During a time when our social media driven delusions and phony status updates about the beautiful vistas that we just happen to be gazing at in our underwear are clouding our minds, New Shack – two millennial comrades and their music, are such a relief. Their poetry makes sense, their undertones of societal discord are on par, they’re raw and educated, but not out of touch with real life, and not that there’s anything necessarily wrong with trying to propel a political upheaval, but all New Shack wants to do is make intelligent music.

It’s slightly relaxing that Utah-bred, Cat Leavy and Eric Robertson, keep their dry-humored, and well-spoken synth-wave duo to the task at hand: Loving music, and making art. New Shack’s tone has caught the ear of many and their visuals are eloquent and dazzling… So if you don’t know, now you know…

MiLLENNiAL caught up with Cat & Eric to learn more about the band’s journey.

Cat, you traveled a bit…. When did you decide it was time to make a commitment to your music career? Did travel inspire your music?

I made that decision abroad, so yes, absolutely. Music was the only thing that grounded me while I was literally up in the air a lot. As soon as I moved abroad I made the realization that I have the power to make a lot of my dreams come true. Music was one of those dreams and so I made it happen. There is certainly a lot of luck and privilege involved, but living abroad by myself was one of the hardest things I have ever done and it helped me realize that if I could do that, I could do anything.

Which movies, books, or TV shows have left a lasting impression on you and how have they contributed to your lyrics?

Oh wow…. so many. Here are a few that come to mind:

Movies: Red Desert, Mulholland Drive, Une Vielle Maitresse, La Dolce Vita, The Virgin Suicides.

Books: Pagan Grace, East of Eden, It, a random textbook on Celtic goddesses.

TV Shows: Twin Peaks, The Handmaid’s Tale

Millennial Magazine - New-Shack-no-running

Photos by Trevor Christensen

What does success as a musician look like to you?

As soon as music can help me buy a house then I’ll know I’ve made it, but [in all honesty] I feel successful now, just being able to do this full time.

Your latest song “Cherry” seems to hold a lot of symbolism. Which philosophical or social themes do you find most attractive?

I’ve become obsessed with the empty and absurd world of the Internet. It’s inherently meaningless and yet one of the most meaningful pieces of our existence because it’s how we share our creative work and much of ourselves. “Cherry” is an exploration of the world of absurd delusion and the manic feelings associated with it. It was originally inspired by Marie Antoinette, but I think that the myth of Marie Antoinette goes beyond a story about an ill-fated queen. I think that it taps into the narcissism and nihilism that defines our generation and our relationship to ourselves through the literal lens of technology.

Eric, you have a Space Cave. What is a space cave?

My Space Cave is my studio. It’s at the end of a hallway in the basement of my house. The walls are adorned with retro futuristic prints and the carpet is a lovely burnt orange color. I collect and use vintage gear, so there are a ton of synths with wood ends and old analog effects units in wood racks. A lot of wood, old synths, and the color orange. You know, a space cave!

Be sure to check out New Shack’s music on Spotify!