Musician & Songwriter
Born and raised in East Texas, Shane developed a deep appreciation for music at an early age, drawing inspiration from the rich musical heritage of the region.
Inspired by great Texas songwriters like Ray Wylie Hubbard & Chris Stapleton Shane cut his teeth, writing & performing in Austin,TX while attending St. Edwards University. Forming a group now known as "Shane Smith & The Saints", the troupe hit the ground running, playing any gig they could get from small bars and clubs to outdoor festivals. This grassroots approach helped them cultivate a loyal following, not just in Austin but across Texas and eventually beyond.
Today, with Shane as their front man, the group is widely recognized as one of the hardest working & most exciting live acts in the nation. Blending folk, rock, country, and Americana influences to create their signature sound while bringing a unique energy to both intimate & expansive venues.
LISTEN TO SHANE SMITH & THE SAINTS
Shane Smith & The Saints latest album ‘Norther' is a culmination of their enduring spirit, relentless effort & raw talent. Listening to this record feels like you’re quite literally riding a storm cloud through the great western expanse. Pretty epic stuff.
Q&A:
What is your profession? Did you always know this is what you would end up doing or was it something you “stumbled into”?
Musician in Shane Smith & The Saints.
Honestly, not at all. My mother tried to get me and my brothers to learn piano and read sheet music when we were young, but I never really took to it. I stumbled upon some really great singer/songwriter‘s in high school as I was teaching myself to play guitar, and that made me really want to try writing songs. Once a band was eventually put together and I had several years of writing, we never looked back.
Favorite movie?
Lonesome Dove
Favorite book?
Empire of the Summer Moon
Who have you been listening to recently?
I honestly have been listening to a lot of podcasts recently, like Rogan and Shawn Ryan. But I’m always diving into a wide range of music as well. Old and new, but not necessarily one more than any others, though.
What artists influence your music the most?
There’s been a really wide range. Bennett (on fiddle) and I were both inspired by a lot of older folk and Appalachian music, and I feel like that resonates with our sound quite a bit. In terms of bands though, I think the top several acts that have inspired our sound would be: Mumford & Sons, The Steel Drivers/Stapleton, Kings of Leon, and many others.
What’s one artist you think everyone needs to hear?
Red Clay Strays. We’ve toured with them for years now, and I’ve seen them work like we did through our 20’s.. in a beat up, old shuttle van. I just feel like they’re putting out some very genuine and powerful music.
Most inspiring quote, piece of art, saying, or advice that has impacted the way you live today?
“If” by Rudyard Kipling.
When you’re not working, what are you doing for fun?
Probably yard work or trying to make an excuse to do some wood working.. or essentially c-grade carpentry haha
Coolest place you’ve ever traveled?
Probably Machu Picchu in Peru. My wife and I hiked the Andes and eventually made our way there with a guide, but it was incredible. Nothing was relaxing about it but definitely life altering.
Bucket list destination/show you haven’t played yet?
I’d really like to play one of the old Greek amphitheaters. Seems like a stretch but there are lots of abandoned ones throughout the Greek countryside that I think would still be the best on earth if they were in use today.
You get to have drinks with anyone (dead or alive) - who are you calling?
I’d love to have a whiskey hang with Teddy Roosevelt. Far beyond any political accolades, I’d love to hear of his travels and historical interests. I feel like it’d be pretty difficult to find a more knowledgeable and cultured guy from that era.
What advice would you give an 18-year-old that wants to do what you do?
Ray Wylie Hubbard mentioned to me very early on that you should always ask whether the old version of yourself would respect it. Because there’s a strong chance you might have to sing it for the entirety of your life. It’s a strong wisdom bomb.
Any guilty pleasures?
I’ll pretty much drink anything that’s frozen… with or without alcohol in it. It’s a problem. And my wife couldn’t be more ashamed of it.
Favorite wild meat/fish to eat? (i.e. venison, dove, quail, king fish, redfish, etc.) And in what kind of meal do you prepare it/eat it?
A dry-aged, Tomahawk Rib-eye with some quail or shrimp.. can’t beat that.
What’s your favorite element of Turtlebox? (battery life, durability, waterproofness, sound, togetherness, elevating experiences)
They’re durable, they’re loud.. and the fact that they’re completely waterproof solidifies them as the best on the market. I’ve invested in way too many things throughout my life that don’t last. These do.
How do you use your Turtlebox?
Everywhere.. I bungee cord them down in our ATV, have them on the beach, in the pool, on the bus and any parties we throw at the house. We’ve got them all over the place.
Best live show you’ve ever seen? Besides your own, of course?
I got to watch Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights when they were still playing together, at Gruene Hall one night. I thought the ceiling was gonna cave in the whole night. Just epic.
