hane Cooley wasn't nervous when he recently headlined at Richmond's famous National Theatre. Instead, he couldn't have felt more at home. After all, he had worked ten years to get there. Although the massive stage has housed artists ranging from Elvis Costello to Lady Gaga, the unsigned folk-rock singer/songwriter walked out alone with his acoustic guitar, facing his audience in the same manner that he faces an impossible industry.
Shane doesn't have time to be nervous. In college, he earned his BA in English by juggling his music with papers about Medieval literature. Now, he devotes all his time to doing whatever it takes to get his music heard. Hailing from rural Virginia, the now 23-year-old has made a name for himself over the course of his decade long career, gaining a reputation of professionalism and being on top of his business. As a result, he has managed to turn some heads, touring both coasts of the United States and recently showcasing at South by Southwest. His performances have preceded headliners such as Bruce Hornsby, Carbon Leaf, and Lucinda Williams. He also performed on stage with the pop band Parachute.
When Shane isn't booking and promoting, he proves himself as worthy of an artist as he is a businessman. His plethora of full-length albums, EPs, and demos have received worldwide radio airplay on stations such as XM/Sirius and Radio Gets Wild. He feels compelled to stay true to the musical identity he has created, while still acknowledging his roots. His smart lyrics are befitting of an English major, and his music draws mostly from the classic rock and folk he has loved since his childhood. That being said, his music also possesses the hooks and radio-friendly brevity necessary to survive the 2000s.
Shane Cooley has no misconceptions about what it takes to be a savvy musician in the 21st Century, but also recognizes that nothing is more important than a solid live show. He never lets the bleak odds of the industry get in the way of the opportunity to share his music with an audience. Off stage, Shane works around the clock honing his skills and making connections. On stage, he remembers why he does. When you see him in concert, you are seeing him at his finest, because he knows he has earned it.
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