SHYGUY

SHYGUY, aka Jackson Goodwin and Joe Digioia, are a duo from the low hills of Nottingham.

The pair weave a kaleidoscope of genres, fusing soul, psychedelic vocals, jazz and raw but funky hip hop drums. Their individual narratives and musical influences contribute to their textured sound. SHYGUY confront their introverted nature, adopting vibrant personas, as a result, this introverted collaboration evolves into an extroverted expression, highlighting the fusion of their artistic identities.

Jackson, hailing from a family of artists and illustrators, initially ventured into music as a form of teenage rebellion. He picked up a bass guitar and soon discovered that music was his true calling. Inspired by the likes of J-Dilla and the LA Beat Scene, Jackson immersed himself in music production. On the other hand, Joe’s musical path began at the age of 11 when he self-taught himself the guitar. His fascination with the instrument’s capabilities and the desire to create his own music led him on a journey of self-discovery. Through the guidance of his guitar teacher, he delved into recording and production, setting the stage for his future endeavours.

The duo met during their school years, discovering their shared love of music through playing in punk bands together, but their musical journey truly took flight when they reunited in college. SHYGUY draw inspiration from a diverse range of sources. Jackson’s upbringing exposed him to a rich musical tapestry, from Erykah Badu to The Smiths, and the artistry of Prince and Damon Albarn. Joe’s early influences included guitar-centric bands like Green Day, leading him to explore artists like Prince and Tame Impala who created diverse music on their own terms.

SHYGUY’s journey includes notable experiences and collaborations. Jackson has supported artists like KRS-ONE and Pete Rock & CL Smooth as a solo act, while their collective efforts have been featured in a compilation album released by their art collective, ‘Lusty Arts,’ in collaboration with Nottingham’s MIMM (Music is my Motive) a community of music, fashion and art.

Their live music journey began just before the pandemic hit, leaving them eager to showcase their sound to the world once the live music scene reopened. During the pandemic, they dedicated their time to crafting a demo, though challenging the duo gained an invaluable experience that eventually led to their signing with Tru Thoughts.

SHYGUY’s inventive nature was created by blending the producer/beatmaker mindset with live improvisation, creating songs that sound like they were crafted by a single artist or a collective of five. The album boasts a variety of styles and unconventional, low-fi sounds that showcase their unique sonic palette.