Nothing Shameful: A Band Built on Process, Passion, and Possibility

Phantom Light Media
1 day ago
5 min read

Nothing Shameful: Building Something Real, One Song at a Time

Emerging from a shared love of music, collaboration, and raw storytelling, Nothing Shameful is more than just a band—it’s a collective of creators driven by passion, persistence, and a deep appreciation for the process. Each member brings a distinct voice and role, forming a group dynamic that thrives both musically and behind the scenes.

Meet the Band

At the front is Ethan Harrison, lead vocalist and the band’s self-proclaimed “reluctant social media controller,” who also handles much of the planning, graphic design, and even costume work. Guitarist Jackson Romney serves as the band’s primary songwriter, contributing secondary vocals while also leading technical efforts like live performance setup and preproduction engineering. On bass is Deven Garcia, whose grounded presence and musical instincts shape the band’s low-end identity. Behind the kit is Mac Romney, the drummer who joined between the band’s first and second albums, adding a new layer of energy and precision.

What sets Nothing Shameful apart is their shared investment—not just in the music, but in everything that fuels the band’s growth. As Jackson puts it, it’s “the best group project ever.”

Influences and Sound

Nothing Shameful draws heavily from early 2000s emo and post-hardcore, with bands like Taking Back Sunday, Brand New, Saosin, and Underoath shaping their core sound. But their influences stretch far beyond a single genre.

Ethan focuses on vocal storytelling, inspired by artists who balance vulnerability with intensity. Jackson admires the interplay of dual vocals, lyrical depth, and dynamic songwriting. Deven’s journey began with classic rock and metal—sparked by hearing Cliff Burton—and continues to evolve with modern bands influencing his bass tone and writing style. Meanwhile, Mac credits drummers like Alex Shelnutt and The Rev for inspiring his approach, emphasizing rhythm as a driving force in the band’s sound.

Together, these influences blend into something both nostalgic and fresh—emotionally charged music with technical precision and expressive depth.

The Journey Into Music

For each member, the path into music came from different moments, but shared passion. Ethan recalls the excitement of early performances and the realization of how rare and powerful it is to connect with an audience. Jackson’s journey was more gradual—music has simply always been part of his life. For Deven, a high school talent show provided the first taste of performing in front of a crowd. Mac’s story began in childhood, taking drum lessons so he could play alongside his brother.

These experiences laid the foundation for what would eventually become Nothing Shameful.

How the Band Came Together

Like many bands, Nothing Shameful started casually—just friends jamming in a basement. Ethan was pulled in by a persistent friend, while Deven rejoined him after years of playing together. Jackson entered through a web of mutual connections, and the group began writing original material soon after.

What started as something informal quickly took on a life of its own. After their first record, lineup changes led to Mac joining on drums, solidifying the current formation. What was never meant to be serious evolved into what Ethan calls “a beautiful monster,” fueled by strong friendships and shared ambition.

The Next Chapter: Nothing Lasts Forever

The band’s upcoming album, Nothing Lasts Forever, marks a major milestone. Working alongside respected producer Kris Crummett—and with contributions from Andrew Wells—the band has elevated their sound while staying true to their identity.

Though the album has yet to be released, the experience alone has already been transformative. For Ethan, collaborating with such respected figures is a “badge of honor.” Jackson describes the journey as unexpected, noting that none of these milestones were ever part of a calculated plan—they’re simply the result of doing what they love and connecting with listeners along the way.

Taking the Stage

Nothing Shameful is also set to perform at the Blessing in Disguise Festival, a major opportunity to reach new audiences. For Ethan, playing on a large stage in front of a massive crowd is both exciting and meaningful. Jackson sees it as a chance to do something different and memorable in their hometown scene.

For Mac, however, every show—big or small—carries the same weight. Whether it’s a packed festival or a room of ten people, performing live remains the realization of a lifelong dream.

What’s Next

Fans can look forward to new music soon, including a major single “Pine Grove” featuring Andrew Wells lead singer from Dance Gaven Dance, and Eidola coming out this Spring, as well as a music video that promises to be as bold and unconventional as the band itself. The full album "Nothing Lasts Forever" is expected to drop this summer, marking the band’s second full-length release.

Words for others

Ethan Harrison encourages creativity in a world dominated by passive consumption:“Create something new. Our modern world is full of brain-rotting consumption, so do your best to contribute something original. Even if you only share it with one other person, make something creative and artistic. It will fill your soul—and it may help someone else too.”

Jackson Romney emphasizes the importance of mindset:“Fall in love with the process. You’ll find joy regardless of the outcome.”

Deven Garcia reflects on perseverance and the value of starting early:“I know it sounds cliché, but if you truly love playing music, never give up. I stepped away from it on and off for years, and I regret the time I lost that could have made me a better musician. If you’re a kid who wants to play—whether you’re intimidated to start or struggling to keep going—find a couple of friends, learn instruments together, and push each other. Make music, even if it sounds good, bad, or ugly at first. We need more kids in garages, annoying their neighbors, becoming the next generation to keep live music alive.”

Mac Romney offers a perspective rooted in gratitude:“Be grateful for it all—grateful you have an instrument, grateful you have music, grateful you exist in a time like this. Gratitude helps me appreciate any situation I’m in. When something new happens, I can soak it in and enjoy it. And when things don’t go as planned, I still know what I have. I may never be the best drummer or have the most success, but I’ll always have music—and that’s enough to be grateful for.”

A Band Built on Passion

Nothing Shameful’s story is still being written, but one thing is clear: their strength lies not just in their music, but in their authenticity. With a commitment to growth, collaboration, and creative expression, they continue to carve out their place—one song, one show, and one connection at a time.

Article by - William Onweiler | April 1, 2026

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