.

.

Interview with
HELEN SHANAHAN

(28th February 2022)

Interview with Dave Bruce

.

.

Have you always wanted to be a musician? When did you get the song writing bug?
When I was in high school, I never thought I would be pursuing the career of a musician. I was always interested in performing arts, but it wasn’t until I heard the music of Michelle Branch and Missy Higgins that I thought it could be possible to be a singer/songwriter. I started writing in my teen years, and haven’t stopped.

How would you describe your sound? Why do you think people resonate with your music?
I would describe my sound as folk/pop with an acoustic feel. I hope people resonate with my honest lyrics and melodies – I try to sing from personal experience which might make it relatable to others.

Which artist’s music and/or performance, past or present, inspires you today? 
Missy Higgins is always a massive inspiration to me, I have always loved her down to earth writing and on stage presence. I am also inspired by Joni Mitchell’s writing, she evolved so much as an artist too – which I hope to do in my own work. 

Your new single ‘Canvas’ has just been released! Describe its origin and evolution. 
‘Canvas’ was written in 2018, I was in an online songwriting club ‘I Heart Songwriting Club’ – and we were given the theme ‘lessons’. The song was written in an hour as per the club’s parameters, and in that way I wasn’t really overthinking it too much. The finished song didn’t differ too much from it’s initial demo, however it had the addition of some beautiful strings arranged by Nashville strings player Chris Carmichael – and a pan flute added by Brad Jones (producer). 

Any tours or events coming up soon? What are you looking forward to, and what can the fans expect?
I am really looking forward to my album launch on March 5, it will be at Night Owl Studio (where they film local WA show The Scene). This intimate show will see me perform the album in full with my band, and ‘Joan and the Giants’ will be playing the opening set. 

.

.

How has COVID affected you to date? What have you introduced to balance the losses from missed events?
We have been relatively unscathed here in WA, and although it’s been very hard being separated from loved ones – we have been so lucky to live without too many cancellations. We are now on the precipice of a major outbreak, and I think ticket sales are definitely reflecting the trepidation in leaving the house. It’s been hard seeing festivals like Nannup and Fairbridge having to cancel. I will be doing my best to continue my gigs albeit with smaller capacity and social distancing, or if need be return to live stream concerts.

If you could perform with any music artist, Alive or Dead, who would you choose? And why? 
Some of my favorite melodies come from The Beatles, I think it would be pretty special to sing a song with Paul McCartney! I love his music, I would probably be way too scared though hah!

Do you have any long-term aspirations as a music artist? 
I’d love to be writing, performing and releasing music for the rest of my life – to whoever will still be listening! I think there’s nothing better than sharing music and connecting to other people through this medium. I’ve been trying to get my music heard since 2009 and although it’s been really tough, I am still determined to do the best I can. 

What is the best thing about performing to a live audience? What’s been the career highlight so far?
The best thing about performing to a live audience, is the connection with the crowd – and the fact that you’re just in the moment. I think that’s the most special thing about live gigs. A massive career highlight happened last year, I got to support Missy Higgins who is one of my biggest inspirations. 

Finally, a few questions for some quick answers –
FAVOURITE:
Album –  Blue – Joni Mitchell
Artist –   Missy Higgins
Movie –  When Harry Met Sally 
Place to visit –  London
Venue to play –  The Bluebird Cafe
Food – Pasta 
Drink – Tea
Person in History –  Shakespeare 
Tattoo – (If you don’t have one, what would you get?) something small, so it could be over with quickly haha! 

.

.

Follow HELEN SHANAHAN
Facebook – Instagram – Spotify – YouTube

.

Press Release 4th February 2021 (below) HERE

HELEN SHANAHAN
shares new single + video
‘CANVAS’

New album
‘CANVAS’
out March 4

.

.

AMNPLIFY – DB