WHO ARE YA? SHAUNA MACKIN

From time to time, one of our contributors will recommend an artist/band they think deserves to be brought to your attention. No record labels, PR companies, bands or band’s management will ever have made these recommendations. It is simply one music fan putting their taste on the line in the hope of sharing good music. The questions are intended to give just a basic introduction to possibly your new favourite artist/band.

So without further ado, let’s crack on with another introduction, in which Silent Radio’s Simon Poole recommends SHAUNA MACKIN for your audible delectation.

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Who Are Ya?

Where are you from?

I was born and bred in Dublin, Ireland but I’m currently living in Salford.

How long have you been doing what you’re doing now?

I’ve been singing (probably not very well) ever since I can remember. I started writing bits of songs when I was 16/17 but it wasn’t until I moved to Manchester to study Popular Music and Recording in The University of Salford that I started writing full time.

Is being a musician your full time job?

I’m going to say it’s my other full time job.

How would you explain your sound to someone’s 90 year old grandmother?

I sing about the stuff that was frowned upon when you were my age

Are there any obvious influences in your music?

I was brought up on Dusty Springfield and Peggy Lee and I think that’s pretty evident in some of the songs especially my new ones. I also love folk music old and new so try and mix the soul with the folk. Also anything I’m listening to at the time reflects heavily in my writing, without me even noticing sometimes.

Are there any not so obvious influences in your music?

I have a ridiculous obsession with country music, it’s sometimes quite embarrassing. Like I love Jonny Cash etc but my obsession goes way beyond Folsom Prison Blues to Deliverance-esque music…I feel like I’ve said too much.

Apart from yourself, what other band/artist would you recommend our readers check out?

Besides Wilf ‘The Yodelling Hillbilly’ Carter (check him out) at the moment I’m listening to Haim, Lianne La Havas, Dog is Dead, Little Green Cars, Kodaline, In Their Thousands, The Yossarians, Wolf People and Jake Mattison.