The Grammy Museum welcomed Shinedown on Tuesday, July 23 for an evening of conversation discussing their latest music, creative process, mental health, and an intimate performance. The event was moderated by Apple Music’s host Jenn Marino on the Museum’s 300-seat Ray Charles Rooftop Terrace where attendees had the opportunity to enjoy rooftop views and a cash bar during the program.

Multi-platinum band Shinedown has cemented their status as one of the most vital and forward-thinking powerhouses in music, the group recently stunned the world once again with their performance of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway To Heaven” at the inaugural Grammy Hall of Fame Gala back in April. Shinedown’s vocalist Brent Smith and guitarist Zach Myers returned to L.A. Live in Downtown LA to talk about their 20-year journey with the band and what fans can expect in the future.

The panel was a fun conversation with long-time friend Jenn Marino, who bantered back and forth with the two band members as though they were siblings. The jokes quickly kicked off after Marino told a quick story of her slathering coconut oil on her legs to slide into her leather pants. Myers couldn’t help but make various humorous references throughout the night about Marino’s oiled-up legs. Aside from the jokes, things turned a bit more serious as the band answered Marino’s question about why they are “so nice.” The two members simply stated that they understand everyone has bad days, but they do their best. The two then went on to say they all take time to sign merchandise for everyone and anyone as often as they can, including re-sellers who they often ask to donate to charities. Another wholesome moment arose as both Myers and Smith stated they would never want to change the band’s lineup ever as they see their band as a marriage and a strong partnership.

Myers and Smith described their creative and songwriting process as ruleless and free-flowing, allowing everyone to bring in any ideas. Smith emphasized that they always keep in mind that they only release music that they are proud to listen to themselves and always listen to their fanbase. The frontman referred to the band’s fanbase as their boss, a boss that tells them what they like and what direction to take. As the two reflected on their career, they took a moment to acknowledge the radio industry and thanked radio for launching their careers.

Their latest hit single “A Symptom of Being Human” became their first single to not debut on rock radio since the band’s debut, the song is now played in five different formats of radio. “We felt like we were a vessel in a lot of ways when that song was written because it really needed to be born and it really needed to be out there,” said Smith. The single comes from the band’s high-concept seventh studio album, Planet Zero (Atlantic Records), produced by Shinedown’s Eric Bass. The record boldly confronts the societal forces and serves as a reminder that it is human connections that matter the most. The band has always spoken on the importance of mental health, teaming up with organizations such as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and educating their audience on different resources.

During the audience portion of the Q&A, Myers stated that the band will go through with the infamous Deep Dive Tour, a tour that was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but cannot say when it will happen. The tour was originally planned to hit intimate venues and included a set list that included everything but Shinedown’s hit singles. The members also revealed that the band is currently working on their eighth studio album and stated that they have about three songs ready and are attempting to steer away from a concept album. The upcoming record will be produced by Eric Bass once again.

Shinedown took the stage roughly about 8:30 p.m. for an intimate acoustic performance. Smith and Myers performed six songs kicking things off with a heartfelt speech from Smith about his son changing his life before performing their hit “If You Only Knew.” The song was followed by “45,” “Cut the Cord,” and “A Symptom of Being Human.” For the last two songs the band had the entire audience stand on their feet and sing along to “Sound of Madness” and “Second Chance.”

Shinedown is currently on tour throughout the US. For tour dates or more information on Shinedown, visit here.