Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney, the handsome duo of the country group Dan + Shay clearly had a similar love of music and songwriting as teens in their home states of Pennsylvania and Arkansas, so it’s no surprise that the twosome would kick up a friendship that would lead them into country music stardom. Between their impressive songwriting abilities, killer vocals, and good looks worthy of girl crushes everywhere, they have found a massive following that has packed everything from small clubs to huge venues. The reasons are clear as to why they’re this week’s #MCM’s.
“Where It All Began” – The freshman album from the duo created the chart topping hits “19 You & Me’” and “Show You Off,” but launched their third single “Nothing Like You” into Billboard’s Country Airplay number one spot earning them both ACM and CMA Vocal Duo of the Year noms. The title track of their sophomore album Obsession, 10 out of 12 tracks were co-written by Smyers and Mooney, was created as an ode to their massive fan base, who have literally become “obsessed” with the duo.
“From the Ground Up” – The first single off of Obsession had fans drooling over its familial story and powerful arrangement. The story, co-written by Smyers and Mooney and storied songwriter Chris DeStefano, is a reflection of the relationships each of their grandparents had. The personal lyrics, along with theirs amazing harmonies, grabbed the attention of their fans at the first note. Fans worldwide have flocked to their shows just to witness the camaraderie, hear the tremendous arrangements, and be witness to their everlasting energy on stage.
There’s no lack of energy when seeing a D+S concert as the two are constantly taking command of front and center – either together or alternating. Their ability to send fans into a frenzy is why this duo remains an integral opening for any big name star. Fans enjoy the chart topping hits, new songs, and a little pop, rock & roll from covers of Def Leppard, to Bon Jovi and CeLo Green. Their slot as second in command at most shows has now allowed fans to witness the duo on their own solo tour that covers all America and several countries overseas.
Social media trolling is something the duo does quite often. The pair claim to troll their social media pages to interact with their fans, giving their fan base even more reason to love them. From posting goofy videos of themselves with friends or posting pictures of themselves in what other celebrities would deem personal and off limits on social media. Fans have recently enjoyed seeing pictures of the newly engaged Mooney and the adorable pregnancy announcement from him and his fiancée Hannah Billingsley to the recent photo of Smyers in Hawaii with his new fiancée Abby Law.
PUPPIES! It’s no secret that Dan + Shay’s love of our furry friends runs deep as they use every moment possible to help promote pet adoption. Smyers’ can be found often wearing a ” Puppies and Fitness/Yoga/Etc” T-shirt (a variation of such) and some of the band’s own merchandise have helped get the word out.
The duo also took the opportunity to feature 40 shelter dogs from Nashville’s Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue, the same rescue where Smyers’ adopted his own pups, in their video “Nothin’ Like You.”