Shellshag
SPB: What are the origins of the Y-microphone?
Shellshag: Our custom, Flying V mic stand was invented by Shell.
We started facing each other at practice since we used a stand-up drum kit and there were just two of us, but we were already used to the standard performance positions of facing the crowd so, at a live show we found ourselves slowly, one song at a time, unintentionally turning towards the crowd and engaging them. We really preferred to stay focused on one another, so we combined two boom stands into one base, creating a connection between the two mics forcing us to stay facing each other. Wala, the Flying V mic stand was born.
We made a tiny adaption when we created the Pyramid of Sound amp that now sits between us when we play, attaching the top portion of the Flying V mic stand directly to the top of the amp, and now we have the one big piece of gear that unites us. Our latest album, Shellshag Forever, has a photo of it on the cover.
In the works next is a four-way mic stand, like the Temptations, that will allow for some guest performers to join us around the pyramid.
