Country music duo Dan + Shay recently opened up about a challenging phase in their partnership that almost led to the end of their musical journey together. In a candid YouTube video, Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney revealed that despite the pinnacle of success in 2021, they were both feeling unhappy.
Smyers, recalling that time, expressed, “I was in the lowest low of my entire life. Came off the road and I was like, ‘Man, I f**king hate music. I’m ready to quit.’” Mooney, who is married to Hannah Billingsley, agreed and shared, “I could feel the separation, and I think there were little things between you and I that we never talked about, and it was affecting everything, not just our band, our marriages, everything. I was in a really dark place.”
This period of distress led to a significant fallout, and for four months, they didn’t even speak to each other, considering the possibility of ending their partnership. They took a step back to assess the situation and reflect on their personal lives as well.
Mooney explained, “For me, we didn’t ever take time to be able to appreciate winning a GRAMMY or all these things, because it was just happening so fast… I was just in this very feeling sorry for myself place and not wanting to take responsibility for anything.”
Smyers admitted that their rapid success had left them overwhelmed, and they put too much pressure on themselves during their arena tour. He added, “I was drinking a lot, so those highs became really high and the lows became really, really low.”
Both musicians were facing personal challenges, with Smyers admitting that he had no balance in his life, neglecting his marriage and friendships, and ultimately burning himself out.
The turning point came in March 2022 when they had a heartfelt conversation. Smyers shared, “That moment when we sat down and just talked it out, I feel like was so healthy. That night changed it all.” Mooney agreed, stating, “Changed everything. I feel like that was such a big turning point. It was us saying to each other, ‘Look, I’m willing to fight for this.’”
They realized that their genuine joy and bond came from making music together, which led them to a renewed commitment to their partnership. Their friendship became stronger than ever before, and they were determined to make their band flourish once again.
As they prepare to release their next album and participate in The Voice, the duo emphasized the significance of the journey they have been on, learning invaluable lessons along the way. They believe that their dedication and hard work have made their musical bond infinitely sustainable.
Dan + Shay’s story is a testament to the power of honesty, communication, and perseverance, proving that even during the most challenging times, a true partnership can emerge stronger than ever. Fans can look forward to the duo’s continued success as they embrace the joy of making music together once again.