St. Louis Band Shady Bug Releases New Album

The group marks their decade-long history with the release of their latest record, I wanted to be there.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Alternative

Abstract indie rock poster illustration with bold ochre and navy shapes, grain texture, and organic curves, evoking an indie music aesthetic. — St. Louis-based indie band Shady Bug commemorates their ten-year career with the release of their new album, I wanted to be there. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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St. Louis indie band Shady Bug is releasing their newest album, I wanted to be there, via the label Julia's War. The release celebrates the group's decade-long history and development since their formation in 2016.

Why it matters

The new record serves as a milestone for the band as they reflect on their growth and tenure in the music scene. It marks a significant moment for the project founded in St. Louis by Hannah Rainey.

The band has been active for 10 years and previously released the albums tbh idk in 2017 and Lemon Lime in 2019. Their most recent project was the 2023 EP titled What's the Use?

The players

Shady Bug

This is an indie rock band founded in St. Louis that has been active for a decade.

Hannah Rainey

She is the founder of the band who moved from St. Louis to Philadelphia in June 2025.

Julia's War

This is the record label responsible for the release of the new album.

The details

The band recorded the album live altogether at The Nest in St. Louis, excluding vocals, with early demos developed in the basement of Hannah Rainey's home. The upcoming release show at the Kerr Foundation will feature a three-band bill.

Shady Bug formed in St. Louis in the fall of 2016.
The band released their album tbh idk in 2017.
The album Lemon Lime was released in 2019.
The EP What's the Use? was released in 2023.
The album I wanted to be there releases on October 30, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

The new album follows the stylistic growth trajectory established by the band's 2017 release of tbh idk. This release reflects the broader trend of long-standing indie projects evolving their sound while maintaining their original community roots.

Listeners can access the new music via the label Julia's War starting October 30. Fans in the area can attend the release show at the Kerr Foundation, which features a three-band lineup.

The takeaway

The band's shift to a live recording process for the new album marks a distinct departure from their previous production methods. Fans can look for how this change in recording technique influences the final sound compared to their earlier studio records.