Shawn Byrne on SoundBetter

My name is Shawn Byrne. I'm a full time producer, mix engineer and multi-instrumentalist in Nashville, TN. I play guitar, bass and mandolin. I'm also a SESAC and American Songwriting Magazine award winning writer. (Lyric of the Year 2020)

I moved to Nashville 18 years ago from Boston after studying music production and engineering at the Berklee College of Music. I've worn a lot of hats in my music career. As a live guitarist I've worked with Taylor Swift, Rodney Atkins, Jamie Lynn Spears, James Otto and Kelleigh Bannen just to name a few. These days I'm producing artists in the Country/Americana world.

I play acoustic and electric guitar as well as electric and upright bass. Mandolin too. Guitar is my main instrument and I can cover many different styles. Stonesy stuff, Grassy stuff, Jangle Rock, Punk, Old Country, New Country, Southern Rock, Rockabilly, Chicken Pickin' and Slide.

As a songwriter I understand that a great song is the most important element in a production. I‘m able to work with artists on song structure, arranging and lyrical tweaking if needed. My ultimate goal with every record I make is this: Make it sound amazing. Make it stand out. Make the listener know they’re hearing something special. Whatever it is you need, a great mix, some overdubs or a co-writer I put my heart and soul into everything I do. I hope I get to work with you!

Send me a note through the contact button above.

Credits

17 Reviews - 2 Repeat Clients

Endorse Shawn Byrne

by Laura
Verified
Another powerful, gorgeous production from Shawn!! He created another artistic masterpiece and it hits my soul. He so easy to work with, puts in 110% always and exceeds my expectations. I am so thankful to have worked with him on so many projects and can't wait for the next!
by Scott C.
Verified
Shawn was absolutely fantastic to work with. Incedibly talented both as a musician and as a producer. He is also connected with amazing musicians to bring in for tracks. So happy with the finished product and I can't recommend him highly enough!
by Zak K.
Verified
Shawn was just fantastic to work with. I asked him to put together a stripped down version of one of my songs (guitar, vocals, mandolin, and fiddle) and he knocked it out of the park. His ear was fantastic, EQ work on point, and everything else you could ask for in a mix and production! So talented!!

a talented mixer and producer with a great ear. He's also an excellent communicator and listener. Personable, talented, and top-notch pro results. Can't ask for more than that!
by Olivier T.
Verified
As usual great feeling given to the song, privilige to work with such a talent. Thank you Shawn
by Olivier T.
Verified
Superb arrangement from Shawn again, really love it . Such a pleasure working with Shawn
by Laura W.
Verified
Unbelievable! Shawn has created almost an entire album worth of productions for me and each song is just incredible. Each song has a different feel, emotion and style .. he puts everything hes got into his productions. He just created a country rock song you want to sing and scream with (with the edgiest musical break!) And a beautiful ballad with such detail, it touches your soul as a piece of art. You won't find better. Thanks so much Shawn! Love these new tracks!!
by Laura W.
Verified
I absolutely LOVE my most recent procent project with Shawn. He took one of my favorite songs I wrote when I was teenager and put so much work and detail into it, he made it his own, building the song to be more than I ever could have imagined. Its so much fun and sounds like it's a more current sounding ng hit from Grease or Bye Bye Birdie. He has put 110% into every project we have done and Im so lucky to work with him. Can't wait for the next couple projects! ... Thank you so much Shawn!!
by Mark B.
Verified
I'm so happy with Shawn's work on this project, not only did he do a spectacular job on instrumentation, vocals, mix etc but the final work completely exceeded my expectations. I can't recommend him more highly. Definitely coming back Shawn, well done to you and your team!!
by Laura W.
Verified
Completed my fourth full production with Shawn... another breathtaking production that captured the emotion in a way that few producers can. This production makes you feel like you've traveled to another time and set the tone as dark and eerie. He is an amazing artist and each peice has been powerful and unique. I can see an entire music video when I listen to our most recent one. I absolutely love it.

Thanks so much Shawn! Can't wait for the next project!
by Olivier T.
Verified
A song for which i could not find the proper arrangement for many years, could not find the direction. Shawn took it, found the way in and made it better that i could ever imagine, i repeat myself, i Know, but such a pleasure to work with Shawn :)
Again thank you so much and more to come.
by Olivier T.
Verified
As usual Shawn did a fantastic work, such a Pleasure to work with, even for a cover song he put is signature and it become so fabulous.
Thank you Shawn
by Olivier T.
Verified
Again a superb work done by Shawn, it is such a pleasure to work with Shawn. more to come
Thank you
Olivier
by Olivier T.
Verified
Just great to work with Shawn, his arrangements are so fine, all is ideas are only to improve the original song, love working with Shawn, more to come. Thank you Shawn
by Laura W.
Verified
Another amazing production from Shawn! He is extraordinarily talented. He brings the emotions of the song to life through his productions. His music touches the soul in a classic, timeless way and is catchy and radio ready. He really takes the time to build the song up and adds beautiful character through out each piece of the song with his detailed layering of instruments and background vocals. Thanks once again Shawn, I love this song!!!
by Olivier T.
Verified
Simply amazing, Such a pleasure to work with Shawn, always proposing ideas, listening to the demands, result is superb amnd looking forward to news songs together.
Thank you Shawn
by Laura W.
Verified
Shawn was awesome to work with and created the most stunning production for me. What started as an a cappella recording of my country ballad was brought to life and built up into a piece of art. The amount of detail he put into my song shines through. His production touches the soul. He’s super nice and easy to work with! I could not be happier. Thank you so much Shawn! Can’t wait for the next project!
by Chris Brush Drums
Shawn is a fantastic songwriter, producer, and friend. His chops on multiple instruments give him a ridiculously broad foundation on which to build a production. He understands that songs are storytelling and music a way of communicating beyond mere words. That understanding helps him to create works that are extensions and amplifiers of an artist's vision.

Interview with Shawn Byrne

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: Sarah Peacock's "Burn the Witch" which came out last year. Featured in Billboard Magazine. Produced, mixed and played on it. Amazing songs. Amazing voice. Lots of layers. Check it out!
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: A Bowie meets Beatles type record. An "Oh Brother Where Art Thou" type gospel record sung by snake handling Pentecostal preacher. A folksy irish sea shanty record. A punk rock record and an Americana record. Think Ray Wiley Hubbard.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Will Kimbrough
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both. Analog because it's awesome. And digital because it's awesome.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: That they will be happy with the final product.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: It's an honor to get to create for a living!
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Can you make my music sound awesome? Yes.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That it's easy.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What's your budget;)
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Be open to expanding your sonic horizons.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Well, you can't plug anything in on a desert island so: Acoustic guitar Upright bass Mandolin A drum and some maracas. Pass the Pina Colada.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: Over 30 years. I started making records in my teens.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I'm a musical chameleon. I can make garage rock, radio friendly country, more organic Americana and Bluegrass on top of David Bowie-esque productions.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Emmylou Harris. Because she's awesome
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Don't be afraid to think outside of the box. I like to get creative with spaces create depth and vibe within a track.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Country, Indie Folk, Americana, Bluegrass, Rock.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Helping artists find their true sound and voice.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Experience.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Depends on the project but it always includes lots of time and focus.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I have a small but mighty studio set up in my home in Nashville. Incredible selection of vintage guitars and amps. Top quality mics and gear.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Too many to mention but for production: Daniel Lanois, T-Bone Burnett, Tony Visconti.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Producing, overdubs and mixing.