Artist Highlight: The Nancys

The Nancys aren’t just another band coming out of Gainesville, they’re a group of friends who found something honest in the middle of crowded house shows, beer stained floors, and late night writing sessions. The trio - Ella, Theo, and Shane, each bring their own musical backgrounds and quirks to the table. Ella, who is originally from Boca Raton, grew up singing and playing guitar but didn’t start performing until later down the line. Theo and Shane, who are both from Riverview, bonded early on through their shared love of playing and producing music. With Theo diving into guitar early and then production in college and Shane holding it down on drums since high school. Individually, they were all passionate about music, but once they joined forces, things began to fall into place.

The band officially formed two years ago when Ella launched the project and a few months after, she eventually linked up with Theo and Shane. Since then, they’ve been steadily growing their presence in the Gainesville scene, making music together for the past year and a half. The chemistry came naturally, built on friendship and their shared goal of making something special, that is honest and fun. Together they have been pushing their creative limits and finding their voices.

Their debut EP, The Nancys, feels like the perfect introduction, five tracks that capture the heart of who they are and where they’re heading. It’s messy, it’s emotional, and it’s deeply real. The making of it was as chaotic and intimate as you’d expect from three friends trying to put their feelings into words and melodies. But the push was all worthwhile to make the project honest and true to their sound. When asked, each member had a different favorite of the EP: Ella loves “Know Me Too,” Theo’s pick is “Sucker,” and Shane’s is “Light Again,” each track resonating differently within the group.

When it comes to influences, The Nancys are inspired by the greats, Fleetwood Mac and The Beatles being the two big ones. You can hear that classic feel in their music, though they blend it with their own modern twist. That balance between a nostalgic and new sound is part of what makes their music feel fresh yet so familiar.

Outside of music, they’re exactly how you’d expect, laid-back, social, and always down to hang. Whether it’s grabbing drinks with friends or just unwinding after a show, their off-stage dynamic mirrors the same authenticity that drives their music. And it’s not just about them, it’s about community. Gainesville has embraced The Nancys in ways they never imagined, from strangers stopping them on the street to packed-out local gigs. Swamp Records and the Gainesville college scene have played a huge role in giving them the space to grow and experiment.

If there’s one thing they wish they could tell their past selves, it’s this - take more risks and trust yourself. The Nancys have learned that making music is just as much about courage as it is about creativity. With a debut EP out, strong community support, and no signs of slowing down, the future’s looking bright for this trio of dreamers turned doers.