We recently connected with Shane Alexander and have shared our conversation below
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Shane with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
It has definitely grown over time. But, to be in the arts and not have a strong work ethic is an absolute career death sentence. I see many talented people that (for whatever reason) don’t have the hustle or intestinal fortitude to do all things necessary for their survival. To have a prayer in this business, you need to be consistently writing, recording, performing/touring and above all – promoting your work.
I believe it was Gene Simmons who said “I found the harder I worked, the luckier I got”. I couldn’t agree more.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am primarily a singer-songwriter and internationally-touring performer, but I also own a recording studio called Buddhaland where I produce records and singles for other artists – as well as my own.
I feel so blessed to tour and release my music independently – free of too much outside interference. I have been able to make lasting friendships in many countries and live a very fulfilled existence. In recent years, as I’ve become a more accomplished record producer, I’ve realized that I also get a lot of joy out of helping artists bring their music to life. It’s all an insane amount of work, but when you’re doing what you love, it ain’t so bad.
I’m releasing my 8th solo album, ‘Forever Songs’ later this year as well as records I have produced for Gustavo Galindo and Katie Shorey and a rad EP for Clayton Joseph Scott.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
An insatiable need to listen to music and seek out new music is probably the biggest thing. There HAS to be a burning passion if you want to stay inspired enough to want to make records throughout your life. I have so many influences – from icons to unknowns and they’ve all become the yardstick by which I measure my stuff.
The ability to go out into the world and connect with amazing, like-minded people is huge. I have been traveling internationally since 2005 – often alone. Tribe-building is a big part of sustainability.
Constantly striving to improve. I think lots of artists can just plateau and cruise. I really strive to keep growing and developing myself. If people are paying their hard-earned money to see me, I always want them to be glad they came out.
As I always say: Don’t Suck. Don’t Quit. Make Friends.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
Well, like many of my musical heroes, my parents splitting up when I was a child was probably the most impactful thing.
In my mom’s absence, I found the comfort and connection I desperately needed in the records she’d left behind.
Of course, I’m not saying that early family dysfunction always equals a life in the arts, but it can be the catalyst for a young person to develop a vast internal safe place where they begin to dream of a different kind of life than what their parents had.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://shanealexandermusic.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/shanealexandermusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shanealexandermusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ShaneAlexanderMusic/videos
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2T9pR6zAB5dUpBOJ1m6Chw?si=af849mdTR7yKHv3fHh1ebw
Image Credits
Christopher Mooney Christopher Mooney Leo Kattestaart Christopher Lockett
