Shallow Side has carved a distinct path in the modern rock scene, blending Southern roots with a progressive, genre-defying sound. Hailing from Alabama, the band has evolved from playing street corners and small-town gyms to releasing chart-climbing albums and touring with artists such as Puddle of Mudd and Saliva. With their latest album, Reflections, the band dives deep into themes of resilience, loss, and growth, offering a sound that’s both raw and experimental. In this candid interview, Shallow Side opens up about their creative process, their influences, and the stories behind their music—including the evolution of their latest single, “Filters,” and the powerful message of “Resurrection.” Get ready for a glimpse into the heart of a band that’s always pushing forward, one song at a time.
Rock Documented: So, for the uninitiated, how would you describe Shallow Side’s musical style?
Eric Boatright: Man, that’s a tough one. Our style has evolved so much over time. It’s hard to pin down.
Sam Bower: I’d call it hard, heavy, Southern-influenced modern rock. What about you, Codey?
Codey Red: Yeah, a bit of Southern. Each album has its own texture. Some lean more into that Southern vibe, while the latest album feels more modern, with elements of djent, metalcore breakdowns, poppy vocal hooks, and layered harmonies. We also experimented a lot with synths and MIDI pads on this album, thanks to Kyle Odell and Chris Dawson’s influence. It was a fun process—like playing with different syncopation patterns and textures.
EB: If you compare where we started with “Try To Fight It” to our latest release, “Filters,” you can see the evolution. Both have this eerie, mystic vibe that feels like home—like the Appalachian Mountains, rock ‘n’ roll, and something sexy all at once.
CR: It’s about the flow. If you’ve ever watched Cowboy Bebop, our music is like that: not confined to one genre, but multi-genre, making it captivating and unique.
RD: What’s the story behind the name Shallow Side?
EB: The name came from a vote. We threw a bunch of ideas into a bucket and picked one. Back then, we were just playing anywhere we could—on street corners, at parties, gyms. Once it turned into real shows, we needed a name. The entertainment industry felt like a vast ocean, and we saw ourselves on the edge, starting in the shallow side and working our way toward the deep end. That’s where the name came from.
RD: Which bands have shaped Shallow Side the most?
EB: For me, it was Shinedown. Seeing them live in Chattanooga made me realize I wanted to pursue music. What about you, Sam?
SB: Definitely Tool. They’ve shaped the heavier sides of our sound. More recently, we’ve been influenced by modern heavy bands.
CR: I grew up on blues—Hendrix, Angus Young—and classic heavy metal like Iron Maiden and Metallica. Over time, I’ve also drawn inspiration from bands like Mastodon, Gojira, and Dream Theater. We all pull from a wide range of influences, from Shinedown to ABBA. It all finds a way into our music, especially on this latest album, which plays with time signatures, counter-rhythms, and diverse elements.
RD: Back in 2018, you toured with Puddle of Mudd, Saliva, and Tantric. Any crazy stories?
EB: Seeing Wes from Puddle of Mudd absolutely kill it on stage was memorable. That version of their band stood out. We also toured with Sons of Texas, which was a blast. One unsettling moment: we played near the Texas-Mexico border, and a Border Patrol officer warned us not to wander off into Juarez, saying, “That’s the place you see on the news.” That stuck with me.
RD: How do your Alabama roots influence your music?
EB: Being Southern is probably the biggest influence—it’s just ingrained in us. The culture, the accent, and the music we grew up with all shape our sound. Even if you can’t always hear it, it’s there.
CR: The South’s rich musical history influences us a lot. We consider ourselves Appalachian modern rock, drawing from Southern gospel harmonies and Delta blues elements. It gives us a unique color palette to work with.
RD: If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
EB: Honestly, anyone, as long as the song was right. I’d love to hear what Shallow Side would sound like with someone like Jelly Roll, Dave Grohl, Billy Strings, or Brent Smith.
CR: Miles Davis. It’d be intimidating, but incredible. His honesty and brilliance would push us creatively.
RD: What’s the biggest challenge of being in this band?
CR: Sleep.
EB: Definitely being away from family. Touring is tough, but it’s necessary to create memories and connect with fans.
RD: On your latest album, Reflections, which song resonates most with you and why?
EB: For me, it’s “No One Wins.” I wrote it after losing my dad. It’s about facing the darker side of life and realizing you have to keep pushing forward. It’s a nod to our previous album and the idea that life is short, so you might as well go for it.
CR: It’s hard to pick a favorite because every song carries its own depth. The whole album is meant to be a reflection—dealing with themes like grief, abuse, neurodivergency, and perseverance.
RD: What’s on the horizon for Shallow Side?
CR: More touring, hopefully with awesome bands like Nonpoint or Black Stone Cherry. I’d also love to tour with Ninja Sex Party or Tupperware Remix Party.
EB: We’ve got another single coming out soon, and we’ll be touring through mid-November. After that, we’ll take a break for the holidays, then start writing for the next album in early 2025.
RD: I’m curious about “Resurrection.” I know what I got out of the song and what my interpretation is, but what is yours?
EB: Can I hear yours first?
RD: For me, when I listened to “Resurrection,” I could see people hearing a cry for help, but for me, it’s more of an anthem of intent—someone screaming that no matter what, they’re moving forward. It felt like, “I don’t know how, but forward is the only way.”
EB: I like that the most! That sense of desperation but also determination—it’s all in there. The day will find you, the challenges will come, but the choice to keep going is what matters. It’s a resurrection, a rebirth in the face of uncertainty. When we were writing it, I kept picturing these endless fields—like in Oklahoma or Nebraska—and this dark figure walking into the abyss. It’s about perseverance. The storm is coming, you can’t stop it, but you have to keep moving forward.
RD: It’s always cool to hear how closely aligned a listener’s interpretation is with the artist’s intent.
EB: Totally. It’s rare to hear how someone connects with our music, and your perspective really nails the heart of that song.
RD: Thanks for your time, guys.
EB: Appreciate you, brother.
As Shallow Side continues to push boundaries with their genre-blending sound and heartfelt lyrics, their latest music video for “Filters” is a must-watch. The video perfectly captures the band’s evolution. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering their music, “Filters” is the perfect introduction to Shallow Side’s unique blend of modern rock and Southern roots. Check it out now and experience the next chapter of their journey!