Popscene Presents
GLU
Pony Boy Tour
Monday, 8/24
@ Brick & Mortar Music Hall
Support by THE CROOKED STUFF (SF)
7pm doors, 8pm show, all ages
$16.00 advance, $20.00 day of show
GLU
Esoteric melodies collide with moody beats and a dynamic flow in GLU; the solo project from Michael Shuman (Queens Of The Stone Age, Mini Mansions). With no major concentration of genre aside from melding them, Shuman unravels ribbons of rhyme and musicianship that are introspective and engaging. The EP entitled MY DEMONS released early 2023. “For me, the project was about being on my own terms; having my own momentum,” explains Shuman. “Musically, I wanted to do something that was challenging and something that scared me. I usually start out writing riffs but for GLU I had to write a lot of lyrics. Sitting on a
computer, starting with a beat and using synthesizers and keyboards opened up so many new possibilities. This is something that is different because I do come from punk rock, but I’m doing this… so it’s not going to sound like your typical DJ
or Hip-Hop producer. I want it to feel fresh, and that’s the most exciting thing for me.”
The back and forth of Shuman’s soft, ariose soundscapes lead way to catchy lyrics touching on subjects of struggle, loss, addiction, and trauma, hence; MY DEMONS. Emotional explosions emerge in a realm of calm hip hop with upbeat, poppy moments. “A lot of this is me speaking as an adult now, but it’s talking
about me as a child. I’m at an age where I don’t care as much about masking
things, lyrically.” With guest vocalist Sarah Barthel (vocalist of Phantogram)
lending a soothing voice to the self-titled intro, the well rounded tone of the EP lays out a curious, sonic fantasy. “I like the idea of different voices coming in and
Sarah is a real singer,” states Shuman. “She can do anything and it sounds great. She was really helpful in elevating these songs.” Mixed by Adam
Thane and mastered by Dale Becker.
The first single of 2025 “BOOGIE MAN”, is an infectious genre bending power track that chronologies the feeling of losing yourself in the moment, and not
having any outside worries or anxieties about who may be watching or what they may think. Akin to artists like Jamiroquai, Gorillaz, and Mac Miller.
GLU has had the chance to play these songs live on tours with Phantogram, The
Blue Stones, Miles Kane and Blood Red Shoes. "Boogie Man is a dance song
about stepping outside yourself, letting loose, and not taking yourself too
seriously. Life is short…. Who cares about what others think.” says Shuman.
The track was selected for a sync placement on the latest instalment of the beloved video game series MLB The Show ‘25 and features alongside artists including Kendrick Lamar, De La Soul and COIN.
Riding the momentum into Spring & Summer 2025, GLU took Boogie Man to clubs
