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!

Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.

Credits

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Endorse Shawn Byrne

byChris 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.