An Americana and Brit-Rock Mix
Imagine The Beatles’ “White Album” crashing head-on with Wilco’s “Summerteeth.” It’s an electric folk, americana, and brit-rock mix influenced by the likes of Tom Petty, John Lennon, Bob Dylan, and Neil Young. Singer/songwriter Steve Shaw has put together an array of instruments and musicians to create this 20-song vision, “Lay This Burden Down”.
An abundance of guitars mixed with flute, mandolin, melodica, harmonica, banjo, piano, organ, fiddle, and dobro creates a variety and flexibility to this recording that reminds one of the pop rock of ELO and The Beatles to the acoustical folk quaintness of Damien Rice.
Shaw’s lyrics are filled with both pain and understanding; hope and despair. He questions spirituality, religion, and politics. Raised in a middle-class family that was deeply rooted in the union trades, Shaw often champions the working class and the social aspects of the poor versus the rich; the powerful versus the powerless.
Shaw also writes from a very personal level, however, as he tries to find a common thread with his listeners. “I know I’m far from perfect, so I don’t preach in my songs. I write from emotion; from the pain I feel about things, whether it’s immediately around me or my weaknesses or fears or questions. I’ve been blessed with one addiction - music. I often write about that relationship I have between me and my music. I’m really just writing from my soul and I think people can relate to those types of vulnerabilities.”
“Lay This Burden Down” is 70 minutes of soul purging musicality that has the substance to stay in the mind for much longer.
Click here to listen to audio samples and a full track listing!
the latest...
“The disc is now available for digital download on iTunes. Go to the order page for more info.
Go to ichannel.com and view Steve’s artist page and request one of his songs that are currently in rotation.
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“Lay This Burden Down is a compilation of very deep yet stimulating tracks that hit right at home. Each song has a uniqueness that you usually only read about. I find myself getting lost in the lyrics...I recommend it to anyone who is looking for an exceptional and aspiring sound.”
Matthew M.“I can sum it up in one word.......FANTASTIC!”
Union, MO
Kristy K.“What a great unique mix of sound. Lyrics provoke feelings and thoughts that carry me away to a different place. I can't help but wonder what events transpired and who the people are in subject to this cd. Love the mix of banjo,guitar, strings, harp and flute.”
Detroit, MI
Tom S.“Steve has done a great job with this cd. I love listening to it over and over. A great collection of songs to spend an evening relaxing to.”
Union, MO
Laurie A.“A serious blend of a soothing voice, quality lyrics and musicianship. A hint of Irish roots. Some resemblance to Toad the Wet Sprocket at times, yet an inspired, original effort. Steve Shaw’s (no relation!) cd remains in heavy play in my cd changer.”
Park Hills, MO
Steve S.
Lutz, FL
