Album Notes

As a teenager, Shane Hines saw his older brother play guitar, and it didn't take long for him to decide he wanted to make music too. Growing up, the guitar stayed by his side and he decided "no matter what is going on around me, I'm going to do whatever it takes to make music my living." He developed his talent for songwriting while studying English Composition at George Mason University and earned his road warrior status in bands Ode to Abby and Atticus Finch before striking out on his own.

In early 2003, Shane Hines entered the studio with producer Kevin Rucker, an arsenal of new material, and the vision for a full band album to follow up his debut solo effort, Blues for Balalaika Vol. 1 & 2. When he emerged he had created an album that showcases his strengths as a guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter.

"We worked very hard to get a record everyone
was proud of. I wanted to be able to listen to it
5 years from now and not have regrets."

Full of rich melodies, Sweet Soul Suicide captures Shane's unique voice and honest songwriting along with the hearts and minds of listeners to form an accessible collection of tunes with a soulful spirit. Packed with thought-provoking songs, the lyrics convey themes of regret and a search for truth. Amazon.com says Shane "unwraps his honest thoughts around lush hooks and memorable melodies, emerging with a confessional album loaded with rock urgency and pop smarts."

Sweet Soul Suicide showcases Shane Hines' profound lyrical ability and unexpected musical shifts that reveal his seriousness, depth, and talent as a musician. The album is simultaneously substantive, musically entertaining, and memorable.

With ten original tracks and a cover of The Beatles "Everybody's Got Something to Hide Except For Me and My Monkey," On Tap Magazine calls Sweet Soul Suicide a project that should be "on your radar, your calendar, and in your CD player." Shane calls The Beatles his "desert island band" and cites blues greats Albert, Freddie, BB King, Buddy Guy, and Jimi Hendrix as influences. Always in tune with great harmonies, his vocal chops have been compared to the Beach Boys. In more modern times, he has taken inspiration from Radiohead, Elvis Costello, The Police, Pink Floyd, Ben Folds, Big Head Todd, Counting Crows, Coldplay, and Beck.

Upon completion of Sweet Soul Suicide, Shane Hines gathered a band that includes his original musical inspiration, brother and guitarist Brent Hines, along with bassist Brian Keating, and drummer Pat Lash to hit the road. The band is now on tour throughout the East Coast in support of Sweet Soul Suicide, having already shared the stage with talent such as Tonic and Cake. "I am looking for this album to put us on the map in the East." Gathering new fans with each performance, Shane Hines is a brilliant live performer who never holds back.

Contact:
SHO
shane@shanehines.com
703.674.7412