Conversations with Shaun Richardson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaun Richardson.

Shaun, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in a fairly musical family. There was always music playing in the house from an early age, and watching an uncle of mine who had been involved in the music industry as a player, peaked my interest very early on. I grabbed whatever instruments I could get my hands on and eventually built up a collection throughout my childhood of instruments I was learning. I found guitar at the age of 8, which changed everything for me. I was pretty involved with music with my family all throughout childhood, gigging with family especially, and knew once I turned 18, I’d love to move to Nashville to become a player. I got on a gig right out of high school, and a few guys I was traveling with really encouraged me to make the move. The following year, I moved to Nashville and it was the best move I could make. One thing lead to the next and more opportunity came up for me, as I slowly worked up the ladder of gigs and records I wanted be a part of, or that were a good fit for me. Very grateful to work with a lot of extremely talented musicians.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey has been really fluid for me overall. I find that there is always room for growth in life, and the biggest struggle can be trying to narrow down which direction I want to see myself going in. Over the last 5 years, I’ve found myself more in the session space; working and creating on records which I’m extremely passionate about. I love getting to be on the inside of a song and trying to serve the music as best I can. I also strive to find new ways to grow and improve in my own ability, which can be a struggle sometimes when you’re motivated.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I mostly record and play on records as a session player. I also do some touring with different folks, over the years. I’m in the touring band currently for Sierra Hull, but have also worked with Béla Fleck, Ricky Skaggs, and many others on the road or in the studio. I’m thankful to be called in for a variety of varying projects and musical genres, which keeps creating super interesting.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I think luck finds its way in, but I also think things are placed for you to do when it’s the right time. I’ve found that things I’m offered, always seem to come at a time when I needed it most.

Contact Info:

• Website: shaunrichardsonmusic.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: shaunrichardson