Meet Shane Guse of The Western Swing Authority

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shane Guse.

Hi Shane, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I have always loved western swing music since I was a kid. One night I was watching a Times Jumpers DVD and lamenting about how there were no bands like that to play with around here, and I wished there were. Stacey (our stellar lead singer and my wife) looked at me and said, “well then, why don’t you make one.” So, we sent out a message to a list of musician friends who we thought might be into something like this, and by the morning, we had a band. I called a friend (Paul Weber) who owned a place called the Commercial Tavern, and we started playing a regular house gig there twice a month. That was where this band was born. That was 13 years ago, and since then, we have recorded five full-length albums, and we’re just starting to work on our sixth. It’s been a great ride. Because of this band, we have been able to record and play with some of our musical heroes, and hopefully, we’ve done our part to keep the tradition of western swing music alive.

We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, there is nothing smooth about this industry :). It can be challenging when you are playing a style of music that is outside the “popular” mainstream. Western swing is such a hybrid style of music it isn’t easy to fit into a specific box. We’re often told we are too country for modern country, but we’re too jazzy for traditional country and country for jazz. We don’t fit into any of the boxes out there. But that’s what I love about playing this music. It can take a lot of work to get airplay, though. Outside some areas in the southern states, many people need to become more familiar with a western swing. We are teaching people western swing music as we play shows. That’s OK, though, because once they hear it, they love it.

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?
This band is a collective of professional musicians, with Stacey and I at the core. Together, we play, write and perform western swing music and do a good job of that. It’s a niche genre, but we have been fortunate to carve out a space for ourselves. One thing that sets us apart from other western swing bands, and those who fit in a more traditionalist mold, is that we are constantly writing new material within the genre. We love to play classic western swing songs, but we also love to make new ones, which is important. We want the swing of the west not only to stand the passage of time but to grow and gain a new audience who have never experienced it. Over and above the band, we all work as sidemen and session players. Sometimes we are hired to back other artists for awards shows and other industry events. Every member of the band has an extensive background.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
While we don’t live in Nashville, we have been there many times. The best thing about Nashville is the constant vibe of creativity. There is always something happening, and the talent pool is insanely great. It’s hard not to get inspired when you’re there. Over the years, it has become a lot more touristy, which is great for business, but I sometimes miss the days when I first visited, and there were only about 6 bars on lower broadway, and they felt like hidden gems.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thewesternswingauthority.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westernswingauthority/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westernswingauthority
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/wsamusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheWSAmusic

Image Credits
All pictures (unless watermarked otherwise) taken by Christine Saunders Photography