What is your name and role within the band?
Shanon Watkins – singer/guitarist/songwriter/ball juggler.
How did the band start?
We started playing together pretty randomly because we were friends for a while playing sports and partying. We didn’t realise we all played instruments and loved music, so when we found out, we got together for a jam and played on from there..!!
Where are you based?
Ye ole’ town of Brisbane
Please give an example of your music writing process?
Most times it starts with just mucking around on the guitar with a riff and singing whatever melody comes out with whatever words flow… then a certain phrase or word hits me and then a song normally flows out from there.
What are you working on right now?
just finished recording our first album and released the first single “SunnySide Up”
How did you find the recording process?
It was awesome process this time. We recorded with Benjy Pocock from “Vibetone Studio” at Pomona Sunshine Coast. It was every couple weeks we would drive up for a few days drink some beers, be creative and record the album.
Stories from recording/writing?
While recording our new album we were choosing songs to go on it and Jeremy (the guitarist) had one he liked and i had one that i liked. The only way we could choose which one was with a Mini basketball shootout… i got 3 swishes In.. jeremy got 3 complete misses in a row.. hahaha.. so “SunnySide Up” became the first Single off the new album.
What is your gear setup?
just a Maton guitar and a smile
What do you like to do outside of music and does it affect your music?
well i have 2 little girls (3 year old and a 5 week old) so its always busy. I have fun with the family and yes they influence me in my writing sometimes.
How would you describe your music genre?
Happy Blues add some Soul
Do you know any music theory?
A little bit, I studied my Diploma of Popular Music and Performance, but for me, it’s more what i hear or feel in music
What are your plans for the future?
My plan is to release the new album, keep on recording, gigging and some touring. Focus on songwriting and do some collaborating.
How did you get into music?
Always been into music since primary school.. wanted to play guitar since i was 5yrs and writing songs since i was in grade 7 or 8…
What are you listening to at the moment?
Really digging Gary Clark Jr, Bishop Briggs, Ed Sheeran and Chris Stapleton
Who are your top 5 influences and icons?
Influence- Stevie Wonder, Ben harper, Pearl Jam, Michael Jackson, JJ cale, Nirvana
Icons- John Mayer, SRV, Dave Grohl, Ed Sheeran, Jack Johnson, Eminem.