Meet Sam Shapiro

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Shapiro. They and their team shared their story with us below:

Over the last year and a half Bleak Mystique has developed its sound through prolific experimentation, with each release more focused and catchier than the last, all without losing its signature iconoclastic attitude. Since their debut release in May of 2021, the band went on to release 9 songs in 2021 (counting a Christmas cover), and 10 songs in 2022 (plus an 8-track b-side and live album). In 2023, they plan to release 5 singles (and a handful of re-recorded sessions courtesy of KMG Studios, and Lance Townsend Studios), and a couple of music videos.

The band has built an ever-growing local following playing shows in their hometown of Denver, in neighboring cities of Fort Collins and Boulder, and beyond. They kicked off 2023 with a show at Lost Lake Lounge in Denver before traveling north to The Coast in Fort Collins at the end of January. They plan to continue gigging locally and beyond throughout 2023 with two tours through the American Southwest announced soon.

Bleak Mystique has undergone many iterations of band members, always with the duo of Sam Shapiro (guitar, lead vocals) and Aidan Hutchings (Bass) at its’ core. The pair met at the University of Denver in 2018 and began playing in different bands together until they formed Bleak Mystique in the Spring of 2021 after Covid lockdowns effectively ended any prior projects. The band is really hitting its stride with the current four-piece lineup of Sam Shapiro on guitar and lead vocals, Aidan Hutchings on rhythm guitar and backing vocals, Mitch Segura on bass and backing vocals, and Eli Goroff-Behel on drums.

In the studio, the band is known for hard-hitting drums, big guitars, and a tasteful balance between modern hi-fi and nods to classic sounds. They are also known to include eccentric interludes and outros throughout their releases, branching into classical and noise-rock territories. They often prefer lush soundscapes with many guitar tracks, stacked vocal harmonies, keys, guitar and vocal loops, and backward instrumental layers. Their decision to move from their iconic three-piece outfit to their current four-piece reflects their desire to more effectively replicate the sound they have created in the studio, which fans have warmly received.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Well, we have had limited success sustaining a following in Denver, so we’ve decided to move into the Boulder and Fort Collins markets where we have enjoyed pretty rapid success so far. It’s hard to get people in Denver interested in a local band.

Usually, they are more interested in the mainstream artists, and in a city like Boulder or Fort Collins the people there are much more ready to support something based on the merit of the art. Despite 303 and Westword attempts, Denver’s culture regarding local music is pretty lacking.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We are known as an indie alternative band in Colorado and beyond. We are known for having a lot of energy at shows, snarky quips in interviews, and mostly for our artistic integrity and our commitment to growing and exploring our sound.

We have a lot of different influences including Avant-Garde Classical and Jazz and weave them into our music in a way I have never heard another indie rock band does. We still keep our music very catchy and “commercial” enough but it’s important for us to make sure it never sounds like anyone else. It has to sound like Bleak Mystique.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
We take risks all the time as an indie rock band.

We will let grooves fall apart into noise rock and then come back together with a head nod, we let shrill sounds take over otherwise straightforward indie songs and watch the audience, and bring the groove back right as we think we might lose them. So far, we haven’t, but it’s always a risk to incorporate so many different influences into indie rock.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bleakmystique.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bleak.mystique/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bleak.mystique
• Other: https://linktr.ee/bleakmystique

Image Credits
Peter Vo