Disclaimer: I’m a huge fan of Shy Girls.
Two years ago, I was driving through downtown Portland when I saw a billboard advertising the local band’s debut E.P., Timeshare. The enticing artwork and name provoked me to look them up, and the addiction immediately followed. I played them on repeat for the next month or so, and then again when they released their second album, 4WZ, last February.
Last night I finally got the chance to see them live. I didn’t think it was possible, but I might be an even bigger fan than I was before.
Shy Girls is an electronic/pop/R&B music project born four years ago in the bedroom of its talented lead vocalist and producer, Dan Vidmar (photographed below).

Even today, the bedroom vibes have never stopped. Vidmar’s music is characterized by its intimate and nostalgic sound and lyrics.
The six-piece band also includes two backup singers, a drummer, electric guitarist and keyboardist.
Concluding their first headlining tour through the U.S. and Canada, Shy Girls performed at Portland’s Wonder Ballroom on Friday, May 29.
The cozy venue filled up slowly as the two openers, BLOSSOM and P. Morris (photographed below), played. By the time Dan hit the stage the place was packed with dedicated fans and those hearing the band for the first time that night.

Playing songs from both albums on a dramatically lit and foggy stage, Shy Girls gave the audience the entrancing show they were looking for. Between dancing and cheering, Vidmar’s adoring fans gazed up at his chiseled face and head full of curls hypnotized and lustful, which was no surprise — his passionate performance and inviting stage presence was hard not to fall in love with.

Tei Shi, featured in the song “Arrest Me,” and Antwon, featured in “Xhampagne,” also joined Vidmar to perform during the show.
Overall, the concert was well worth the $15 ticket and overpriced beers. My only complaint? It wasn’t long enough. (If I had it my way, they would have played every song they’ve ever produced.)
After the show, we were invited backstage, where we were immediately greeted with a bottle of whiskey and a room full of Shy Girls’ closest friends, ready to pop a bottle of champagne to celebrate the end of a successful tour.

As I’ve said before, Shy Girls isn’t nearly as popular as they should be. But, undoubtedly, that won’t be the case for long — these guys are going places. Be sure to keep your eye out for new music, which Vidmar says will be released by the end of the year.
Until then, check out Shy Girls’ Soundcloud account for a comprehensive selection of original music and covers:

(All photos taken by Kenneth Osborn/Emerald.)
Follow Andrea Harvey on Twitter @andrearharvey

Gallery • 4 Photos

Dan Vidmar, lead singer and producer of Shy Girls, celebrates the end of a successful tour backstage at Portland’s Wonder Ballroom Friday, May 29, 2015. (Kenneth Osborn/Emerald)