Unbreakable Bond: The Inspiring Journey of Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney that Defied All Odds

Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney of Dan + Shay at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards. Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

After a decade of making music together, Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney were on the brink of giving up. However, a turning point in their friendship changed everything.

Mooney, 31, revealed to Zane Lowe during an interview on Apple Music 1 that their relationship took a positive turn when they stopped trying to force things. They decided to rekindle their friendship and began spending more time together.

"We made a conscious decision to hang out two or three times a week," Mooney explained. "We started meeting at Dan's house or our friends' houses, grabbing an acoustic guitar, and just started writing songs."

Little did they know, this casual hangout ultimately became the foundation of their album-making process.

Dan + Shay are gearing up to release their highly anticipated album, Bigger Houses, next month. The album showcases a collection of songs that authentically capture the essence of their friendship journey.

According to Mooney, the album truly embodies who they are as individuals and reflects the current phase of their lives, as well as their aspirations for the future. He expressed that every word sung on the record is deeply felt, as they have either experienced or are currently experiencing the emotions conveyed in the songs. This genuine connection shines through in both the recording and writing process, making it a truly serendipitous creation.

The Grammy-winning group previously disclosed in a video posted on YouTube in July that they came close to breaking up after a period of four months without communication. "I was at the lowest point in my life," Smyers recounted during that time. "After coming off the tour, I just despised music. I was prepared to give up."

Smyers and Mooney further elaborated on their state of mind, revealing on Friday that the act of composing their new track, "Always Gonna Be," completely transformed their perspective.

"After a decade as a band, situations unfolded," expressed Smyers. "Following our incredible arena tour, which brought us exceptional joy, I sensed that we were at our lowest point personally, and our bond wasn't as strong as before. It's challenging to maintain a duo, much like a marriage. If you don't proactively nurture that relationship, encourage growth, life can interfere and cause a rift." Smyers highlighted that they weren't "enemies," but their post-touring period lacked adequate quality time as friends. He reminisced, "One evening, we sat down and honestly, with complete transparency, we questioned whether we would carry on as a band. We aired out everything."

Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney of Dan + Shay perform outside Rockefeller Center in New York on December 2, 2020. ASON SZENES/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

He expressed, "Our music has had a significant impact on numerous individuals. Regardless of the outcome, whether this tour concludes our journey or marks the start of a new phase where we strive for even greater achievements, it is imperative that we prioritize our personal well-being. We owe it to ourselves and our fans to do so." Mooney added that maintaining effective communication and genuinely valuing the band's accomplishments were key.

"Effective communication is paramount. Currently, we are completely aligned on this matter," Smyers stated. "We have learned that if communication is not prioritized and we do not make an effort to be open with each other, everything can fall apart. We must be transparent and address any issues that arise. Otherwise, we may go our separate ways."

He added, "Maintaining strong communication is crucial for us to sustain this partnership indefinitely and produce the best possible music for our fans. We need to communicate openly, spend time together, and cherish the fact that we are best friends. We should never take each other or this incredible opportunity for granted. It truly is a dream come true to collaborate with my closest friend, create music, and explore new places. It's absolutely incredible."