Meet SHOOP: a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and songwriter who is about to take the leap into his own solo career with his debut EP, Never Better, arriving Friday, November 21. If you’re not familiar with his artistry, you’ve almost definitely heard his work. He’s created hits for everyone from ROLE MODEL to Dijon and even spent time drumming for Junior Varsity on LANY’s A Beautiful Blur World Tour.
SHOOP on creating his own solo project:
“I started doing this out of necessity, because I really wanted to enjoy the process again. It was mainly about having a good time and creating music I would listen to. It feels like you’ll actually get to know the person who’s singing. These songs are synonymous with my personality; it’s almost like a fast track to understanding me. If you choose to read into it, there’s a message, but it’s definitely fun.”
Growing up in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, SHOOP was heavily influenced by his dad’s music taste—Styx, Van Halen, and Journey. He picked up the drums shortly after discovering Avenged Sevenfold and the rest was history. The “Writings’ On The Wall” collaborator moved to New York City in 2020 to pursue music full time, landing his first major gig with Allison Panther, co-producing “Cowboy.”
After years of working as a collaborator for other artists, SHOOP’s mindset shifted. He no longer felt fulfilled enough and has the urge to step forward with his own voice. “I didn’t grow up with a dream to be the big star in the spotlight,” he admits. “As time went on, I realized I wanted it more than I thought I did. I had done so many sessions, and I was getting bored. It felt like more of the same, so I seriously started to write for myself last year,” he shares.
With Never Better, SHOOP pulls in nineties pop and alternative vibes, but mixes in his own sauce. His debut single “CAPRIS” is out now and introduces him to the world, serving as just a taste of the range he’s ready to show.
