French band SHINE formed in 2003 when three eclectic musicians brought their different styles together to create a sound as innovative as it is alluring. Seemingly brought together by fate, Songwriter Guillaume Simon met electronic, rock and jazz instrumentalist Laurent Houdard by chance at a jazz club and found a kindred spirit when their talked turned to a shared desire to create something new and explore a Pop sound. They soon joined forces with guitarist/sound engineer Antoine Delecroix, and the three clicked immediately.   

SHINE produced its first EP, “One Day,” in June 2004, recording in Laurent’s home studio in Paris. The album received airplay in both the U.S. and Europe with hit singles “Ashbury” and “One Day” that seamlessly blend mellow rock with Electronica. The first pressing of the album sold out in a few months. The EP received another boost when acclaimed Producer/ DJ Morgan Page remixed “Ashbury,” and the reworking found a place on the hit ABC TV show Ugly Betty.    

In early 2008, SHINE’s first full-length album, “The Common Station,” was released. With inspired song writing brought to life by the soulful vocals of Moroccan singer Hanane Laraki, “The Common Station” resonated with audiences and critics worldwide. The album reached the number one slot on Soma FM’s Lush chart in 2009.
     
Although initially a studio project, SHINE’s commanding live presence in undeniable. Ever since they opened for Sia in London 2004, the band has built a stage identity that feels intimate and visceral, yet honest and accessible. Since then, high-profile audience members Dido and Tricky have passed along their complements of SHINE’s style and sound. Most recently, SHINE has toured with Morcheeba in France and Italy. Paul Godfrey of Morcheeba sent along his personal sentiments to SHINE, saying “Your music is great, wonderful in every way!”  

In July 2008, SHINE teamed up with the legendary Terry Reid for a special project, “SHINE featuring Terry Reid.” The project began when Guillaume watched the documentary Glastonbury Fayre and was floored by Terry Reid’s talent. The band knew they had to find a way to work with Terry. A demo of “Mind Dance” convinced Terry to cross the Atlantic. The EP “SHINE featuring Terry Reid” was recorded in two days in June 2009. 

“Here are two artists who should be massive in their own right, as a team they are mind blowing," said Tony K of the Winelight Club in the UK, where SHINE and Terry Reid performed live in August. “Mind Dance” was Julian Lennon’s pick of the week on San Francisco’s popular chill-out radio show, Below Zero. 

In 2010, SHINE was invited to perform for the first time in the USA at SXSW festival in Austin, Texas and in San Francisco, California.

Members from the live configuration, Julie Gomel (vocals) and Bendja (drums) are working together on the new album, due in 2012. “It’s our best team ever,” Guillaume said. The artists of SHINE are learning from the brilliant talents they have collaborated with and are continuously expanding their own personal style. With the simple and honest goal of creating great music, SHINE is a talent to watch. 

Hola, bienvenidxs a Conversaciones a la Distancia. Gracias por escuchar esta serie especial de entrevistas que se publicará constantemente. Aquí, conversamos a la distancia con personas como tú y como yo para tratar de entender lo que este año 2020 nos esta queriendo decir. Sabemos que es una época difícil de muchas maneras pero también puede ser un momento para reflexionar y encontrar nuevas y mejores formas de relacionarnos entre nosotros y con nuestro entorno.

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