Shadow Company on Bloodstock, Metal Community, and Breaking Down Scene Barriers

In this episode, Pipeman sits down with Marty and Daisy from Shadow Company at Bloodstock Festival. They discuss the band's journey through Metal to the Masses, the camaraderie and community within the metal scene, musical evolution, and the importance of inclusivity and growth both as musicians and people. The conversation also touches on classic metal stories, dealing with genre gatekeeping, and how to support Shadow Company through their music and merch.Main Topics CoveredShadow Company’s Bloodstock experience and winning Metal to the MassesBuilding connections and community within the metal sceneReflections on competition, respect, and mutual support among bandsThe evolution of music genres and the problem with gatekeepingStories from the metal scene in the '80s and lessons on inclusivityIndividual musical journeys and growthNotable musicians and their influenceUpcoming gigs and how to support Shadow CompanyKey Discussions & StoriesBloodstock & Metal to the MassesMarty shares their excitement and disbelief at playing Bloodstock, crediting their progression through the Metal to the Masses competition 00:29.Importance of the competition as a networking tool, regardless of winning 00:41.Daisy discusses their previous year’s experience, supporting winners and fostering respect and friendship among bands 01:51.Community, Respect, and Anti-GatekeepingPipeman notes the supportive culture at Bloodstock, contrasting it with gatekeeping and ego issues experienced on the Sunset Strip in the '80s 03:26.The group reflects on the silliness of fighting over genres and scene divisions and advocate for a more inclusive music community 03:56, 04:12.Discussion on letting people enjoy the scene however they want (including costumes and self-expression), emphasizing fun and acceptance 04:16 – 05:44.Evolution of Sound & MusicMarty and Daisy talk about how bands, including Shadow Company, evolve their music and how early work often feels unrepresentative of their later sound 12:23.Pipeman and Marty champion musical experimentation and growth, and the folly of insisting on a static musical style 09:11 – 12:20.Genre, Subgenres, and GatekeepingThe group discusses how subgenres and micro-scenes breed unnecessary gatekeeping, stressing that it’s all just rock and metal 09:29 – 10:07.Humorous comparisons between death metal, black metal, and superficial genre definitions 10:25.Musical Influences & Notable MusiciansPipeman quizzes the guests about legendary bassists who started on guitar, revealing Paul McCartney’s story 14:55.Shoutouts to Lemmy, Cliff Burton, and Dave Mustaine, discussing their influence and unique styles 15:11 – 16:16.Notable Quotes"Pipeman: You're happy for the band that wins if it's not you, and that's fucking cool as hell." 01:29"Marty: It's synergy, if anything. Anything you want to say?" 01:44"Daisy: Even though we didn't win, we were so happy for them." 02:04"Pipeman: Let's just all be one big, great, loving family community. And that's what Bloodstock is." 03:56"Marty: Live and let live, you know?" 05:05"Daisy: A genre doesn't define a person." 08:18"Pipeman: Why do you want to play the same shit you played when you first picked up an instrument?" 12:04"Marty: We've evolved so much... our songwriting confidence has got so much better." 12:41Resources & Links MentionedShadow Company on Instagram: Shadow Company underscore Band (exact handle: shadowcompany_band or similar)Shadow Company on Facebook: Search "Shadow Company" (look for their distinctive band photo)Bandcamp: Search "Shadow Company" to find their merch and musicUpcoming Shows:Laston-Bury (with a hyphen), August 31, 8PMDarwin at Sunbird, September 11Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-adventures-of-pipeman--941822/support.Click Here to Subscribe for PERKS, BONUS Content & FREE GIVEWAYS!Follow @pipemanradio on all socials & Pipeman Radio Requests & Info at www.linktr.ee/pipemanradioStream The Adventures of Pipeman daily & live Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays at 1PM ET on W4CY Radio & Talk 4 TV. Download, Rate & Review the Podcast at The Adventures of Pipeman, Pipeman Radio, Talk 4 Media, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & All Podcast Apps.