Jun 19, 2023

Boys Club For Girls Takes A Journey Through The Depths Of Addiction In, “5 O’Clock Shadow"

The Nashville outfit is poised and ready to make a difference with their music.

In a society, increasingly obsessed with the shallow and the bland, Nashville-based Boys Club for Girls fearlessly ventures into uncharted territory, confronting the dark underbelly of addiction and its devastating impact on the human psyche.

Made up of the enchanting powerhouse singer-songwriters Amie Miriello and Vanessa Olivarez, this dynamic duo fearlessly dives headfirst into the abyss of addiction, mental health, and other issues, unafraid to shed light on the painful realities of those consumed by their vices.

Although they may be relatively new to the music scene, Boys Club for Girls’ sound belies the ability of veteran musicians. Drawing from influences like the brilliant Tori Amos, Fleetwood Mac, and Joni Mitchell (among others), the duo uses their considerable musical ability and versatility to create lush soundscapes that envelop the listener while they serenade you. They’ve demonstrated a remarkable ability to create expansive worlds and draw listeners into them, making their music a one-of-a-kind experience that should not be missed.

Their latest single, “5 O’Clock Shadow”, is at the heart of their rapidly expanding repertoire. Delving into the depths of drug and alcohol addiction, the track unflinchingly examines its toll on the body and mind, entangling individuals in a web of depression and anxiety.

The accompanying video sees real people step forward one by one, bearing stark confessions scribbled on chalkboards. When those visuals are combined with powerful lyrics like “Hold together everything I gotta hold / But I fall whenever I’m alone” and “Taking me down to the dark side of town, back to blue / Oh, that’s my 5 o'clock shadow”, they not only bring attention to the significant issues of vice but start to remove the stigma around it, acknowledging the fact that it’s okay to seek help.

The video for “5 O’Clock Shadow” also aims to raise funds for Fund Recovery, a Nashville nonprofit dedicated to bridging the gap between struggling individuals and their path to mental health recovery.

Prepare to be spellbound as the resplendent voices of Amie Miriello and Vanessa Olivarez sweep you away. Whenever you’re ready to both be enlightened and be put under their spell, tap in and stream Boys Club for Girls’ “5 O’Clock Shadow”, available now on all major streaming platforms.

Welcome to BuzzMusic, Boys Club For Girls! We loved “5 O’Clock Shadow”, what a powerful piece of music! We had to ask, what inspired you to make this song? Why did you make the decision to address these kinds of issues?

Vanessa Olivarez: Amie and I have struggled with various depression and anxiety issues ourselves. I feel that, as an artist, it’s important to use the opportunity to reach others through various platforms as often as possible, to try to make some kind of real impact on the world. We wanted to be open about our own issues publicly to let people know that we are a safe space for all. No one is alone. Amie Miriello: We also both know people close to us whose families have been destroyed because of addiction. We care so deeply about this topic and always try to be as honest and raw as we possibly can be in our songs. We absolutely love your band name as well! What’s the story behind your name, and on another note, what was your favourite part about seeing the vision for your music video come to life?

Amie: I'll let Vanessa tell the band name story. (laughs) Vanessa: Originally, we had decided on only going by the name Boys Club. The Instagram handle was already taken, though, so we were forced to find another and we settled on Boys Club For Girls. Our debut show as a band was at a beloved venue in town called the Basement, owned by Mike Grimes. Grimey put “Boys Club For Girls” on the marquee and refused to call us anything else from there on out because he loved the name so much. So we kept it! The concept for the video was something I brainstormed, but never thought we could make happen. So I was so thrilled when I began to see our vision come to life. Amie has a close relative in the sober community, and with his help and the help of our directors, Josh and Keturah Bishop, we were able to involve people with authentic experiences in battling this disease. It was so moving, their willingness to share. Amie: Yeah, my favorite part about the making of the video was absolutely hanging and talking to all the beautiful and brave people who got involved and told their stories. It was really amazing. Do the two of you have a favourite musical memory together?

Vanessa: Personally, I would say the first day we got together. It was like lightning in a bottle—I’ve never experienced anything like it. Singing with Amie immediately felt like blood harmony. It was like a sign from the universe that I was in the right place at the right moment at the right time. We wrote “Romance Is Dead” in 30 minutes. Amie: The spirit of the song literally comes right through us and we both feel like vessels. It's truly a beautiful experience. You recently released your self-titled debut album! How would you describe your sound to someone who hasn’t heard your music before and do you have any favourites from the album you especially want fans to hear?

Vanessa: We like to call it “Americana Dream Pop.” It’s a cross between the classic rock bands of the ‘70s and the sparkling creativity of our favorite bands of the ‘90s. New but old. Shiny with patina. I think the song “Tell Me I’m the Only One” really defines our sound as a band. I also love “Past Life.” Amie: I'd describe us as the ‘90s Lilith Fair raw angst with ‘70s Laurel Canyon dreamy vibes. I like “Tell Me,” too, and also “Bad Luck Baby” and “Not Just Yet.” What’s next for Boys Club For Girls? Do you have anything you want to say to your fans? Vanessa: Currently, we are in the process of figuring out our next record. Personally, I believe it’s going to be even better than the first. We have been writing a ton with our band recently, and it has really elevated the songs in a way I couldn’t have imagined. Amie: More music, more shows. And more ways to connect with our audience. We definitely have a few tricks up our sleeves for the summer and fall. We’d like to say to our fans, “Welcome to the club, we’re so happy you’re here!”