Interview with Brad Shaw of The Silent Partner

Who: The Silent Partner - website
What: Acoustic Concert - parents' night out
Where: Idaho State University in Goranson Hall Fine Arts Building - map
When: Friday, October 30, 2009 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
How Much: FREE!

The Silent Partner is a band centered around singer and songwriter Bradford Shaw. His debut album "Fall Away" was nominated 2005 Independent Rock Album of the Year for the Los Angeles Music Awards, while Shaw himself received a nomination for Singer/Songwriter of the Year in 2004 & won the award in 2007. Based out of Los Angeles, CA and originally from Detroit, MI this artist is a mix of piano, banjo, harmonica, and guitar looped for an acoustic rock sound all it's own.

When touring solo the music can be described more accurately as an acoustic piano and guitar rock show that encompasses a looping style similar to Howie Day and uses piano, guitar, harmonica and banjo within the show along with strong crowd interaction. Frontman Brad Shaw has been in several bands that have toured with Jason Mraz, The Go Go's, Chantal Kreviazsuk, Frankie Perez, Brian Setzer Orchestra, Keb Mo, The Why Store, Tyrone Wells, Ernie Halter, Jay Nash, Bushwalla, Agents of Good Roots and many more.


Accolades:

- L.A. Music Awards Independent Rock Album of the Year Nominee 2005
- Los Angeles Music Awards Singer/Songwriter of the Year 2004 & 2007
- Played on nearly 200 college/independent radio stations nationwide
- Toured in 28 states and played over 600 shows
- Alternate cast member for ABC’s “The One: Making a Music Star” Fall 2006
- “Fall Away” in movie release “Coffee Date” Summer 2006
- Garageband.com featured band June 2006
- Sonicbids.com featured band June 2006
- Godsofmusic.com featured band 2003
- Winner WIUS Songwriting competition

Colleges Played: Indiana University, Ohio State University, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Purdue University, Michigan State University, University of New Mexico, Northern Arizona University, Depauw University (IN), Santa Clara University (CA), Jackson College (IL), Wabash College (IN), Bridgewater State College (MA), University of California Santa Cruz, Northwest College (WY), Idaho State University, West Texas A&M, University of Texas-El Paso, Metro State College of Denver.

Radio Play:
200+ Stations playing The Silent Partner (25 charted)

I caught up with Brad Shaw to get more information on his music, his career, and his upcoming shows in southeast Idaho.

SLG: Describe your genre of music in as much detail as you like. Maybe list your three best crowd-pleasing songs? Can you explain in what way do you most appeal to your fans?

BS: Typically we’d qualify the music as an alternative acoustic rock, but I’ve heard a lot of people say different things from “power piano rock” to Ben Folds Five crossed with a jam band. Personally, I like that one because I’m a huge Ben Folds fan. I definitely hear hints of Jason Mraz in the newer stuff.

The three most crowd pleasing songs we tend to play are usually Fall Away (off the debut album), Stephanie, and Drift.

On tour:
Brad Shaw – Vocals, piano, guitar, banjo, ukulele, harmonica
Fritz Zar – Drums, Cajon

BS: This is my line up for this tour, but I have a full band that I hire back in Los Angeles which includes Joe Ayoub (touring bassist for Enrique Iglesias and Liz Phair). I’ve also played as the guitarist for the Michelle Penn band.

SLG: Tell us where you're from and currently based in what town?

BS: We’re based out of Los Angeles, California, and I’m originally from just outside Detroit, Michigan. Fritz is from Southern California.

SLG: Past shows or venues you'd like to brag about? Past or future shows in the Pocatello area?

BS: I’ve played in the past at the House of Blues in Hollywood, Anaheim, Chicago, New Orleans, Myrtle Beach, Las Vegas, and Orlando, and have toured in 28 states playing over 700 shows at numerous awesome venues beyond that. I hope to make it to all 50 some day.

This coming week, we are playing at Senang Wine Bar on Oct. 29th and at Idaho State University in the Fine Arts Building on October 30th. We’ll be up in Idaho Falls at Vino Rosso on October 31st and finishing up at The Cellar in Ammon, ID on November 3rd. All show dates and scheduled show times can be viewed at www.sonicbids.com/thesilentpartner.

Oct 29, 2009 Thursday
7:30 PM
Senang Wine Bar & Tapas
815 South 1st Street
Pocatello, ID 83201
Set Time: 7:30-10:00pm
Solo Acoustic Show – All Ages
208.478.6732
www.senangtapas.com

Oct 30, 2009 Friday
Idaho State University (in Goranson Hall Fine Arts Building)
921 South 8th Ave.
Pocatello, ID 83209
Parents Night Out! – All Ages Free Show
Set Time: 7-9pm
Cost: Free!
Acoustic Show
www.isu.edu

Oct 31, 2009 Saturday
Vino Rosso Wine Bar
439 A Street
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
(208) 525-8466
Set Time: 8-10pm
Free all ages acoustic duo show
www.vinorossoidaho.com

Nov 3, 2009 Tuesday
The Cellar
3520 E. 17th Street
Ammon, ID 83406
(208) 525-9300
Duo Acoustic Show – Free All Ages
Set Time: 7:00-9:30pm
www.thecellar.biz

SLG: Any comments about the local live music scene, the music industry in general? What do you think is the best way to get your music out there?

BS: Playing live is the best way to get the music out there. There’s no doubt that it’s a labor of love though. Word of mouth is what gets the biggest spread for us publicity wise, so if you like our music, please let others know about us!



SLG: Recordings? Will you have CD's or more for sale at the show?

BS: Debut album “Fall Away” was nominated for Independent Rock Album of the Year for the Los Angeles Music Awards and will be on sale at shows as well as new EP release “Random” which is the first four EP’s to be released over the next year.

SLG: How can fans contact you? Myspace? or another website?

www.myspace.com/thesilentpartner
www.thesilentpartner.com
www.reverbnation.com/thesilentpartner
Facebook search: Brad Shaw – The Silent Partner