‘The Eighth Note’ is 8 quick Questions with Wellington Musicians.
A chance for us to catch up with people & see what they’re up to, or introduce you to a new musician/band and their music.
Today’s guest is Wainuiomata singer-songwriter Shane Marr.
Who are you? Tell us a bit about your music:
I’m Shane. Born a raised in Taumarunui then moved to wellington/Wainuiomata
when I was 6 years old. I played in a reggae band for a couple years but decided to head in another direction. I never considered myself much of a singer, I always just played. But when I left the band I realised that I didn’t know anybody who did what I wanted to do, so I went out on my own and decided to have a go at singing. I still consider myself more of a muso than anything else, but I’m slowly getting the hang of singing. I think, haha.
What have you been working on lately? Any new tracks or albums on the way?
I’ve been chugging away at tracks for a couple years now and I feel I’m ready to start putting stuff out. New E.P ‘Black And White’ will be out this weekend. Been a niggly process getting to this point, but it’s been good. Looking at doing a full album mid year 2018.
Where is the best place people can follow you & find your music?
You can find my music on all major online platforms, otherwise just head to
Facebook, Instagram and Youtube. I tend to be on Facebook more than anything else though. And I do respond to messages. Lol.
What were the 3 most influential albums to you growing up?
Ah that’s a tough one. I can’t really pinpoint any specific albums, however, I was forced (only because I couldn’t move out) to listen to Stevie ray Vaughan, Robert Kray, Keb Mo, Eric Clapton and those types of guys a lot. My dad is still a heavy blues fan. My mother is more into her RnB/Motown. When I hit about 12 years old was when they really started to have a huge influence on me. That was about when I started playing guitar. My musical taste is very broad and I really do like all types of music. But blues and RnB would definitely be the biggest influences.
Which other Wellington musician (s) would you most like to work with?
There’s a few I’d really like to collaborate with at the moment. But I’d probably say Drax Project, Thomas Oliver and Louis Baker.
What is your favourite Wellington venue to play in?
I’ve only played a hand full of venues, but San Fran would probably be my favourite so far.
In your songwriting or composing (or the band’s songwriting) how do the
compositions and songs take shape?
Well they’ve all kind of worked out differently. What I do most of the time is to find a good melody, build chords around it, and then write lyrics according to the feel/vibe of the song. Feel is very important, If you don’t feel what you’re writing is good, it’ll show when it comes time to record or perform it.
Where/when is your next gig?
I’m doing an acoustic set at Meow bar on the 31st of Jan. Opening for Nick Dow,along with wellington band Nation.