inspired by a recent breakup, and he's coming to the Penthouse to let it all out. Annie O caught up with SHEARE before the big night to talk the new EP, touring, and the weirdest show he's ever played.
Annie O Presents: SHEARE
Monday, February 20, 7-9PM
The Standard, East Village Penthouse
Free with an RSVP to AnnieO@StandardHotels.com
ANNIE O: You've asserted that you're not afraid of pop music. Can you tell us a little bit about that?
SHEARE: I just feel there's a massive gap right now for male driven pop artists. On the major label side, you have artists like ZAYN and Troye Sivan, but they both came from other large platforms. I think with all the craziness going on in the world right now, pop music can provide some much needed escapism.
We definitely feel that fun loving charm in your single "Thrillz." Can you tell us a little bit about when you wrote it and what it's about?
I wrote "Thrillz" as an anti self-deprecating anthem. It's about reminding yourself to do what you love because you love it, and not because you're chasing validation from other people.
You've said that super-producer and songwriter Max Martin is your hero. Can you tell us why?
I just think he's a such a rare breed who's been able to diversify and reinvent himself over and over. Not too many writer/producers have 40 #1s.
We've read that you're no stranger to the stage. You've been playing out since you were a young teen. Can you tell us about your first show or your most bizarre show experience?
My first show was when I was 16 at some bar dive down in Tribeca. I can't even remember the name at this point, but needless to say it was kind of awful. One of my weirdest shows was I played a college right outside of Boston. It was my second time they had asked me up there. The first show was great, it was in this common area that looked like a cabin in Vermont. The second time, they asked me to play in the dining hall during lunch. It was just super awkward because I felt like I was interrupting Taco Tuesday by playing heartfelt pop music.
What are you most excited about for people hearing your new EP?
I think I've grown a lot as a songwriter and producer. I wrote the EP about a break up, so if you like sad songs deceptively wrapped in pop production, this EP is probably for you. And if not, 2 Chains probably has a new record coming out.
Are there any specific tracks by other artists you have on repeat right now?
This artist called The Japanese House has a song called "Clean" that I haven't stopped listening to since finding her. She's BANANAS.
What are your touring plans this year?
I'm going to do a ton of shows in NY obviously, but also will do some in LA as well. Touring is always a little tricky when you're an indie artist. It's almost like opposite artist development that's happening now. You have to explode on Spotify/the interweb for people to want to spend $10 to see you play, unlike the '70s-'90s where artists and bands just toured into the ground and really built up a fan base organically.
If Sheare had a superpower. what would it be?
The power of alienating myself with my neurosis. Kidding, (kind of). Probably flying.
What can expect from your show at The Annie O Music Series?
I'm just really excited to play this series! I had been to one show once before and it was really great.
What's next?
I'm just going to keep releasing new music until the wheels fall off. I think so much of success is constantly progressing and moving forward. I'm really excited for the release of my new EP and can't wait to see the reaction.
