INTERVIEW with Shane Guerrette
Shane Guerrette is an emerging solo-artist from New York. Crafting a signature old-timey sound, the young musician is quickly becoming a very unique figure in the modern blues rock scene.
Fans of the Black Keys, Nathaniel Rateliff, Hozier, Kaleo and Marcus King will no doubt relish Guerrette’s distinct vocal style and romantic retro rock sound. Releasing his debut album "Here's Hoping" in November, Guerrette is wowing new fans with his earthy tones.
IS FINDING YOUR SOUND A "EUREKA" MOMENT OR A NEVER-ENDING JOURNEY?
"Finding my sound is more on the side of a never-ending journey. Since I’ve started playing guitar, I’ve constantly have sort of re-invented my sound to where it is now. I like to draw in as many inspirations as I can to help shape my own style".
IN YOUR SPOTIFY BIO YOU HAVE, “WHERE OLD MEETS NEW”. DO YOU THINK PEOPLE APPRECIATE THE DURABILITY OF THE OLD-TIME SOUND?
"For sure! I have found that people of all ages have a deep heartfelt connection to this retro-sounding music and I felt like it’s a sound that hasn’t been heard in awhile. I just hope I can do it justice, and pay it forward".
DO YOU RECOGNISE YOURSELF IN YOUR MUSIC?
"When I listen back to my music now, I recognize who I was and what I was going through while writing the songs. I like to try and capture those sentimental moments and periods of my life as best as I can".
WERE THERE ANY DEFINING MOMENTS FOR YOU DURING THE CREATION OF YOUR DEBUT ALBUM, “HERE’S HOPING”?
"I’d say the biggest defining moment was when I had completed the record and didn’t know what to do with it. I had actually recorded the album initially as a demo to send to producers, but by the time it was finished I sort of fell in love with the sound of it. So there was a time of uncertainty of what to do with it, which is sort of what inspired the album name “Here’s Hoping.”
WHAT ARE YOUR ASPIRATIONS AS AN ARTIST?
"I always want to aspire to be a student of music. If I’m not passionate about learning new things, musically speaking, then it all sort of loses it’s charm".
WHAT DRIVES YOU IN LIFE, OUTSIDE OF MUSIC?
"Capturing, and being aware of the simple things. It’s so easy to get lost in the hustle of everyday life, but I always strive to be aware of each moment, and the beauty that comes with ordinary existence".
YOU HAVE A TIKTOK COVER OF YOU PERFORMING “AT LAST” BY ETTA JAMES - A VERY BEAUTIFUL AND EMOTIONALLY CHARGED SONG. WHAT SONGS MEAN THE MOST, OR SPEAK THE MOST TO YOU?
"On a general note, I’ve always resonated with songs just like that one. Songs that can most clearly capture a sense of longing, heartbreak, newfound love, etc".
WHAT ARE THE SUPPORTS FOR INDEPENDENT MUSICIANS LIKE IN THE USA?
"I have been super grateful to have found an audience in the last year or so. People have been really resonating with the album so far and I can’t thank everybody enough for listening to my music. Every time I receive a message about how someone has been impacted by my music, it inspires me to keep on going and create more music”.
WHAT’S ONE QUESTION YOU’D LIKE SOMEONE TO ASK YOU?
"Maybe something along the lines of - What would your younger self think of what you’ve been able to achieve in music so far?".
(intrigued, I made Shane answer his own question)
"I’d say that my younger self would be in disbelief that I have put out an album. That’s something I always thought was so far away".
Shane is featured on our “Retro Rock” Playlist. Stream below!
Submit tracks to cobrapromotionsireland@gmail.com
