SHANE has always been interested in creative ways to combine words and music.

From composing and recording electronic music pieces with Moog and reel to reel tape, for use as backdrops for live and radio performances of poetry in his home town, Hobart.

To writing and performing songs with art-rock band Elbow Thru My Rothko in his university town, Canberra – including at the Australian National Gallery and live on Radio 2XX.

On moving to his current town, Sydney, SHANE began making music in a more acoustic mode.  As a duo with Elbow’s band mate Derek (performing as The Easybits), SHANE played unplugged sets of Elbow’s material at benefits and drinking houses.

Playing those old songs again caused ideas for new songs to emerge.  With keyboard, guitar and pen, SHANE crafted some further fine numbers in his chosen genre of electro acoustic rhythm & jazz.

SHANE’s first solo album, SONGS, is eight live guitar and vocal tracks recorded on a sunny afternoon in July 2001 with Chris Townend at his BigJesusBurger Studios in Surry Hills.

King of Pop and space cowboy, Dave Graney, had this to say on hearing some of SHANE’s music:

You play with such fluidity and strength

Excellent lyrics and voice

You can read all of Dave’s comments in STUFF.

SHANE’s second album, LATITUDES & DEPARTURES, features 10 vocal and multi-instrumental tracks recorded at Ravenhill Records in Turramurra from 2005 to 2007. 

On the live front, SHANE has been spending the new Millenium thrilling crowds in Sydney’s drinking houses with his exciting, eclectic, electrifying rhythm & jazz sounds.

You can find out when and where SHANE’s playing at a Sydney drinking house near you in GIGS.

In recent years SHANE has played a number of gigs to enthusiastic audiences at clubs in the USA, including the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge MA, Eddie’s Attic in Atlanta GA and Portugalia in San Diego CA.

In February 2009 SHANE was the feature artist on the nationally broadcast Songwriters Across Australia TV and radio shows.  You can watch SHANE being interviewed on TV; and see the songs SHANE played for the TV show.

In November 2009, SHANE’s ode to Sydney rail commuting, Riding the North, was the subject of an article in Sydney afternoon newspaper mX, including photo and sample lyrics. 

In the same month, Riding the North received airplay on the ABC Radio 702 Breakfast show. 

Riding the North is also the title of SHANE’s third album, currently being recorded at Ravenhill Records.

You can read the mX article in STUFF.

Enjoy!

All songs composed and performed by SHANE

Words & Music All Songs Copyright Shane Coombe