1. Camera Shy is an American indie pop project from Nick Bassett, guitarist… Read Full Bio ↴1. Camera Shy is an American indie pop project from Nick Bassett, guitarist and lead songwriter of San Francisco, California, United States shoegaze act Whirr (formerly Whirl), and bassist of the Philadelphia shoegaze band Nothing. Formed in 2014, the new band sees Bassett also at the writing helm, accompanied by former Whirr vocalist Alexandra Morte of Night School, who's radiant vocals can be heard on Whirr's acclaimed 2012 full length, Pipe Dreams, as well their June single, splits with Anne and Monster Movie, and lastly the Part Time Punks Sessions live EP. As Whirr's sound divulges down a slightly different path, Camera Shy exists to serve the poppier end of a similar spectrum. Now, the vocals are up front and at times even carry the songs, creating a relaxing dream pop soundscape perfect for summer days outside. The Jack-O-Lantern EP was released June 25, 2014 on Run for Cover Records.

Camera Shy bandcamp
Buy Jack-O-Lantern on vinyl

Current Members:
Nick Bassett - Guitars
Alexandra Morte - Vocals

Discography:
2014 Jack-O-Lantern EP
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2. Camera Shy was an indie pop band that recorded in an apartment bedroom in San Ramon, California. You can also say that Camera Shy was a non-profit money shot. The band was formed in the summer of 2006, while listening to The Lucksmiths' 'Naturaliste' album. After 1 lineup change, and 2 summers, the 3 boys plodded along everyday, buying off the dollar menu, naming instruments, and recording vocals in a closet which they named 'The Booth'. Camera Shy was basically a high-school love affair with a grown-up disguise. Oh, and don't forget about Amy the Drum Machine! The biggest influence: The Lucksmiths.

After Hours
Camera Shy Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

If you close the door
the night could last forever
weed the sunshine out
and say hello to never
all the people are dancing
and they're having such fun
I wish it could happen to me
but if you close the door

I'd never have to see the day again
if you close the door
the night could last forever
leave the wine glass out
and drink a toast to never
oh, someday I know
someone will look into my eyes
and say hello
you're a very special one
but if you close the door
I'd never have to see the day again
I'd never have to see the day again

once more
I'd never have to see the day again

Overall Meaning

The song "After Hours" by Camera Shy is an emotional ballad about someone who is feeling alone and unwanted. The lyrics express a desire to escape reality, to shut out the world and all its problems in favor of a never-ending party. The singer yearns for someone to notice and appreciate them, to acknowledge their specialness, but it seems an impossible dream. The repeated line "if you close the door, I'd never have to see the day again" is a powerful image of retreat and withdrawal.

The opening lines set the scene for the song's theme – that the night is a refuge from the harsh realities of life. The simple act of closing a door can create a sense of separation from the outside world, and the "night could last forever" suggests a wish to stay in this safe space indefinitely. The reference to "weed[ing] the sunshine out" is a clever twist on the popular phrase "let the sunshine in." Instead, the singer wants to remove any hint of daylight and bask in the artificial glow of the party. The refrain of "if you close the door" reinforces the idea of the door as a barrier between reality and fantasy.

The final verse introduces a glimmer of hope for the singer, that someday someone will see their worth and say "hello." However, the underlying desperation remains, with the repetition of the closing line "I'd never have to see the day again." The song ends on this bleak note, leaving the listener with a sense of sadness and resignation.

Line by Line Meaning

If you close the door
If you shut out the world and refuse to face reality

the night could last forever
You could avoid dealing with the problems of day-to-day life if you choose to stay in denial

weed the sunshine out
Get rid of the positive things in your life and focus only on the negative

and say hello to never
Embrace a life of darkness and despair, without any hope for the future

all the people are dancing
Everyone else seems to be enjoying themselves and living fully

and they're having such fun
Others are experiencing joy and pleasure

I wish it could happen to me
I long to have a fulfilling and joyful life

but if you close the door
But if I choose to withdraw and hide from the world

I'd never have to see the day again
I could avoid having to face the harsh realities of the world

leave the wine glass out
Indulge in self-destructive habits and vices

and drink a toast to never
Celebrate a life of emptiness and meaninglessness