Published: January 24, 2009 10:13 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight Februrary 2009 Edition
Shawn Z
Shawn Z
Shawn Z makes music that speaks to the soul. With strong vocals and power lyrics, Shawn Z has created a sound that is winning him a ton of fans and respect from the music industry. In a recent interview with our Webzine, Shawn Z spoke to us about his music. Here is what transpired. Enjoy!
Isaac: Thanks for the taking the time to complete this online interview. How do you sum
up 2008 for Shawn Z?
Shawn Z: Thanks for taking the time with me. 2008 has been a whirlwind for me to sum it up.
Isaac: What do you feel was your biggest accomplishment for 2008?
Shawn Z: I think finishing the new record was the biggest accomplishment. Given all the
obstacles that were thrown my way; we somehow made our way through.
Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry
and why?
Shawn Z: I'd have to say Steve Earle, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and Kris Kristofferson.
John Prine and even Kurt Cobain have influenced the music. As to why, I think it's
because they found their own path and didn't become the cookie cutter artist that sadly
the music scene produces a lot of.
Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?
Shawn Z: I'm applying for Steve Earle's old job.
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and
why?
Shawn Z: I've opened for Willie, John Fogerty, Poison, Toby Keith among others... but I think
if Tom Petty, Bob Dylan and Steve Earle were added to that list, I could die happy. I
love working with other artists that have the same outlook on music.
Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?
Shawn Z: I'm just trying to open my heart and not be a coward about what's in there. That's
how I make my living. I tell the stories that I know; if you learn from them, that's
your own fault. Music is fun for me.
Isaac: What is your definition for Americana Music?
Shawn Z: I don't think there's a set definition. You've got John Prine on one end and Drive
By Truckers on the other. It seems it's a growing and strong genre of music that is
just on the edge of too rock for country and too country for rock.
Isaac: What type of feedback have you received from your previous releases?
Shawn Z: My first release "Wishful Drinkin" back in 2005 was well received. Airplay throughout
the world, reviews in languages I don't understand, was on the charts for 14 weeks and
reached #11 which is pretty amazing for an unsigned act.
Isaac: What can fans expect from your latest CD? What is the inspiration behind the CD?
Shawn Z: The latest record "Saint Jude Avenue" is a musical journey through one of the streets
I lived on. From the first stop sign, under the bridge and through the back alleys ...
each song tells a different story from each window and doorway you pass. I'd recommend
listening to the new record on full volume while you're on a long car trip. Hell, even
a short one.
Isaac: Where can fans locate you at online?
Shawn Z: The official website is www.shawn-z.com and the official MySpace site is
www.myspace.com/shawnz
I've been rejected by eHarmony, so you won't find me on there.
Isaac: What can fans expect from Shawn Z in 2009?
Shawn Z: Actually, we're already working on new songs for a new record. And trying to make
our way to each town that would like us to play there.
Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans…
Shawn Z: Well, I don't shout a lot. Oh, I get it ... does that mean shout out to my baby's
mama and such? I've seen that on the television. I love everyone, you know who you are.
Isaac: Final words from Shawn Z …
Shawn Z: Well, thanks to ya'll for writing about me like this. It's cause of folks like you
and the great crowds we get at shows that I don't have to picture the audience in their
underwear anymore. (Although, sometimes I still do).
