Michael Shuman of GLU on the ‘Pony Boy EP’, Album Ambitions, and Why Queens Of The Stone Age Shies Away from Stadium Headlining

Michael Shuman opens up about GLU’s latest EP, upcoming album plans, and the unique journey between stadium rock and intimate gigs.

Diving Into GLU’s Fresh Vibes

If you’ve been following Michael Shuman — aka Mikey Shoes — you know he’s not just the bassist for Queens Of The Stone Age. Since launching GLU in 2022, he’s been carving out a fearless solo space that blends psych-pop, rock, and a dash of unpredictability. This August, he gifts fans with the third GLU EP, Pony Boy, a fiery four-track ride that showcases his evolving sound and storytelling.

Michael Shuman of GLU, credit David Dean

The Pony Boy EP includes the title track, the sun-soaked ‘LA’, a surprising cover of Jennifer Paige’s ‘Crush’, and ‘Bombs Below’, a deep cut originally written for Mini Mansions. Interestingly, most of the original tracks stem from Shuman’s very first batch of GLU songs penned four years ago, showing that some ideas just wait for the perfect moment to shine.

Shaking Up the Tempo: From Mid-Tempo to Full Throttle

Reflecting on his previous EPs, My Demons (2023) and Boogie Man (2025), Shuman admits they mostly stayed in the mid-tempo zone — except for ‘Boogie Man’, of course. But this time, with Pony Boy, he wanted to shake things up with faster, more aggressive tracks.

“My goal with this is to have any boundaries and just do whatever the fuck I want to do, like how Beck does stuff. ‘Pony Boy’ was a good way to open up tempos and heavier guitars and bring that into the mix,” Shuman said.

And that freedom truly comes across. The title track rips with grinding guitars and rapid-fire rap verses, evidence of Shuman’s desire to push GLU’s sound into new territories.

Themes of Isolation and Liberation

The EP dives deep into what it means to be trapped in your own personal hell — the claustrophobia of that space, but also the odd comfort it can provide. Shuman explores this dichotomy with a raw honesty.

“If you’ve been there so long, it just feels comfortable, it feels like home, and you really do get used to it,” he muses.

This emotional landscape forms the spine of Pony Boy, a sonic journey through neuroticism, paranoia, and the struggle to break free.

Privacy, Fame, and the Dark Side of Spotlight

Privacy invasion is a big theme on the title track. Shuman shares his perspective, especially from having dated an actress who was thrust into the spotlight.

“I’m not the face of a band, and I think that’s huge — I get to be in Queens and not deal with the shit that Josh [Homme] has to deal with, because I do not envy him,” he explained. “But being with someone in the spotlight, suddenly this world of creeping men and cameras started showing up on my street and at my house. It was scary and so weird.”

This firsthand experience of the invasive nature of fame lends the track an edge of authenticity and caution.

Watch: GLU - PONY BOY

Balancing Fame and Privacy

When asked how he’d handle GLU reaching huge fame, Shuman is candid:

“I do want this to be as successful as possible. But I’ve learned enough — I’m not a 23-year-old kid getting instant fame. That’s where the trouble starts.”

He looks up to Damon Albarn as a model for balancing public life and private peace, someone who masters the art of media presence without losing himself.

A Sunny Contrast: ‘LA’ and Its Star Collaboration

On the flip side of Pony Boy’s darker moods is ‘LA’, a bright, affectionate tribute to California life featuring vocals from Lily James, the actress Shuman once dated.

“I made that song for her… She loves music too, so we changed some lyrics and sang together. We really enjoyed that,” he said, showing that sometimes collaboration is a love letter wrapped in melody.

This track captures two sides of Shuman’s world — the dreamlike allure of LA versus the creeping shadows captured in ‘Pony Boy’.

Turning Up the Romance with a Surprising Cover

The EP’s romantic streak continues with ‘Crush’, Shuman’s cover of Jennifer Paige’s 90s hit. It might seem like an unexpected choice for someone rooted in psych and rock.

“I like to rework songs outside my usual style. Doing covers lets me focus on music without heavy emotions, which is enjoyable,” he said.

This playful side showcases Shuman’s versatility and willingness to explore different vibes.

From Stadiums Back to Intimate Gigs

Fresh off a stadium tour supporting System of a Down with Queens Of The Stone Age, Shuman embarked on a short UK and European tour with GLU. The contrast between massive arenas and tight club venues was stark but invigorating.

Josh Homme and Mikey Shoes of Queens Of The Stone Age at Dolby Theater, Nov 2025 (Photo by Harmony Gerber/Getty Images)

“There’s such a disconnect in a stadium — we don’t love playing stadiums,” Shuman confessed. “That’s not what we’d want to do if we were as big as System. Clubs feel punk rock — you can touch people and they can touch you. It’s really fun.”

He admits club shows feel a little scarier because fans are physically close, but that’s part of the thrill.

“It didn’t feel like, ‘Oh no, where are all my things and people helping me?’ It just felt like coming back home.”

A New Artist in the Spotlight

Despite his QOTSA fame, Shuman embraces his “new fucking artist” status with GLU.

“Many musicians with big bands try side projects but give up because it’s uncomfortable and not instant money. I know it takes time because I did it with Mini Mansions.”

This grounded approach to building a solo career speaks volumes about his resilience.

Roots in DIY and Punk

Raised in DIY and punk scenes, Shuman always expected to tour in vans and crash on floors — the raw, unvarnished life of a musician.

Josh Homme and Michael Shuman performing on Austin City Limits (Photo by Rick Kern/Getty Images)

Queens Of The Stone Age was a surprising leap into a bigger, more polished world, but one he appreciates as a luxury.

Looking Ahead: GLU’s Debut Album

While Pony Boy EP is fresh out, Shuman is already deep in album mode.

“I have 30 songs in the bank. Now it’s about picking the best and leveling up from these EPs. That’s my goal.”

For fans, that means GLU’s journey has just begun — and the ride promises to be electrifying.

GLU’s ‘Pony Boy EP’ is out now via FLG.

FAQ

• What inspired the faster pace on the ‘Pony Boy EP’?
  Michael Shuman wanted to break free from the mostly mid-tempo style of his previous EPs, aiming for more aggressive, high-energy tracks.
• Who features on the track ‘LA’?
  Actress Lily James, who Michael dated, joined him to sing on ‘LA’, adding a personal touch to the song.
• Why did Michael cover Jennifer Paige’s ‘Crush’?
  He enjoys reworking songs outside his usual genre as a way to focus on music without heavy emotions, plus it was fun to put his own spin on a 90s classic.
• How does Shuman feel about playing stadiums with QOTSA?
  He admits stadiums feel disconnected and aren't their preferred venue size; intimate club shows are much more his vibe.
• What’s next for GLU after the ‘Pony Boy EP’?
  Shuman is preparing a debut GLU album, sorting through 30 songs to create a polished, leveled-up full-length record.

If you love the vibe of GLU and Queens Of The Stone Age, why not bring a piece of that energy home? Shop your favorite album cover poster at our store here—a perfect tribute to the sounds that move you.