Interviews: Shiny New Toyz

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Metal band Shiny New Toyz, from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. How did you come up with the band name Shiny New Toyz? Planned or organic?

It happened pretty organically — and in a funny way. Shawn was talking with our friend and drummer from another band about shifting focus to this new project, and he joked, “Fine, go play with your shiny new toy.” We laughed about it later with the guys, and the phrase stuck.

There was something ironic about it. The name sounds flashy and disposable, while the music we create digs into the shadows and deeper psychological terrain. That contrast worked for us. We swapped the “s” for a “z,” and suddenly Shiny New Toyz felt both tongue-in-cheek and strangely fitting.

2. What drew you to your mix of metal, post-hardcore, progressive, and alternative rock?

We never sat down to design a genre blend. Those sounds have shaped us individually, so when we started writing together, they naturally collided. It’s less fusion and more shared language.

3. Did you all know each other before forming the band?

We did. Shiny New Toyz is an amalgamation of several metal bands from the area — Musical Manslaughter, Untapped, Mushroom Teeth, and Earth’s Last Breath. Our projects were already sharing stages and moving in the same circles across Vermont and Upstate New York’s local metal scene.

A big part of that connection comes from the space Suzie and Shawn host in their basement, where they run what we call Basement Sessions. It’s become a small hub for the regional metal community — bands come through to play stripped-down sets, try out new material, and just hang out. Over time, it’s created this natural environment where musicians from different projects get to know each other and collaborate.

So Shiny New Toyz grew out of an existing community. We were already sharing stages, riffs, and conversations.

4. Each member’s all-time favorite band or influence?

Shawn: Tool

John: The Mars Volta

Brad: Korn

Suzie: Too many to name, but if I had to choose one- Maynard James Keenan.

Forrest: Chris Allison

5. Who or what inspires your songwriting on LORE?

Sonically, the process usually begins with the guitarists bringing in the core riffs and structural ideas. From there, the rest of the band builds around it — rhythm, atmosphere, lyrics, and vocals — each of us layering our own musical interpretation until the song evolves into something collaborative.

6. Your last live show — where was it, and how did it go?

Our last show was at Monopole in Plattsburgh. It’s a great little spot with a loyal crowd — the local metalheads and punks always show up and bring serious energy to the room.

The Plattsburgh scene has a really strong local scene, and that night was no exception.

The crowd was loud, engaged, and ready to move, which makes all the difference when you’re playing heavy music.

7. Dream venues?

We would absolutely kill to play one of the larger metal festivals. There’s something powerful about bringing heavy music to a massive crowd that’s there specifically for that energy. Festivals like Louder Than Life, Inkcarceration, Aftershock, and Wacken Open Air would be incredible stages.

Those kinds of gatherings feel almost ritualistic — thousands of people united in the same sonic experience — and that atmosphere aligns perfectly with the intention behind our music. It would be incredible to get the audience chanting along!

8. If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present?

Dave Gilmour and John Zorn! There’s also something compelling about blending with an artist from outside metal entirely — bringing ritual and heaviness into unexpected spaces.

9. Anyone you’d avoid collaborating with?

We’re less interested in working with artists whose values don’t align with authenticity or respect. Ego-driven spaces kill creativity. Beyond that, we stay open.

10. Have you experienced stage fright? Advice for newcomers?

Absolutely — and sometimes we still do. The trick is reframing it: that rush is adrenaline, and adrenaline is energy, but it can push you to play faster than intended if you're not locked to a click. Breathe, ground yourself, and stop thinking about being watched — rather let the music form a connection. Also, play as many shows as you can.

11. Which bands shaped your sound most?

As a band, our influences span a wide range — from classic metal and progressive music to grunge, experimental composition, and even meditative and world music traditions. That mix of backgrounds naturally shapes the sound of Shiny New Toyz.

12. Weirdest or most memorable fan request?

Signing another band's CD because we didn’t have anything of our own out yet.

13. How do you view your fans?

They’re participants. The music isn’t complete until someone steps into it. The exchange matters.

14. What do you think of Breathing The Core and zines like it?

Independent zines are vital and part of the music we make. They support underground scenes, amplify bands without gatekeeping, and keep the heavy music community-driven.

We really appreciate Breathing The Core’s focus on the stories behind the music — not just the releases themselves. The platform gives emerging and independent artists space to talk about the meaning and creative process, which is vital in giving the music a face, revealing the personalities and stories that live behind the sound.

15. Anything else you’d like to add?

Just gratitude. For independent platforms, for listeners who go deep instead of skimming, and for anyone willing to sit with music that asks something of them. LORE is an offering — and we’re honored it’s being received.

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