Chanel Beads, the musical project spearheaded by Shane Lavers, continues to carve out a unique space in the contemporary music landscape with the release of their second album, also titled 'Your Day Will Come'. The album builds on the distinct sound that has garnered a loyal following and critical acclaim, blending elements of melancholic new age, 1980s new wave, and hypnagogic psychedelia into what has been described as 'chill-waved ghost pop'. This sonic tapestry creates an otherworldly and liminal experience for listeners, resonating with a surreal cinematic quality.
Lavers, known for his enigmatic persona, maintains a focus on allowing the music to speak for itself. Despite a growing profile, including endorsement from global superstars such as Billie Eilish, Lorde, and Frank Ocean, he remains largely unfazed by the attention. Ocean notably shared the 2023 track 'Police Scanner' on his Instagram story, yet Lavers expresses a disinterest in 'curation as a form of expression', suggesting that shared musical tastes are simply a reflection of universal access to content.
A significant milestone for Chanel Beads occurred last year when Lorde invited the group to open for her on select dates of her Ultrasound world tour. For Lavers, accustomed to DIY shows, performing in arenas was a 'wild experience', akin to playing a 'spaceship'. Despite the vast venues, he found a way to connect personally with the audience, emphasising the ability to make eye contact with individuals even in large crowds. This tour, which included Maya McGrory on vocals, Zachary Paul on violin and keyboards, and Tchad Cousins on drums, profoundly impacted the group's dynamic, bringing them closer together.
The new album, 'Your Day Will Come', features an expanded line-up with Mari Rubio on pedal steel and guitar, alongside vocalists Anastasia Coope and Bella Lista. Lavers views this release as a more self-contained work than its predecessor, almost feeling like his true debut due to the anticipation from fans. Despite the critical success of their 2024 debut, he admits to significant internal pressure, driven by a desire to express his ideas before they evolve. However, he remains detached from online discourse, preferring to 'put my phone down and go for a walk' rather than risk being overwhelmed by external opinions.
The genesis of Chanel Beads' distinctive sound can be traced back to Lavers' childhood influences. He recalls being captivated by Tracy Chapman's 'Fast Car' as a child, a song that foreshadowed the band's androgynous vocal style, often featuring duets between Lavers and McGrory. This early exposure to diverse musical textures and a willingness to explore unconventional sonic territories have clearly shaped the unique and dreamlike quality that defines Chanel Beads' artistic output today.