If you’re looking for an artist with vocals that can pretty much cover anything, look no further then Marty Shannon. Covering everything from Drake to One Direction, plus his brilliant original work, Marty is the best of the best out there. We chatted with Marty about his EP, tour life, his writing for popular TV shows, and his YouTube series.
1. How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard you before?
“Singer-songwriter? Or maybe pop-soul? No, wait! Umm RnB-songwriter-pop? No, actually, maybe just pop/singer-songwriter?” That’s usually how that question goes. I guess the REAL answer is “this could take a minute.”
2. What was the inspiration for your latest EP?
I titled the album “Twenty Six Hundred” for a few reasons. Mainly because it’s the literal distance in miles from my apartment in Los Angeles to my old house in Florida and a figurative representation for how far I’ve come/gone since pursuing music as a career.
The songs are always about what’s important in my life: love, humor, relationships. I always try to convey the most honest feelings I have. The songs I try to write will always be an insight into my issues and successes in order to show that everyone goes through the same things. I want to give the listener that whispered “damn” moment that has always knocked me on my ass when I listen to a lyric that says exactly what I feel.
3. You’ve had a successful sold out tour with Ron Pope. What was your favorite part of touring?
Everything minus my severe car sickness. Touring is amazing. It’s like a vacation without the pressure of “sightseeing.” It’s the best way to see the world and to meet awesome people.
4. You’ve been known for your some of your YouTube covers, which is your absolute favorite?
I really like “Stitches” by Shawn Mendes. It’s such a catchy tune and it’s really simple! Covering it was a lot of fun! With simpler songs, you have more opportunities to give it your own flavor.
5. On the same note, who would be your dream collaboration?
I would have loved to have had the chance to work with Bill Withers or Al Green. They were and still are humongous figures in my life. What amazing, monolithic, tortured geniuses. I could only ever dream of being a fraction of what they were. Minus the tortured part.
6. You’ve written songs for TV shows such as “The Walking Dead,” do you write differently when it’s for a show or film?
For the most part, you almost have to. I’d love to be able to say “my music is universal! It fits everywhere!” But that would make me a filthy liar!! You have to write for the project. Of course you can still keep your soul in the writing, but often times I’ll find myself venturing into musical waters I have nearly zero business being in when writing for TV/other artists. But that’s part of the fun, too. It makes you a better, more universal writer.
7. Besides, your covers, you have the YouTube series “We’re Dating,” what was the inspiration behind that?
Welp… My girlfriend and I got bored AND we think we’re hilarious… Recipe for greatness
8. What is next for you?
I’ll be releasing a single pretty soon. I’m terrible with release dates. Not long after that there will an acoustic EP. I’m in the process of working on that now! Can’t wait for everyone to hear it heart eyes emoji!
Want to know more about Marty and his music, you can find out more here http://martyshannon.com
Anything more about Marty, you want us to know? Tweet us at @CelebMix!
Photo credits: Deidhra Fahey