1. How is the single you are about to release different than what you have made before?

“Addicted To You” (this single) is so much more commercial and fun than anything else I’ve recorded! I always try to make good music that people can dance and nod their heads to, but this one is my favorite track I’ve ever done. It was a totally different approach, and I was just so passionate about the track from the beginning that it flowed more naturally than anything I can remember.

2. How much work went into it? Can you explain the step by step process?

On this track, specifically, I took a bit of a different approach than a lot of others I’ve recorded. I had an idea to do something of this sort for a while, and when I started explaining the concept to my producer, he knew exactly where to take things. He came up with the beat in about 20 minutes, and as he was doing that I was coming up with the perfect flow. We had the whole thing done in a few hours, and as soon as I recorded the last bar I knew this one was “the one.”

3. How is it different than what else is out there?

Well, to begin, the easiest way to describe the music is Pop/Rap. Really just as much Pop and just as much Rap. From my style, to my lyrics, to the flow and philosophy of what I do, it’s just its own thing. In another sense, though, it is so commercial (which I embrace) that it fits in well with what’s on the radio now. Throw in the fact that the music is unprofane and you’ve got an equation for a unique brand of music.

4. How would you explain the sound of the album you’re working on?

Hot! Haha…No, seriously, just good music to have a fun time with. It’s a throw back to old school rap in the sense that it’s just music for the sake of enjoyment; no cursing, degrading women, just real life, relatable stories. It’s fun but still has the honesty, integrity and amazing energy, same as the rap I fell in love with in the 80’s.

5. What was most difficult in putting it together?

Not much. I eat, breathe and sleep music. I am addicted to making good music. It was a lot of work, but I’m in love with making music, so it works out.

6. What did you enjoy most about putting it together?

I’ve been in and out of the studio, working my tail off trying to perfect my sound and every time I’m in the studio it is a new experience. The greatest part of what I have done recently is working with my producer, Jiggolo. He is amazing (and a rapper also, check him out at myspace.com/jiggolo), and one of the most talented people I’ve ever come across. The way we work together is awesome. For this song we just knocked it out 1-2-3. It was meant to me my first BIG song.

7. For the album, do you have anything you’d like to do differently?

The one thing that I can’t stand, as a musician, is buying a CD and having each song sound almost identical. I want everything on my CD to be unique. Each song needs to have its own style and sound, and I want them all to get the same attention that the single track, for example, received. It’s not necessarily the question of “what” but more the question of “how” to accomplish what I’m after.

8. How does a device like MySpace help an artist like you?

MySpace is awesome and has done a lot for independent and breaking artists. It’s helped to test the waters with new songs, have new people in new places all over the world check the music out, and start spreading the word to gain more traction. It’s definitely a powerful tool, and I think all musicians, whether big-name or independent, can benefit from it.

9. What do you see as the biggest obstacle to mass-success and how do you plan to overcome that?

I think if you have a solid product and it’s marketed the right way, then you take out a lot of the obstacles. I’ve been spending my time performing, creating buzz and just getting my name and music out there. Each step is a process, but I love knocking down doors and am always up for a good challenge. So, to me it’s not as much as if the wall can be broken, but more of which route to break it with.

10. Where do you see yourself in 1 year? 5 years?

In 1 year, just having made my first splash onto the major scene. Running around the TV circuit, more interviews (Andpop will still be my favorite-Love you Os), and showing the industry something different. 5 years, having sold 2 platinum albums and about to release the 3rd! I have other goals too, but those are some of the major ones.

11. Anything else important for people to know, anything else you’d like to add?

As cliché as it might sound (and it happens to be the title of one of my tracks), but “Put Your Mind To It.” If you really apply yourself to something, you can accomplish anything. And the biggest thing I’ve learned is to enjoy what you do, and make the best out of everything. There are going to be bumps in the road, but as long as you love what you do, nothing can stop you.

You can join Shane on Myspace (www.myspace.com/rockshane), or at his newly relaunched site www.rockshane.com. Be sure to check them out for videos, latest news, music, tour dates, and much more! Keep your eyes open for Shane’s single, Addicted To You, which will be available online via your favorite distribution programs (iTunes, Napster, etc.)






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