Exposed Vocals Interviews Shane Watt

Shane Watt is a contemporary artist and composer/producer based in Montreal, Canada. He has worked with a number of Canadian bands and artists such as The High Dials, Lederhosen Lucil (Krista Muir) and released three solo albums, the first of which was released by Canadian label Grenadine Records. He is currently exploring more experimental musical realms including a free form radio show called “Splitting up the View” and a new collaboration with a mystery guest called Swall. In addition to his musical work, Watt regularly completes uniquely designed murals and commissions and his work is included in gallery and private collections throughout North America, the United Kingdom, Dubai and Europe.

 

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

I grew up on the west coast of Canada and moved east to Montreal in my 20s. Since moving here I’ve played with a lot of local bands, learned how to engineer and became a visual artist… I didn’t really choose to be an artist so much as it chose me, I’ve tried other so called jobs but they really just don’t hold my interest too long.

 

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why? 

I like online music sharing free or otherwise, I’ve been making music since before the advent of  online promotion and growing up playing in punk bands we would give out our homemade cassettes in exchange for donations and I kind of loved it. The internet has allowed millions and millions of creators of all backgrounds and disciplines reach a much larger audience, as far as I’m concerned, that’s a success for creators.

 

 

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

The best advice I could give is to interact with like minded folks. Meet people in the local arts/music community, get an instagram and twitter and share interesting posts from others.  You need to be a part of the community before people will come to tap on your door whether your work is good or not.

 

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

I walk extensively and normally a song will occur to me based on a phrase I may have overheard or an ambient sound. If I remember it by the time I get to my recording studio I figure it’s fit to pre-produce.

 

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music? 

I use too many to mention all of them but the most obvious ones, instagram, twitter, tumblr.. the best place to get my musical projects is either Soundcloud or Bandcamp

shanewatt.bandcamp.com

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

As someone who creates for a living I doubt very much I could handle the year off. To be honest, I live quite simply in order to make a living from my art

and music so a large amount of money like that would last me a very long time. I would love to be able to help fund talented people’s projects and get involved with more community projects as well. I recently did a mural collaboration with a group of kids at a home school center here in Montreal.. more stuff like that would be possible with that much money.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

I’m fortunate to have a bit of a fan base for my music online already so when I put something new out I can count on a bit of sharing around social media but I think it’s more important to be creative and think of interesting concepts and formats. For example, two current conceptual projects I’m working on are an album that will have a companion book featuring various visual artists I’ve worked with and a free form radio show I host.

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

I’ve been collaborating with  Montreal DJ Sweet Daddy Luv and filmmaker Davide Di Saro to create a series of concept records each drawing from a different genre of music. I’m also beginning to pre-produce a new solo project of acoustic songs.

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

I already am involved with visual arts but if I was to make a big shift to something else it would likely be something in the area of community development.

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

It’s not that difficult, I have a lot of projects both musical and otherwise but I try to create a rhythm to my day and take care of business things each morning leaving the remainder of the day open for appointments and creating art or music.

 

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?

A lot more music, I have plans to release 4 new albums this year. I’ve also been doing some more production work with other artists so it will be a lot of late nights in the studio this year I think.