Nashville-based singer/songwriter Shane Piasecki’s been thinking a lot about his fans in Australia lately, he tells us on his Facebook page. It’s one of the small town Ohio born and raised, artist’s biggest hubs, but he’s never had the chance to perform here. Now with the release of Set You Free, his debut label recording on LandStar Entertainment after three popular DIY releases, the tireless, entrepreneurial performer – fronting his backup band, The Cuts – will have a chance to bring his brand of music down under for the first time.
One listen to Set You Free will reveal a bunch of smooth, soulful and rockin’ roots tunes featuring sumptuous melodies and evocative, story-telling lyrics. Produced by versatile producer, Nathan Meckel, Set You Free features top Nashville session players including bassist Dave Roe (Johnny Cash, Dwight Yoakum), drummer Jerry Roe (k.d. lang, Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell), and keyboardist John Deaderick (Patty Griffin, Dixie Chicks). Shane Piasecki recently took some time out from his busy touring schedule to answer a few questions for Australian Musician and tell us a bit about himself.
What was your first guitar?
Fender Squier Strat and an acoustic then shortly after for easier playability. Still have it 22 years later.
What’s your main guitar now?
Now, I play a Tele … white on white.
Through what amp and why?
Through a ’68 Fender Princeton Verb with an alnico by Warehouse- BC. It’s a ripper. at the same time it’s warm and clear. Also I love my Vox AC15 with a Warehouse 12″.
Other guitars: Baby blue Les Paul, Black Gretsch Electro, a surf green Strat, Martin J40 acoustic, a 64 Gibson LG … those are in Nashville and my first Strat and Martin stay at my parents for trips home.
Which pedals are your standards?
I use mainly an Exotic EP clean boost and SP compressor, an Exotic AC for an additional gain and Mini Pog sometimes for auxiliary lead playing to add a different tone into the mix. Favourite is the Carbon Copy by MXR for short slap delay.
If you could have any other player’s guitar, whose would it be?
I’d take a guitar from Kenny Vaughan’s collection.
Most memorable gig?
My tour with Howie Day has lent many wonderful first times at venues and in states or cities- so it’s on the list. My favourite was Texas and Chicago – the backstage moments and snack options are a personal favourite.
Worst stage nightmare?
Definitely sharting in white pants would be awful … Or someone’s buying me a shot of tequila and me not keeping it down would be funny.
Album that changed your life?
Hendrix and Clapton’s greatest hits were two childhood loves. Then Bob Dylan’s Blonde on Blonde happened. Hank Williams and Tom Waits – Rain Dogs. Robert Johnson was big.
Now, it would be Ray Charles big band.
What gigs have you been playing lately?
Tonight I just played Puckett’s Grocery, an old fashioned dance night show a little outside of Nashville! Also there is a good leg of dates in Jersey, Brooklyn, and Manhattan with Howie Day coming this January!
What gigs are coming up in the next few months?
Mainly touring solo and with my band in theater or festival style settings and making great songs and being able to play great guitar in the studio, and for my personal chops to keep up with some of my heroes. To be nice to my fans.
What’s your latest recording and when will you be back in the studio?
My latest recordings were on my own record, the first label budget I’ve worked with. Some more recent recording sessions have not yet been released.
What are you most proud of?
From the beginning, my luckiest two songs were My Two Cents and The Sweetest Thing; more currently there a few that I’m blown away with and don’t even want to list the title yet :-), secrets hurt.
Thank you very much guys it’s been a real pleasure answering some of these tonight and cannot wait to get to Australia – beautiful place and best of luck until then!