With an identity rooted in friendship and appreciation, Raleigh, NC alternative rock breakouts High Shores was founded by Amanda Timothy and Kayla Wimert.

Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.

Amanda Timothy – Vocals 

Carter Harris – Guitar/Keyboard

For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to High Shores? How long has the band been around?

Carter Harris: Before High Shores, I played in a group call Bear with Me. We drew many influences from bands such as Fall Out Boy, Ludo, My Chemical Romance, and the like.

I joined High Shores about a year after Kayla and Amanda had originally started the project. But I've now been in the band for a little over a year, joining in January 2020. 

Amanda Timothy: For me, I've only been in one other band before High Shores. We were called A Scenery in Motion.

What's the origin of that name, and have you changed the band's name before?

Amanda Timothy: We originally had picked out the name "WAVES," but realized quite a few other bands already took it. I love the ocean and find myself at peace there, so we wanted something to capture that feeling. That's when I came up with "High Shores," and it instantly stuck!

Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs, and do you think these topics will change over time?

Carter Harris: The writing process is more of a collaborative effort instead of one majority writer. Amanda is the leading force on lyrics, but as far as the melody and structure of the songs, we love working with each other and welcoming co-writing with a producer.

Our usual process consists of Amanda bringing a topic and lyrics into the studio. Then we spend about 2-3 days in the studio with a producer finalizing the lyrics and finding the right sound to bring those words to life. 

Amanda Timothy: A lot of my inspiration for lyrics comes from how I'm feeling at the time. There have been many changes in the world over the last year, and with that came many mental health struggles. I'm also coming into who I want to be as a person while trying to battle off depression. So lately, songs have been more directed to that, but I love changing out topics from time to time. We write about real everyday emotions that we go through. That means both the good times and the bad!

What bands are currently inspiring the music that you're making?

Carter Harris: I'm currently bringing a lot of influence from Good Boy Daisy, Glass Animals, Paramore, and Bear Ghost. But I also love bringing influence from movies and games as well! For instance, I've been listening to the Persona 5 soundtrack on repeat. I love the mix of rock and jazz, and the melodies are beyond catchy.

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?

Amanda Timothy: My biggest inspiration is Hayley Williams of Paramore. She is the biggest reason I decided to join a band and is an inspiration to me in my daily life! From the first time I heard such big vocals come from such a tiny human to seeing her perform on stage, I knew that's exactly what I wanted to do.

Carter Harris: I grew up with many bluegrass musicians in my family, so music has always been a part of my life. But I think the moment I specifically remember thinking, "oh, I want to be a Rockstar," was when I went to one of my first shows to see Flyleaf at Ziggy's in Winston Salem. I just remembered looking up on stage and seeing the raw emotion and energy the band put out, and I connected with it instantly. 

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …

Amanda Timothy: I usually spend my day relaxing if there's a show. Warming up vocals throughout the day and then focusing in an hour before the show to get in my "zone."

Carter Harris: My pre-show ritual consists of a brief workout earlier in the day, plenty of water, and making sure all my guitars are tuned, haha.

What has been the biggest highlight of the band's career so far?

Carter Harris: The band formed right as most places were shutting down, but I would say I'm proud of some of the goals we achieved despite that. Even reaching 50k views on YouTube on our Music Video for "Ready to Fall." 

If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

Amanda Timothy: The Used would be my dream band to tour with. Their music helped me through so much as a person. Their shows are insane, and the energy from the crowd is inspiring. I have a whole list of other bands I'd love to tour with, but my number one will always be The Used.

Carter Harris: I would have to say Paramore. I know I've personally always loved them, but they have also contributed to the formation of High Shores as a whole. One of the first times I met with Amanda and Kayla, we gushed and gushed about our love for the band, and it was then we started working on our sound with our mutual inspiration.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Amanda Timothy: Thank you so much for the support. We appreciate everyone who reaches out to us, sharing how our music has positively impacted their lives. That's my goal. Music is my therapy and knowing we can help at least one person and letting them they aren't alone is beautiful to me.

Carter Harris: I want to thank Kill The Music for having us and all of you readers who have tuned in! Be sure to check out our music on your preferred streaming site, and feel free to reach out to us on any of our social platforms!

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