Today we’d like to introduce you to Tolan Shaw.
Hi Tolan, thanks for joining us today. How did you get into music?
Music has always been a part of my story. My dad has played in bands throughout my life, so I grew up listening to him play guitar and sing, going to his gigs, and hearing him spin his favorite music (60s and 70s GOOD stuff) around the house.
It was natural to start playing guitar when I expressed interest at 15. My dad played Jimi Hendrix for the first time and I was like “Yeah, I need to pick up an electric guitar..” Flash forward to now, I’ve been in music for 10 years full-time. I’m an artist, songwriter, and producer in Nashville. I spend the majority of my days writing and recording songs.
I’m also a new dad with a 1-year-old daughter and an avid traveler. I’m originally from the beaches of San Diego, so a lot of that sunshiney beachiness comes through in my life and music.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Has it been a smooth road… Depends on what day you’re asking haha. It has certainly had its highs and lows, as I’m sure every musician or creative would also tell you. In the grand scheme of things, I believe the journey has been smooth and filled with purpose and joy.
In the nitty gritty day-to-day, there are the constant thoughts of doubt, imposter syndrome, the “am I good enough” thoughts, and the simple inconsistency of income that are frankly the biggest daily struggles. I never quite know where my income will come from, but it has been 10 years full-time in music and somehow it always works out and I’m able to survive and uphold a lifestyle my family and I love (also thanks to my amazing working wife as well).
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a songwriter, artist, and producer based in Nashville Tennessee. I spend my days writing songs for my artist project (under my name), for other artists, and for “sync,” which is TV shows, ads, films, or any type of media that needs music underneath it.
I think what’s most exciting about this job is that you never know when you are going to write something that truly touches people or goes on to have a life you never expected. It’s a mysterious and unknown phenomenon that nobody can truly predict. I’ve had songs I never thought would do anything turn into very cool situations, and ones I thought would change my life do absolutely nothing. But that spark of hope is there in my mind before every session.
I’ve had a couple of songwriting cuts with Jason Mraz, and many indie artists, as well as many songs in popular TV shows, ads, and movies. One song was placed in a Turkish TV show called Sen Çal Kapimi, which was then aired in 40 other countries, and became the signature song that played during 7 or 8 key scenes throughout the first season. That took on a life I never expected and now has close to 17 million views and I gained a lot of international fans from it!
I think what sets me apart is my versatility. While I started as primarily an artist who played shows, wrote songs by myself, and toured just me and a guitar, my life and job have morphed a lot since moving to Nashville, and the music industry has changed. I now wear a whole lot of hats: I’ve toured solo for my project and as a backing member of a bigger band. I’ve produced songs myself or been the artist. I’ve written country songs, rock songs, pop songs, reggae songs, kids songs, stock music, and everywhere in between. I’ve had songs in TV shows, ads, movies, and many user-generated videos.
I’ve written custom songs, recorded demos for songwriters looking for recordings of their songs, done session guitar or vocal work for artists, and made content for music brands. Live gigs have taken me to Thailand for a wedding, on a river cruise on the Danube, and to a songwriting camp in a French castle. Once I modeled for an amp company. I love that every day is different and that I can lend my talents in many ways – plus it allows for many more streams of income! And while it may be hard to define exactly “what I do”, I think the versatility will serve me in the long run.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Best: The food and drink scene (outside of Broadway). Incredible chefs and creatives doing passionate things around our city and I love to try and support as many as I can!
Worst: Probably Broadway. Cliche answer but it is just really not my scene! And tornadoes.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tolanshaw.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/tolanshaw
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/tolanshawmusic
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/tolanshaw
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/tolanshaw
Image Credits
Ben Holcomb of Huckleberry Creative
